Comic Books

‘Deadpool’ Hits the Spot Like a Chimichanga

Deadpool is the anti-hero that this superhero era of cinema desperately needed, and the film is welcomed with open arms. People would probably go batshit crazy if another origin-based superhero film was released that featured another man in tights realizing his destiny to fight crime. Tim Miller directs this hard R-rated flick with Ryan Reynolds in the main spotlight and a talented supporting cast, including, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, and Brianna Hildebrand.

Up to bat for the first time as a director for a feature film, Tim Miller delivers a flick equivalent to a delicious, greasy chimichanga with a side of broccoli sprinkled with cocaine. The film stays true to the spirit of the Deadpool comic books, but it does show enough heart that it isn’t just go-for-the-throat satire, which is fired up from the opening credits. The script is all over the place in the best way, as it reflects the mind of Deadpool, and keeps things rolling at a quick pace without any scenes even coming close to being mundane.

Crude humor is balanced well with whirling, bloody action, a fantastic throwback soundtrack, and the signature breaking of the fourth wall. The one thing that does hold the flick back is that it’s trapped in the unavoidable origin story template; however, the flick is dipped in so many razor sharp dirty quips that you almost forget it’s still following that template. Along with the origin story blueprint is a rather weak villain that feels more like a henchman. Despite those minor drawbacks, Deadpool is just as much a delight to watch onscreen as he is to read in comics, and that’s big thanks to Ryan Reynolds.

Ryan Reynolds is Deadpool down to the bone, and he knocks it out of the park. There hasn’t been a better casting in a Marvel film since Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Iron Man. Reynolds turns in a very dedicated performance that fits like a glove. His ability to deliver vulgar humor and carnage, as well as his skills to transition naturally to some dramatic scenes, make for a perfectly well-rounded performance. This film would not work as well without Reynolds because Deadpool is who he was meant to play.

The supporting cast turn in some well-done performances, especially Morena Baccarin, who plays Vanessa, Wade Wilson’s love interest. Baccarin, as Vanessa, plays the character in a perfectly unbalanced manner, and she compliments Reynolds’ Wade Wilson very well.

Without a doubt, Deadpool is one helluva time at the theater, ingeniously conceiving a standard issue superhero (or anti-hero) story. The cast and crew, especially Reynolds, give maximum effort indeed. Deadpool speaks to that immature kid just wanting to have fun without a filter that’s inside most of us, and does so in satisfyingly inappropriate ways.

Grade: B+

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyKWUTwSYAs[/youtube]

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