For someone who has little to no experience with comics and graphic novels, I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to see "Deadpool." Naturally, I assumed it would be like every other Marvel movie that has come out in the last few years. While the film did display many of the classic Marvel characteristics, it took an unexpected turn that seemed to satirize the other Marvel films.
While the film leaned more toward comedy than superhero action, the plot line was excellently carried out and the characters were likable in their own unique (or stereotypically cliche) way. Underneath all of the sarcasm and profanity, we have a story about a flawed, but basically good guy who just wants to find a cure for his terminal cancer so that he can be with the love of his life. Unfortunately, dodgy experimental mutation drugs don’t always have the best side effects, and Wade Willson becomes a slightly more attractive version of Freddie Kruger. As he states several times in the film, he is not a hero. He’s not a villain either, which leaves a gray area where we have to determine what alternative category Deadpool falls in.
In the opening credits, we get an immediate warning that we are about to experience some serious sarcasm, humor, and profanity. As the credits fade in, we are not introduced to the actors director and writers, but rather "God's Perfect Idiot," "An Overpaid Tool," a "Moody Teen," and "The Real Heroes" (a.k.a. the writers). The scene itself gives us a good freeze-frame view of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and the unfortunate goons he is abusing. As the camera moves along every inch of this scene, we get a good view of Deadpool's crotch in some guy's face as well as little details, like a magazine of Reynolds as the "Sexiest Man Alive," and a Green Lantern trading card. Throughout the film, there are over a hundred Easter Egg references like this that call out other Marvel films or heroic genre stereotypes. We even get a classic superhero landing, which Deadpool giddily applauds.
An interesting aspect of the film was the use of asides. In film, I tend to find asides poorly done and disappointing because they break the realistic illusion that fiction creates. But Deadpool breaks through that fourth wall in an artistic way that satirizes everything that he’s doing and intentionally points out the ridiculousness of his character and the film.
One of the best asides was when he tells the audience that he had to perform some sexual act get his own movie. He goes on to give us a lovely mental image of that experience with Wolverine in an Australian accent. What kept me engaged throughout the various asides was the fact that Deadpool consistently treated everything as if it was a joke. This was an unexpected addition, but it was done in a clever way to connect with the audience in a brutally honest way, which is also a fairly accurate description of Wade Wilson's character in general.
Wade's relentless sarcasm and hopelessly romantic nature is absurdly charming enough to make him a likable character without harping on the fact that we can pity him for his various misfortunes. Although it is a Marvel film, it is rated R for a reason, and is not for children due to violence, language, nudity and sexual content (there were far too many kids in the theater). Despite this, the film was fantastic, and if you enjoy loads of sarcasm, action and violence than look up movie times and drive to the closest theater, because "Deadpool" is worth seeing.
