"Deadpool"- A depraved, subversive and completely satisfying action-comedy. One of the biggest treats of 2016.

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2016)

Over the past twenty years, the comic book film has exploded and become one of the most profitable and highly regarded new genres in the world of entertainment. Thanks in no small parts to breakout hits like "X- Men" or "Spider-Man", we now see 2, 3, 4 or more high-profile comic adaptations released yearly. And because of the high standard set by those early films, audiences now look forward to each new release, knowing that most- not all, but most- will be of a high quality, with talented filmmakers and gifted actors bringing their favorite characters to life. And for the foreseeable future, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
But one character has been owed his due. A character that has long been a fan favorite for readers of Marvel comics and fans of twisted comedy. A character that had previously been introduced not long ago in another film that failed to properly utilize his trademark wit, sarcasm and fourth-wall breaking humor. I am of course referring to the "Merc with a Mouth" himself... Deadpool. Since being unsuccessfully introduced in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", fans have been clamoring for a proper reboot of the beloved freak-show, in the hopes for a tale truer to his comic- book roots. And in 2016, their wishes were granted in the absolutely depraved and subversive new origin story "Deadpool." In every way a fantastic re-introduction to the character, the film delivers the laughs, gasps and thrills that fans had been praying for.
Ryan Reynolds stars as Wade Wilson, a mercenary who spends his days roughing up bad guys for money with the help of his "friend" Weasel. (T.J. Miller) After falling in love with a beautiful prostitute named Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), things are finally looking up for Wade... until he learns he's dying from a barrage of cancerous organs that will kill him in mere months. Feeling he has nothing else to live for, and not wanted to ruin Vanessa by forcing her to watch him slowly die, he enrolls in an experimental program that promises to help him unlock mutations within his own body. While he does mutate and gain the ability of superhuman healing, it comes at a price- prolonged torture and the brutal scarring of his body by the deranged "Francis." (Ed Skrein) Now, Wade adopts the persona "Deadpool" and becomes a psychopathic, murderous anti-hero (who also seems to have gained the ability to become aware he's a movie character) who seeks vengeance for his maiming while also trying to work up the courage to reconnect with his love.
Much like the comics, a big part of the appeal is the ridiculous and comically brutal tone of the film, combined with the savage, fourth-wall shattering meta humor of the character. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (brilliantly credited as "The Real Heroes Here") perfectly capture the spirit of the comics and the character, and populate the screen time with dozens upon dozens of bloody battles, mind-warping inside jokes and nods to the audience that make us feel like we're part of the action. It's just so much fun seeing Deadpool doing something ridiculous like shredding a bad guy apart with his swords before looking directly at the audience and cracking a joke about the insanity of what's happening. Or to see Wade joking about how badly they botched his character the last time around. The layers and layers of subversion and self-awareness are a refreshing turn here, especially as the tendency now is for comic-book adaptations to take themselves way too seriously. This is perfectly complimented by director Tim Miller's kinetic visual storytelling. He knows how to stage a scene, nail a gag and wow the audience, and I can't wait to see what he does in the future as a filmmaker. It's a shame he won't be back for the recently announced sequel, but I wish him the best.
The performances are also a key part of the puzzle. Reynolds, who I'm generally indifferent about, defines the role of our deranged anti- hero with such a giddy joy, you can't help but love him. He nails both the drama and humor of the character in a way that can only be described as awe-inspiring, and his passion is obvious in every frame. Baccarin, best known to genre fans for her role in the cult masterpiece "Firefly", shines as Wade's feisty and somewhat-crazy-herself love interest Vanessa. She's a joy on screen and her chemistry with Reynolds makes her an invaluable part of the ensemble. Miller is witty fun as Weasel, a kinda-sorta friend of Wade's who gets roped into the story a few times. He's always ready with a clever quip or a dismissive joke and is great fun. Ed Skrein makes for a wonderfully devious villain. And supporting roles by Brianna Hildebrand and Stefan Kapičić as two of Professor Xavier's X-Men who are sent to recruit Deadpool are just a blast. Particularly Hildebrand's "Negasonic Teenage Warhead", who is something of a breakout character here- an easily-annoyed teen who steals the show in every scene she's in.
In all honesty, I'm just consistently wowed by how well the film turned out and by how much of a risk the studio took here. It's a brutally violent, wildly sexual and proudly profane exercise in complete and utter insanity... an R-rated superhero flick (though don't call him a superhero) that refuses to conform to any expectations. Most studios would balk at such a concept. We should be so thrilled that not only did Fox take the chance, but that it also proved to be such a big hit. It's a near-perfect adaptation of the beloved and brutal character, and I can't wait for part two!
I give "Deadpool" a near-perfect 9 out of 10! Pop some chimichangas in the microwave, crack open a beer, sit back, and prepare to laugh!