Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Gina Carrino and TJ Miller
‘Exhilarating Entertainment’
Few superheroes in comic-book history are as cool as Deadpool. Following his introduction in the 1990’s, the Merc with a mouth has had a lasting legacy. With his stylish appearance, crude humour and bold action, Deadpool has stood the test of time as a superhero that’s cool. Breaking rules of comic-book movies, Deadpool has stood out because he isn’t concerned what others think of him. This has made him a unique hero with abilities to stand out in a crowded comic-book genre. Given his big fan following, it’s no surprise the superhero has been portrayed on the big-screen several times.
The superhero first burst onto the big-screen in 2016 with “Deadpool”. Tim Miller’s movie is a groundbreaking blockbuster which introduced the iconic hero on the big-screen. As the first ever R-rated comic-book movie, it broke huge barriers for the superhero genre. Packed with sharp storytelling, thrilling action and phenomenal performances, it has stood the test of time as one of the best comic-book movies ever made. While the film’s crude sense of humour might not please everyone, it’s a film that demands to be seen. It offers irresistible entertainment that comic-book fans simply won’t be able to resist.
Based on the beloved comics, “Deadpool” tells the story of a comical superhero embarking on a journey. Ryan Reynolds embodies Wade Wilson, a wisecracking vigilante with a crude sense of humour. Wade’s face is scarred by a traumatic incident in his past. Haunted by his past, Wade embarks on a journey to find the main which is responsible for giving facial injuries. As the hero discovers shocking secrets about his past, he realizes achieving his mission of revenge isn’t going to be as easy as he once thought to be.
Tim Miller is a newcomer to the comic-book genre. A first-time filmmaker, Miller had never made a comic-book movie before. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to reimagine an iconic superhero with an irreverent sense of humour on the big-screen but he pulled it off successfully. Through stunning cinematography, Miller captures a superhero embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Miller deftly uses handheld camera to draw viewers into the chaotic world of a superhero that treats villains with ridicule. The shaking camera is an effective technique in capturing chaos of the superhero. Shaky camera is a risky technique to use in comic-book movies. When it’s used excessively, shaky camera can turn into an awful gimmick detracting from comic-book movies. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Through awe-inspiring visuals, Miller captures the wild world of a superhero that’s cool.
Another admirable aspect of “Deadpool” that contributes towards its success is the action. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well-made. Miller effectively makes use of the R rating to construct bloody action scenes celebrating a hero that’s bold. Whereas most superhero movies these days are restricted by the PG-13 rating, Miller utilizes the R rating to create action which is exhilarating. For instance, the R rating elevates the opening fight scene. During this enjoyable scene, Deadpool is engaging in a bloody fight with villains on a highway. One appreciates bloody-splattered action that celebrates the hero in marvellous styles. Through incredible action, Miller celebrates legacy of a superhero with a rule-breaking reputation.
Amidst the engaging action, “Deadpool” finds time to tell a compelling story. Miller’s screenwriting strength is capturing a hero that isn’t afraid to break rules through breaking the fourth wall. Most comic-book movies follow a formulaic storytelling structure with beginning, middle and ends. This often leaves no room for surprises and makes these movies predictable. Thankfully, though, that is definitely not the case with “Deadpool”. Miller effectively uses fourth wall breaks to capture an irreverent superhero that breaks huge rules. Throughout the movie, Deadpool breaks the fourth wall talking directly to the audience in a comical manner. Through this ingenious technique, Miller builds a powerful emotional connection between viewers and the comic-book character. It allows viewers to relate towards Deadpool in a way which they can’t with most heroes in comic-book movies. Breaking the fourth wall is a tricky technique. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” suggested clearly, breaking the fourth wall elevates stockbroker movies. That being said, it works tremendously. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Miller celebrates an iconic hero in the commemorated world of comic books today.
One admires astonishing performances. In a star-studded cast, every actors gets a chance to shine.
Ryan Reynolds delivers one of his best career performances as Wade Wilson. Reynolds is an actor that achieved appreciation for his roles in romantic comedies. “Deadpool”, however, marked his first ever comic-book movie. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a comical superhero but Reynolds pulled it off successfully. With riveting expressions, he captured the angst, grief and sharp sense of humour or a superhero seeking to discover his identity. It’s a phenomenal performance which launched interest in an iconic superhero in popular culture.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Ryan Reynolds, the supporting cast is also superb and worthy of appreciation. Morena Baccarin is magnificent, bringing charisma to Deadpool’s love interest. Ed Skrein is excellent, bringing a palpable sense of terror to a villain hellbent on world domination. Finally, T.J. Miller is unforgettable. As a charismatic bartender, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Despite outstanding performances, however, “Deadpool” can’t quite celebrate legacy of a superhero that’s cool. If there’s a minor shortcoming to the movie, it lacks engaging pacing. Miller’s decisions to integrate subplots about romance into the movie is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due to this faulty decision, scenes capturing Wilson’s sexual interactions with his love interest aren’t as engaging as his central mission. While such scenes do develop Deadpool’s character, they come across as a distracting diversion in a comic-book movie. Moreover, the movie’s crude sense of humour won’t please everyone. The movie is packed with dirty, mean-spirited and offensive humour that isn’t intended for everyone. Viewers that are sensitive towards offensive humour involving Cancer may not appreciate the movie. Therefore, “Deadpool” is one of those comic-book movies that not everyone will adore.
Nevertheless, fans of the iconic superhero will definitely appreciate “Deadpool” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment.
Nearly 30 years following an introduction of an iconic superhero with a dead face seeking to pool his resources into missions that achieved appreciation, it’s a powerful reminder of a hero which has stood the test of time by his bravery to break the rules refusing to conform towards societal expectations whose comical tales that have broken massive barriers for comic-book movies are worthy of celebration.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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