Ryan Reynold’s portrayal of Wade Wilson back in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was simply spectacular and I do share the sentiments of many that I would’ve decapitated him myself for the way Deadpool turned out for that movie. Fast-forward a few years and now we have the highly anticipated solo film debut of Deadpool, with Ryan Reynolds once again reprising the role of the Merc with the Mouth in this origin story. And in that sentence we get to sum up the best and worst of this film.
As the movie opens with one of the most side-splitting opening credit roll in modern history, audiences are treated to an over-arching story-telling of our heroes back-story and how he obtained his powers which eventually leads to the opening scene. This narrative of past and current scenes slowly devolves into the final encounter which unfortunately is the final note in this decrescendo of plot delivery. That opening scene is the most intense action you’ll see in this movie compared to the climactic encounter between the big bad and Deadpool but if you’re a fan of CGI explosions, you might appreciate what comes next.
Ultimately, all eyes are on Ryan Reynolds and his portrayal screams he really wants this role. Just like RDJ and Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds possess Wade Wilson’s persona and its clearly visible in his acting. He is simply going to be Deadpool for years to come, its just that. Given that, I just can’t picture Deadpool being a hit without him and it is for his sheer effort that this film has clearly made enough waves prior to release to already guarantee a sequel. But that brings us to another issue with the movie, its just hard to love any of the other characters except Colossus. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Colossus in this movie alone has more lines than all of his X-Men film appearances combined. The decision to retain Piotr Rasputin’s gentlemanly X-men ways clashes with Deadpool’s simply immature antics and this onscreen contrast brings forth both characters and despite her rather subdued onscreen moments, Negasonic Teenage Warhead is an interesting 3rd party to the mix.
Deadpool isn’t a bad movie but its a textbook action flick littered with immature jokes that would be enough to put this flick in the same bin as Fantastic Four but again, Ryan Reynolds’ fourth-wall breaking and sheer charisma manages to pull it all together keeping interest high despite his bland villain and his equally quiet sidekick. Anyone else notice Gina Carano’s gaining a bit of weight? That said though, those wanting to see a true Deadpool loyal to the comic book are going to find this movie hard to watch with the film ultimately all about how Deadpool came to be in this film universe but as a whole, its snarky quips and unique superhero approach bolstered by Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Colossus laced with random anythings make the film an entertaining watch even if you have no idea who and what Deadpool is. Gotta love the soundtrack also.
Definitely recommended for fans of Adventure Time.
