"Deadpool" opened this holiday weekend to an overtly warm welcome, grossing (at the time of this writing) $135 MILLION domestically — a number that almost doubles globally. This sum places it at the top as the highest grossing R-rated movie in history according to Yahoo's "The Hollywood Reporter".
From the opening credits, "Deadpool" turned superhero movies on their head with just the right amount of crass humor. I went in unsuspecting and assumed it was just another superhero movie. Oh, how I was mistaken. Deadpool's sass and cynicism had me in a fit of laughter almost the entire movie — when I say laughter I refer to my cackling laughter that occurs when I lose control and causes some to stare at me (my disgruntled bf will vouch to this).
Now, I don't intend to instigate any anger by jumping on the "Deadpool" bandwagon, but I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. Not only does it openly mock the conventional superhero movies audiences have come to know more than necessary in recent years, but the breaking of the fourth wall by the "Merc with a Mouth" and constant sass is something everyone can enjoy. Be it a parody, lost soul, or rebel, Deadpool is a baddie.
The flip of the norm draws in all ages surpassing expectations. Deadpool/Wade Wilson is the self-deprecating antihero ass and his love interest is the not-so-distressed-damsel stripper with the intelligence and biting humor to keep up with him. The two "jig-saw pieces" are the damaged pieces that actually fit perfectly together.
Ryan Reynolds has officially mastered the superhero movie after the unfortunate flop that was "Green Lantern" — a fact they even point out in deciding Deadpool's suit can be anything but green. We all have seen Reynolds do humor before in roles like "The Proposal" but to me, "Deadpool" pushes that even further. Not to mention the surprise tragedy of Wilson's late-stage cancers (read that: plural!), Reynolds portrays the fear and pain hidden by angsty sarcasm in a relatable way. A**holes like myself everywhere were touched and caught up in the moment.
Lastly, anyone who knows the Marvel/"Deadpool" universe will consider this old news but apparently Ryan Reynolds has pushed for a hard R-rated "Deadpool" for years and finally won out! Props to him.
I only hope the teased sequel is an actuality in the coming years and look forward to even more self-aware, forward attitude, and angsty humor.
