It’s the eighth installment in the “X-Men” film series. Ryan Reynolds plays Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero. Our J.P. has his take on “Deadpool.”
“Deadpool”
(20th Century Fox)
Directed by Tim Miller
Produced by Simon Kinberg, Ryan Reynolds, Lauren Shuler Donner
Written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick
Based on “Deadpool” by Fabian Nicieza, Rob Liefeld
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand
Studio Synopsis:
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
J.P.’s Take:
Among the palette cleansing do-gooder hero flicks around, “Deadpool” is one that’s far from wholesome. Lifted straight from the comic series created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, for Marvel comics, 20th Century Fox/Marvel Studios embarks on their first R-rated action juggernaut.
“Deadpool” is the type of anti-hero film that breaks all conventional rules in terms of the definition of a super-hero. Not only does Ryan Reynolds excel at playing the titular character, he’s also credited as a producer; due to his great involvement in the project. For those of you not familiar with the controversial character, special forces operative Wade Winston Wilson (Reynolds) is the victim of a shifty experiment. This in turn grants Wilson inhuman abilities, including regenerative healing and longevity – yet the side effects leave him mentally unstable. The man responsible for Wilson’s mutation would be Ajax a.k.a. Francis Freeman (Ed Skrien). Freeman not only tortures Wilson, he also kidnaps his sweetheart Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin). The very talkative “merc with a mouth,” goes on a citywide rampage to annihilate the S.O.B.
Reynolds embodies the deranged anti-hero, and does so to the fullest. He comes complete with a plethora of pop culture quips, dark – often twisted sense of humor, right down to the costume and highly stylized parkour fighting skills. He’s just as quick with the double katana swords as he is with spouting expletive riddled rants. It’s a total 180 from his lukewarm “Green Lantern” role, something he even pokes fun of in the film itself.
Tim Miller makes his feature film directorial debut, with writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick at his side to infuse the 108-minute running time with “Deadpool’s” signature breaking of the fourth wall. Fans will instantly recognize his insane humor and all encompassing dialogue, which Miller, Reese and Wernick flawlessly stitch together from a decades worth of comic book material.
The filmmakers also take a round about approach in telling an origins story. Instead of a linear timeline, “Deadpool” delivers a fractured chronology of events that circulates back around to the beginning. With all the shifting back and fourth through time, you’re never bored with a predictable storyline. One other interesting quality of this movie is that somehow you’re left with a sense of optimism. After all, Wade Wilson lives a pretty crappy life, being a mercenary for hire, who is then tricked, tortured, disfigured, left for dead – and his lover Vanessa gets kidnapped. What else could go wrong? Yet this allows the audience to sympathize with him, especially in scenes where he and fiancée Vanessa learn of his tragic fate. Being that they are both flawed and have lived hard lives, they can relate to each other on a deeper level. This leads to what Deadpool himself calls, a love story of sorts. Something you wouldn’t quite understand at first until you’ve witnessed some lewd scenes between the pair. Racy as again this is Marvel’s first true rated R-film.
To say the least, the action sequences are well choreographed, proving both pervasive and entertaining. If you’re squeamish, you may want to look away from some of the bloodier scenes. Yes, there is blood spilled in a Marvel movie. From decapitations to severed limbs to skewerings, I guarantee you’ll witness such atrocities here. Yet, it’s all done with vigor and high energy.
The entire cast puts on an edgy show to boot, as Baccarin plays the guilt riddened prostitute Vanessa Carlysle. Baccarin plays Carlysle to the hilt, presenting a character that is filled with regret and guilt yet finds love even redemption. Skrein pumps out a sadistic scumbag as Ajax. He’s cold hearted, fiendish and barbaric. Here I think Skrein shines as a villain.
The statuesque former MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Gina Carano continues gracing the big screen with her well-built presence. She plays the silent but deadly mutant Angel Dust, Ajax’s right hand henchwoman. She’s fit for the part and certainly athletic enough to pull off many of the bone crunching stunts. Moreover, she loves every moment of doing the dirty work. Comedic actor T.J. Miller as Weasel is the perfect choice for such a film as this. It may seem like he’s looking out for number one as the opportunistic bar owner. However, he is Wade Wilson’s trusted friend and quite loyal.
Brianna Hildebrand joins the cast as the “X-Men” Negasonic Teenage Warhead. She plays the character with a typical teen angst and rebellious temperament. Nonetheless, she’s a scrappy mutant with tremendous powers. I dig her role. Adding to the comedic melting pot is singer/actress Leslie Uggams as Blind Al. She can hold her own with Ryan Reynolds in the foul mouth department and she’s just as quick witted and sarcastic as him. Last but not least Stephan Kapičić who voiced the steel plated “X-Men” Colossus. I liked the dynamics between Deadpool and he as they played off each other.
“Deadpool” ends with a familiar “Ferris Bueller”-esque finish that everyone who’s seen the John Hughes classic will spot. No doubt, “Deadpool” will return largely. It is warranted as this film has fleshed out all the character’s acerbic, raucous natures making him unlimitedly accessible. I have to admit this will go on my list of guilty pleasures because it’s just that off the wall for a Marvel entity.