Like its hero, rough around the edges but not without its charms

Rating: 7/10 (3 February 2018)

Like Marvel films better than some do, have never been and never will be part of this ridiculous MCU vs DCU war, and the positive critical reception drew me in to seeing 'Deadpool'.
Having now seen it finally, seeing as audience reaction seemed more divisive (especially here where the dislike is unnecessarily vitriolic) which did put me off watching it for a while, it was a good film if not a great one. It was very entertaining, and credit is due for trying to take more of a comedic edge to a genre that can be taken seriously (sometimes overly so) and for taking risks. At the same, 'Deadpool' is also uneven.
'Deadpool' for me did have its issues. Tonally, it is not always balanced, with too much emphasis on the humour and not enough on the action. Contrary to what others thought, most of the humour was enjoyable but there were jokes and lines that didn't land very well due to taking it too far with the crudeness and childishness (some of the superhero cliché jokes felt very out of date and stale).
Other minuses are the overlong length, some repetition, a pretty forgettable villain and a rushed and muddled final act.
However, 'Deadpool' is very well made visually. Slick, stylish and brooding with typically well crafted effects. The music is haunting and rousing and most of the direction is very assured and sharp, if at times not always in control of the tonal balances. The action is dynamically choreographed and exciting, and the romantic and emotional elements just about avoid the mawkish sentimentality trap and instead give 'Deadpool' its heart.
Most of the humour is very funny, though its extremely black comedic nature has proven to be an acquired taste. As said, that it tried to incorporate humour into an often taken seriously genre was interesting and refreshing, even if there is a try too hard element at times with how it's balanced with everything else. The story is a pretty lightweight one structurally, but the hugely energetic pace and sense of fun elevated it.
Ryan Reynolds brings charismatic charisma, vulnerability and great comic timing to the title role, one he was born to play and he successfully allows one to root for his character. All the cast do a more than serviceable job, Morena Baccarin coming over the most confidently.
In summary, good film if not great. Rough around the edges but not without its charm, like the titular character hero himself. 7/10 Bethany Cox