Letter: ‘Deadpool’ provides perfect spin on superhero films
February 23, 2016
“Deadpool”is a raunchy, ambitious popcorn flick that defies everything we once knew about superhero movies.
Fans have been calling for an effective R-rated superhero film for decades now, and Marvel has finally answered their cries in a perfect heroic fashion that respects its source material.
This film is unlike anything before it, constantly breaking the fourth wall and making more pop-culture references than we ever thought could make it into a 100-minute movie. This is not your friendly neighborhood hero that your used to, and this change of pace is widely welcomed as a bromance comedy.
From the opening credits to credit roll at the end, you will be hit with a constant fury of jokes and references you will be trying your best to digest and appreciate each one before being hit by another.
The film’s plot is by no means the highlight of the film, and it even hints to the audience of it being completely self aware of its mediocrity.
The story starts with its unconventional antihero Deadpool ambushing a group of thugs on a highway that completely sets the pace for the whole movie with hilarious deaths, high-paced action and a pinch of Reynolds’ charismatic charm.
The story progresses by simultaneously moving along Deadpool’s story for revenge and the story of how a mercenary named Wade Wilson became the infamous merc with the mouth.
Wade’s story is an adult-themed version of boy falls for girl and cannot be with girl for a tragic reason. Wade makes a daring decision to try to save his life and ultimately gets thrown into the life of a superhuman, whose sense of humor sticks with him the whole journey.
Like I said before, the plot is not the strong point of this film; however, it is the perfectly timed jokes and outrageous anti-heroics that makes this film truly remarkable.
Many great movies consist of a solid cast and an impressive ensemble, in this case this is Reynolds’ movie. In many ways, this movie is Reynold’s baby, his reemergence into superhero cinema, his Dark Reynolds Rises. His vicious ambition for this project helped greenlight this production for Fox, opening up the doors for him to fill the shoes of an iconic hero similar to how Robert Downy Jr. has for “Iron Man.”
After watching “Deadpool,” you cannot imagine anyone else as the Merc with the Mouth, and in all probability will be the role that defines Reynolds’ career.
On screen, Reynolds is almost too comfortable in the role of the mentally unstable, wildly humorous antihero that you would question if he is playing a character or playing himself.
If I haven’t iterated enough, Reynolds completely owns this role and has placed himself among the greats as far as on-screen heroes go.
The phrase “supporting cast” has never been so appropriate as it is with this film. You have the typical love interest girl, the funny best friend, the angry villain and a group of thugs who are just there to get killed.
All of these characters play a good supporting role, filling their purpose to the plot and most importantly playing to the strength of the titular character.
One of the star performances that you may not hear a lot about in this film but deserves a standing ovation is animator-turned-director Tim Miller. Miller’s directorial debut has earned him a seat in the exclusive superhero club with Nolan and Whedon, making one of the greats. His ability to translate what was loved so much from the comic books to the big screen was a feat that could only be captured by a great vision like his.
“Deadpool’s” trademark feature from the comics is breaking the fourth wall, which is directly speaking to the audience. This trait is constantly shown throughout the film, and having “Deadpool” speak to you is not only a treat but is masterfully well done.
Another impressive feat of Miller was his ability to create such a memorable superhero film with a limited budget of $58 million. This may seem like a significant amount of money, but when you compare it with other big superhero flicks’ budgets of $279.9 million for “Age of Ultron,” $230 million for the “Dark Knight Rises” and $225 million for “Man of Steel,” you begin to appreciate what Miller did with what little he had.
The cinematography and choreography used in the fight scenes were great, highlighting Deadpool as a ruthless, acrobatic ninja that cannot be stopped. The beginning scene on the highway and the final fight between Deadpool and Ajax are both aesthetically pleasing to the moviegoer in all of us and wildly entertaining.
“Deadpool’s” overwhelming success makes an exciting statement that financially and symbolically gives movie studios the go-ahead to produce more R-rated superhero films.
“Deadpool” broke the record for highest box office opening for a R-rated movie, raking in $316.8 million and becoming of the most successful superhero movies ever.
The film also holds an 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning 84 percent of all the top critics domestically gave this film a positive review.
“Deadpool’s” success is projected to change the superhero genre forever, giving studios more confidence that they can invest in more adult-themed comic book movies. This is a big success for the young-adult demographic that has been waiting for more movies like this and finally have a bright future to look forward to in this genre.
Ryan Reynolds’ ambitious tour de force into uncharted territory proves fruitful and exciting for other superhero films to hopefully follow its lead. “Deadpool” acts almost as a satire to other superhero origins, making fun of how conventional and outdated the typical origin plays out.
The film’s self-awareness plays as one of its best assets, making fun of itself while also giving that occasion wink to the audience. While it has subtle hints and winks, it also has its fair share of blatant pop-culture nods that I would pay again to see just so I can catch them all again.
At one point, the film makes fun of itself only involving two X-Men on camera because the producers “couldn’t afford any more than two.” While I can try to sit here and describe the movie as best as I can, “Deadpool’s” sick twisted sense of humor is a wild ride that you can only truly experience by seeing it yourself.
9/10. Excellent