Deadpool [Review]

"From the studio that inexplicably sewed his fucking mouth
shut the first time, comes... me!"

Take a dash of Kick Ass’ tone, sprinkle in a bit of Tarantino-style violence, and mix with the loveable charm of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and you will have created the sumptuous formula for Deadpool, the latest project from the legendary studios.

The maniacal movie follows the story of Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a mercenary who falls in love with an escort named Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin) but is suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer. Attempting to survive his death sentence, and spare the one he loves from heartbreak, he turns to an experimental secret agency who claims they can give him the cure he seeks. Of course, things go horribly wrong and Wilson adopts the persona of Deadpool to take revenge on the person, Ajax/Francis (Ed Skrein), who has disfigured him.

At this point, the film feels like Reynolds’ own little mutant baby that has been moulded for over a decade. Yes, that’s right, the actor who absolutely murdered The Green Lantern comes back revived for his scene-stealing role as the ‘sexy motherfucker’ in the red suit. Thankfully, Reynolds redeems himself in a role which will have you wondering whether he was indeed created by some sort of Marvel gods to play this character. Every joke, every twist and every ridiculous expression is unequivocally Deadpool, and Reynolds exercises such finesse with every swear-laden dialogue delivery and childish movement. Starring alongside him, Morena Baccarin captivates in her role as Wilson’s equally foul-mouthed girlfriend, and Baccarin shows that she has the charisma and delivery to match his quick-witted puns time and time again. Additionally, Brianna Hildebrand – a relative unknown – also captures attention with her atomic abilities and moody stares as Negasonic Teenage Warhead; certainly a one to watch out for in the future.

It goes without saying that you have to be in the right frame of mind to watch Deadpool. If you’re looking for a Merc with a mouth then this film’s got you covered. If you want satisfying action sequences and a killer climax then you won’t be disappointed. Just be sure that you’re coming for Deadpool, and not just another Marvel hero, as it probably won’t be appropriate (it’s not one for the kiddies).

Essentially a frenzied fest of fuckery, Deadpool is every comic book fan’s blissful dream – if your dreams were filled with profanity, blood and gut-wrenching fourth-wall breaking jokes. One of the most refreshing things about Deadpool is it doesn’t assume the audience is an idiot, and there’s so many in-jokes and pop culture references that even the most well-versed entertainment connoisseur may struggle to get all of them, and that’s ok, because it’s all part of the fun. Everything from the opening credits, to the ending sequences is full of self-mocking, reaffirming that the creators behind this piece knew exactly what they were going for and committed fully to it.

When Marvel is vastly running out of ways to differentiate its barrage of movies, as demonstrated by the utterly disappointing The Avengers: Age of Ultron, it needs something a bit different to distinguish itself, and Deadpool certainly does this. Arguably the best thing the company has churned out since Guardians of the Galaxy, it offers something a bit different to audiences who are perhaps feeling a little disenchanted. Naturally, there are certain elements that you expect in a superhero film, like the classic villain, the girlfriend, and the danger, so there are certainly plot elements and structure that the film follows, but this is to be expected. And certainly, the film does not shy away from this, setting the scene for such elements in the very blunt opening credits, which praise the writers and mock other members – like the director and producers. In this way, the film recognises that the source material and writing are integral to the story, and commends them as such, which is surprisingly refreshing to see, as usually much praise is thrust towards other individuals.

Ultimately, when it comes to unrestrained humour and chaotic fun, Captain Deadpool reigns supreme.