The reason a Deadpool film even exists (like our main character mentions in the movie) is because of the popularity of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Say what you will about that film (it’s terrible) but it happened to gross $373 million worldwide with a production of $150 million. Needless to say, fans still wanted more from the wise cracking hero.
In this 8th X-Men installment, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is diagnosed with cancer and is given a shady opportunity to eradicate it, while also bringing about super powers. Things go awry when the operations involve torturing its subjects to bring about mutations hidden in their genes. Things go from bad to worse when Wade is left disfigured (but with new abilities) and presumably killed by the British villain, Francis (Ed Skrein – of Game of Thrones fame). Wade (now Deadpool) goes on the hunt for Francis, who can also fix his disfigurement.
Who doesn’t love a hero who always has time for jokes, especially when the entire story serves the already informed crowd? Let me explain. For all the meta-humor (4th wall breaking), it comes with an understanding that the fans know Ryan Reynold’s career, including his time playing Green Lantern and a previous incarnation of Deadpool. Let’s also be clear that this isn’t your typical super hero movie. It makes fun of itself and all super hero movies that have come before it. If the entire story was just this, it would get old fast. The crucial foundation to this working also comes with examining who Wade Wilson is and his inner humanity. He wants to be there for his girlfriend and when he becomes sick, he really can’t bare her pain. We all have a sense of who Wade Wilson now. He’s not just that guy with fast moves and wise cracks. He’s more like one of us, the fans. In every scene there seemed to be quick one-liners, usually filled with pop cultural references that served to reward fans.
It may also seem noticeable that this is a more scaled back (in terms of money) film than we are typically used to with Marvel Films (including 20th Century Fox’s franchises). The budget is around $58 million, which isn’t much at all when comparing to say the previous Wolverine movies or any other Marvel film. Don’t worry though. The action is still there, plenty of it. Let me tell you that there is a bunch of graphic violence to chew on. Limbs fly and heads explode. You can also add in foul language, sexual content and nudity (both female and male). That’s right, ladies. You get to see Ryan Reynold’s schlong, although his body is all disfigured at the time. Ha! Happy Valentine’s Day I guess?!
The supporting cast works well. I’m slowly starting to warm up to TJ Miller, who plays Wade’s buddy (aka The Comic Relief). His delivery is a lot more believable and not nearly as outlandish as what I’m used to. You have the impossibly beautiful Morena Baccarin, who some fans will recognize from Firefly and V. Baccarin does good work as Vanessa Carlysle, Wade’s fiery lover (do people say lover anymore? Hmm.. how about girlfriend?). Other characters included Colossus (Stefan Kapicic), Angel Dust (Gina Carano), and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). Most all are decent here. I must say Colossus in this movie is so damn preachy that I just wanted him to get his a$$ kicked.
Although I enjoyed the film, I do not believe that this is the ‘best’ Marvel film (I’m looking at you Captain America: The Winter Soldier). The reason for this lies in the plot line. It is too simple, even though they played with the narrative a bit. There isn’t a deeper seeded need to understand the ramifications of actions or the conflicting ideologies at play. What we get is a funny action film that isn’t so much relevant or groundbreaking but serves its purpose to see a superhero in a different light altogether. Another thing that I had a problem with is that with all of the meta-humor, it was sometimes harder to invest yourself in what was going in. In other words, it was harder to escape into the film. Everything played out the way you expected to for the most part.
Now, I still certainly liked the movie but I wouldn’t go so much to say I loved it. However, with some ironing of the wrinkles here and there, I believe the sequel will be better (a more established formula will arise). Also, make sure to stay for the end credits. There is one bit of knowledge that is dropped regarding the sequel (or you can just use the internet to find out).
The film is directed by Tim Miller who is known for directing the title and opening sequences to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Thor: The Dark World. So, not much in terms of his experience but he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2005 for Gopher Broke. I expect we’ll see a lot more from Tim Miller.
Note: The musical score for the film was done by Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL). His career seems to be exploding with all sorts of high profile films – Mad Max: Fury Road, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Black Mass, Divergent, etc.
The film is currently rated at 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. It has a running time of 1 hour and 38 minutes and is rated R. It is already being deemed one of the most successful R-rated movies.
Go check it out!
Grade: B+
I’m done ranting about how I wish an “Expendables” movie could be. So, where does that leave me with the TV action stars supposedly participating in a TV event series? I’m not exactly excited to potentially see Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) face off against Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) or Mr. T (A-Team) to face off against Tom Selleck’s(Magnum P.I.) mustache. Will most of this TV show take place at a retirement home?
Pop Culture Crunch 