With one of the biggest multi social media marketing campaigns that I can remember seeing for a mid-budget action movie, I approached ‘Deadpool’ with some trepidation. I was never a fan of the comic book character and the R-rating gave studio execs heartburn for possibly alienating the traditional family market for super heroes. Also, given Ryan Reynold’s previous disastrous outings in super hero movies (one playing Deadpool in a supporting role), I smelled box office bomb all the way to the theatre. Fortunately and happily, I was mistaken. Not only did ‘Deadpool' capture the essence of the comic book character, but it also gave me an appreciation for the character I never had before. I won’t say it merited the $150 million dollar opening weekend it took in, but it was a fun time at the movies (assuming you aren’t easily offended). Ryan Reynolds campaigned for this movie to be made for years and I’m glad it finally paid off.
The story of ‘Deadpool' centers around Wade Wilson, a wise cracking mercenary just trying to make his way through life as a low level enforcer for hire. He finds love with the proverbial prostitute with a heart of gold, Vanessa (played by the stunning Morena Baccarin) and starts to build a life, until everything comes to a grinding halt when he discovers that he has terminal cancer. Grasping for straws at a cryptic offer from a mysterious man, he signs up for an experimental therapy for ex-soldiers. He soon discovers the horrible mistake he has made when the lead scientist on the project named Ajax reveals the true purpose of the project; to awaken the dormant mutant genes of subjects through intensive chemical and torture therapy in order to create super powered soldiers… if they survive. Wade does survive but at a horrible disfiguring cost. Sounds like the basis for a great comedy right? Believe it or not, it is a comedy and a funny one at that.
Quick uncomfortable fact about Deadpool is that he is actually plagiarized from a DC villain named Deathstroke, who just happened to be named Slade Wilson. How was Marvel not sued over this? Even though the character was a plagiarism (right down to double swords and uniform), Deadpool took a more comedic turn, even violating the comic book taboo of breaking the ‘Fourth Wall’. That is where the character acknowledges the audience and recognizes that he is in a comic book story. Much of the comedy is Deadpool addressing the audience with quips about his predicament. While this seems like it could be distracting or even cheesy, it provides much of the charm of the film. ‘Deadpool' is a spinoff from the X-men series, which tends to be more dramatic than comedic. While the only well know X-man to appear in this film is Colossus, frequent mentions to the X-men world are made and the audience enjoys the juxtaposition of the comedic over the dramatic.
The film itself is very light on plot. In fact, there are really only two scenes in the whole film which are peppered with flashback sequences. The movie relies on the over the top violence and wincing R-rated humor to drive the enjoyment. I’m ashamed to say they succeeded. I respect the chance studio execs took by breaking the successful template formula of previous super hero movies and giving a twice failed actor another chance at being a super hero. Still, everyone must realize that the gold rush on super hero movies will eventually dry up and studios must find new and different formulas in order to keep the genre fresh. This proves that R-rated humor and violence will find enough of an audience to make a movie financially viable.
The comic book geek in me wonders if they will attempt to cross ‘Deadpool' over into the mainstream X-men movies. I doubt it and I’m fine with that. I think Deadpool works better on his own as an alternative take on the dramatic super hero world. It was interesting to see them have a different, albeit more source faithful, take on Colossus while interweaving the story with the main X-men universe. Perhaps the now certain ‘Deadpool' franchise might be a great way to introduce more unique and unknown X-men to see if they have commercial appeal. The most exciting thing about ‘Deadpool' is that it opens up all new possibilities in the genre now
Is this an R-rated movie for excessive graphic violence, crude humor, and sex? Yes it is, but the way it is delivered reminds one more of a Road Runner cartoon than anything truly offensive. I hope movies studios don’t obsess over creating blockbusters every time out. There are smaller stories in the super hero world worth being told. This is an example of how a studio took a chance and it paid off big. There will be chances that don’t pay off as big, but I think the risk is worth it in order to provide us with a variety of story types. Dead pool is a good time at the movies.
I give this film *** 1/2 stars
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