a shocking take on the comic book genre

Rating: Null/10 (15 February 2016)

Flip, foulmouthed, hilariously self-referential comic book adaptation is the long-awaited solo project for infamous Marvel character Wade Wilson, a savvy ex-mercenary making a living as a "bad guy" taking out "worse guys" in the big city. Having found some degree of stability in his violence-prone, unpredictable life, he receives some devastating news, until undergoing a rogue experiment that grants him accelerating healing and the potential to be a superhero--that is if he can keep his thirst for vengeance and various other antihero qualities in check. Fans who've grown tired of conventional origin stories will be surprised to find this lacks any of the usual qualities of a traditional comic book tale; amusingly demented, unapologetically profane, with over-the-top violence and sexual underpinnings to boot, this earns its 'R' rating with a big smile on its face. Reynolds' ebulliently vulgar approach perfectly suits the material, and helps overcome any predictable story elements. Subversive, loud, flashy, and literally in-your-face this isn't for everyone, nor is it the most memorable film that the genre's produced, but it's a twisted guilty pleasure for sure. **½