WHAM! There are signature roles that we often associate actors with. Whether it’s Eastwood who will always be remembered as Dirty Harry or Bogart as Rick from Casablanca. I think it may be fair to say that Ryan Reynolds may have just found his signature role as Wade Wilson aka Deadpool. And as the character would say, chimichanga! Warning, spoilers ahead…
This may not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but this latest Marvel inspired film will make you wish it was. Aside from The Punisher, Deadpool may be the most popular comic book anti-hero ever. Deadpooltells the story of Wade Wilson, a former Special OPS solider turned mercenary for hire. When Wade decides to partake in an experiment to he believes will cure his cancer, the results are so much more than he ever expected.
Wade goes through a series of experiments involving the use of mutant genes that leaves Wade disfigured but with accelerated healing powers. With his life seemingly ruined, he takes on the persona of Deadpool and sets his sights on Francis Freeman (Ed Skrein) aka Ajax, a mutant himself, the man responsible for destroying what is left of his life.
Deadpool is a one-man army hunting everyone who gets in his way in finding Francis who has kidnapped his former girlfriend and love of life Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) in order to draw Deadpool out. Knowing he can’t do it all alone, Deadpool recruits a couple of X-Men, Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead to help him fight Francis and his mutant sidekick Angel Dust (Gina Carano). This leads to tons of great and satisfying action.
Technically speaking, this isn’t Reynolds first rodeo with this character. He had the unfortunate task of portraying the role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Which for many was a disaster. Fortunately for us, FOX and director Tim Miller scrapped that concept and gave the fans what they had craved. They respectfully gave us what co-creators Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld had envisioned when they first created the character back in 1991.
Deadpool is fast paced action film of the highest order. It’s also extremely funny with its breaking of the fourth wall and its subtle and not so subtle jabs at the studio’s other Marvel properties. There are also many easter eggs to entertain everyone watching. Outside of Kick-Ass, this is the most adult-oriented superhero film you’ll ever see. The R rating is justified but anything less, would diminish the character greatly. Because it comes from a comic book, doesn’t mean it has to be family-friendly. Deadpool is a rash wisecracking motor mouth that is also very profane in his delivery. And yet there is a likable charm to him as well that Ryan Reynolds brings out wonderfully. A sequel has already been green lit and that’s great news for both die-hard fans and newbies alike.
Directed by: Tim Miller
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, Gina Carano and T.J. Miller
R 100 Min
DEADPOOL – **** (4 Out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
