Ryan Reynolds portrays the ‘Merc with the Mouth’ once again after his first outing in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and it manages to right the many wrongs that movie committed. It‘s an energetic film, filled with fourth wall breaks, outrageous comedy, and takes plenty of jabs at itself, showcasing the potential of a brash film that takes risks. But does it pay off?
Deadpool is both a revenge story and love story, neither of which slows down its quick pace. Its first half an hour outshines the rest of the film, showcasing the potential of superhero movies in the near future. The plot trudges along after we learn of Deadpool’s origin, and the villains are lacking: they are generic with unclear motivation, and the film doesn‘t make up for it in ridiculous humour and light-hearted fun. This kind of humour won‘t suit all tastes, but if you enjoyed the trailer you shouldn‘t worry – what you see is what you get. Surprisingly, the love story doesn‘t drown the tone, nor does the continual breaking of the fourth wall destroy the film‘s reality, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Its a refreshing take on an origin story, too, told through a series of flashbacks which keep the audience hooked throughout, rather than presenting a typical chronological story. Deadpool has certainly raised the bar for superhero movies, proving that taking risks can make for an immersive story. Superhero movies have gained momentum over the past decade, shifting from Joel Schumacher’s awkward and childish Batman and Robin, to the exploration of more mature plotlines, as seen in Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Nolan’s Batman Begins showed the industry the potential superhero movies have after the cinematic disasters a few years back. What Deadpool does well is push the limits, and it‘s not afraid to delve into new territory.
The genre has developed considerably, and gritty stories serve to demonstrate how influential comic book movies can be. They show that comic book movies are not just for children, that these stories could have substance and style, which has led to superhero movies becoming a more critically respected genre. An issue superhero movies still suffer from is that many of them are PG-13, to appeal to as many people as possible, meaning there isn‘t enough leeway for the true potential to be tapped. Deadpool is paving the way for mature audiences, unafraid to show blood, guts and gore.
Deadpool is a fun film which panders to the fan‘s wants, and if you are already a fan, chances are you are going to love it. Tim Miller respects the material he has, and Reynolds loves the character. A movie filled with love and sentimentality to the character, it’s one not to be missed.
Ellecia Sands
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox