Deadpool

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano. Brianna Hildebrand & Stefan Kapičić

Directed by: Tim Miller

Rating: ★★★½ 

Right now, Deadpool is the movie everyone seems to be talking about. Whether it’s because of the huge viral advertising campaign featuring the movie’s star, or because of the film’s production problems, or because it is currently making massive money at the box office: Deadpool is certainly hitting the headlines- and justifiably so.

Deadpool in action...

There may not be anything original about the film’s storyline or initial concept- man turns into superhero and (sort of) saves the day- but there is something completely unique about its execution. Unlike other superhero movies, Deadpool is for grownupsis not for children. Jammed between explicit sex scenes and gory mayhem is a sharp-talking excessively swearing superhero whose morality scale is definitely on the opposite side to Captain America’s. He's one rude and crude dude.

Deadpool gets some Xtra-ordinary assistence...

And Ryan Reynold as Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, relishes the opportunity to let go of everything that usually constraints a typical superhero movie, as he stabs, slices and defecates on the genre by knowingly mocking it.

'The British Bad Guy'

The character of Deadpool, from his inception, has always been a fourth wall breaking anti-hero, and his absurdly over the top tongue in cheek style works very well in a pastiche that out and out insults the story, the actors, other franchises and the studio that created it.

Colossus just wants Deadpool to be a good guy...

And that’s why it’s so fun.

-although the torture scenes are pretty extreme...

The plot, about a former special forces operative who undergoes experimental procedures to unleash his dormant mutant powers to cure himself from terminal cancer, is just a means to an end.

Deadpool gets his revenge.

The film’s in medias res opening sets the scene and tone of the movie, with a gratuitous action scene that straight away sets itself apart by hacking and slashing the bad guys whilst simultaneously slagging them off. Deadpool may be a morally bankrupt asshole, but he’s a likeable one.

Deadpool's pokes fun at everything...

I am not a fan of Ryan Reynolds, but it is clear that Deadpool is a part he was born to play- again- and he does so with extreme charisma and comedic panache.

Reynolds and Baccarin share some tender- and sexy- moments together.

The quick and expletive laded dialogue, the violent and exciting action sequences and the mostly likeable supporting cast all make the movie fun, interesting and original. Although Baccarin is under used as a hooker with a heart of gold, she is a great actress and makes the most of her damsel in distress role. 

Baccarin deserves more screen time...

The addition of two X-Men, Colossus (Kapičić) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Hildebrand), is bizarre and unnecessary, but their inclusion pays off as it is funny to see Deadpool mock both them and the franchise that this film is a part of. 

Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead.

The pace is fast and fluid, the action scenes are excellent and the film’s core, although cliché-ridden, has heart and, at times, depth- although most people will probably just enjoy seeing Reynolds tell people to f-off.

Deadpool doesn't hesitate to mutilate others- and himself...

After 15 years in development hell and severe budget cuts, Deadpool has now broken numerous box office records- including becoming the highest grossing X-Menmovie- and after receiving strong critical praise from both critics and audiences, it will, of course, be getting a sequel. 

Oh yeah- sequel's coming...

It just goes to show you that audiences sometimes want something (slightly) different to the usual Hollywood fare. So let’s see what Deadpool’s success unleashes on the world of cinema.