Deadpool

Deadpool (2016)

Directed by Tim Miller

Based on characters created by Fabian Nicieza, Rob Liefeld

Screenplay by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Ed Skrein, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, T.J. Miller

Wade Wilson (Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary. In an attempt to find a cure to a terrible diagnosis, Wade is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers. Now he’s been transformed into Deadpool.

I know, I know… This is a little late for most of the big fans of the comic book films. This film exploded into theaters with unexpected success with both the critics and the box office. The film is based on characters created by Fabian Nicieza (X-Men) and Rob Liefeld (X-Men). The screenplay was written by Rhett Reese (Zombieland) and Paul Wernick (G.I. Joe: Retaliation). The very talented Tim Miller directed this film, his first feature. His previous work included the incredible opening credit sequence for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011). The film also has a great cast that includes Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal), Ed Skrein (The Transporter Refueled), Morena Baccarin (Serenity), Brianna Hildebrand (Prism), and T.J. Miller (Big Hero 6).

The first order of business is to forget that Ryan Reynolds has already starred in a comic book movie. I can’t even bring myself to name it. (Click the “it.” if you think you need reminding…)

Okay, so this movie looks really great. The action sequences and special effects are so much fun and also incredibly creative. The filmmakers accomplished a lot with a much lower budget than the DC and Marvel films in recent history. Cinematographer Ken Seng (Project X) did an excellent job keeping the energy going throughout the movie. The editing and other visual aspects of the film add to the fun as well. The film also has a fun soundtrack with great songs and some original music by Junkie XL (Resident Evil). Overall, this one has all the right things to look and sound great.

The story for this one is also really solid. Deadpool fans expected a fun and somewhat irreverent experience, and Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick gave it to them. This film is endlessly irreverent and constantly going places you think it wouldn’t dare. This is definitely in sync with the unorthodox world the comic books created. The little twists and turns are all fun in this one, and there is still a nice action story built in. The film has great dialogue that really pushes boundaries as well. It’s been a long time since a comic book film didn’t feel like it was constrained by a family film audience. (Perhaps it’s never happened.) There are some moments that seem to push a little too far, or try too hard to make things work. Thankfully these are few and far between. This isn’t a story for kids, but adult audiences should enjoy this one.

The acting in this one is pretty good. Like Ant-Man, this one takes an unexpected actor and turns them into an action hero. Ryan Reynolds has done a lot of romantic comedy work in his career, so I wasn’t sure how he’d handle this. (Especially after his last “hero” role attempt. To be fair, that wasn’t his fault.) He brings a sense of humor and snark that this character really needs. His dry delivery and ability to understand the style of the film really carries this one. He’s got some great people around him as well. Every good hero needs a great villain, and Ed Skrein delivers. His performance is so hate-able and slimy that it really works. Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, and T.J. Miller are just a few of the other actors who helped make this one work. The acting really handled this one wonderfully.

This is not a movie for children. Seriously, it’s not for kids. If you’re still with me, here’s who might enjoy this one: Fans of Reynolds, comic book films, or any of the other stars. I would also suggest this to fans of the comic series. This is a wild, irreverent, and totally unexpected movie. I give this one 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Rating: R

Running Time: 108 Minutes