Director: Tim Miller
Writer(s): Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Fabian Nicieza, and Rob Liefeld
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, and Ed Skrein
Deadpool is the origin story how Wade Wilson becomes the reluctant superhero, Deadpool.
Resurrection of Ryan
After the animated disaster Green Lantern in 2011 and the equally as bad R.I.P.D. in 2013, it was safe to say no one was knocking down Ryan Reynolds’ door for him to star in another comic book adaptation. However, Reynolds decided to reprise his poorly written Deadpool role from 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine and star in this origin film. Thank God he chose to do this because this is the role Reynolds was born to play. Similar to his character’s demeanor in 2002’s Van Wilder, Reynolds expands into the brief, darker moments of Deadpool that expose his inner pain. Not as dramatically overwhelming as Robert Downey Jr. returning to stardom in Iron Man, but Deadpool is a step, with maximum effort, in the right direction for Ryan Reynolds.
Gratuity Included
The character of Deadpool is known for his vulgarity and sharp wit; the writers of Deadpool never let you forget that either. Suffocating at times, the inundation of swearing and one liners water down the overall cleverness of the character making him irritating instead of witty. Yes, some of the lines are hilarious, but others just stand out as gratuitous and unnecessary. Intense action and brief heartfelt moments do not need broken up by an out of place joke. Complex emotions are okay, I promise.
The Slippery Slope
How about a graphic sex scene between Thor and Jane? Maybe, Tarantino level swearing and stylized violence? No? Well this could potentially be the future of superhero movies. Deadpool SMASHED February box office records and is holding strong for another week at number one in the country. Head film execs are fervently aiming to copycat this idea in an attempt to replicate its success. The next Wolverine film is already projected to get an R rating because maybe the studio feels it would be cooler if Hugh Jackman dismembers attackers and drops a John McClane one liner. James Gunn, the director of the hit Guardians of the Galaxy, recently spoke out about the slippery slope as well as Deadpool is setting a dangerous precedent. If studios want to go this route, it will only hurt the Deadpool franchise at first, but eventually the superhero genre will cannibalize itself. A friend once told me that superhero films are the westerns of our generation; this change could be the factor that renders the superhero genre inert. Deadpool is similar to the goofy uncle in your family who swears while saying grace at Thanksgiving. If every one in your family acted this way, your uncle would seem normal. Deadpool is the uncle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and he should remain unique.
Closing Thoughts
Yes, the story lacks substance and yes, jokes are forced at times. But damnit, it all works. The fourth wall breaks combined with Deadpool’s commentary is absolutely brilliant. The action sequences are fast paced with a Wanted feel that keeps the violence stylized and fun. Most people will forget the opening credits, but that may have been one of my favorite parts of the entire film. Let’s be honest though, Ryan Reynolds is the reason people are going to see this movie. His improvisation skills shine as his delivery never misses a beat. Deadpool is fun, not for children, and should remain the unrivaled, profanity-laced king superhero films.
Directing: B
Writing: C
Acting: A-
Overall: B
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