Deadpool Review

Deadpool Review

Christian Burns
For The Clock
caburns1@mail.plymouth.edu

History

For comic books, the 1990s was a highly stylized (and to some, highly despised) period in comic book history. Superman “died,” older characters were recontextualized for a grittier era of storytelling, and character designs all suddenly began sprouting unnecessary pouches and spikes to embrace a more “XTREME” image.

Marvel Comics was especially hit by these new trends. Newcomer writer Rob Liefeld introduced several new stories and characters to the comic books. Although most comic book fans derided his influence, one of his creations created a long-standing legacy.

Introduced in 1991, that creation was Deadpool, AKA Wade Wilson. A hired gun from Canada, often called the “Merc with a Mouth” for his talkative nature, Deadpool began as a mostly serious character and adversary.

Over the course of the next two decades, Deadpool would slowly evolve into one of the most beloved characters in all of the comic book industry. He became more foul-mouthed and enjoyably filthy, his swords allowed him to enact more and more extreme violence, and he began his most famous ability to break the fourth wall.

He became aware that he was a comic-book character, and often spoke to the reader. His humor was tongue-in-cheek, mocking many trends of the comic book industry. And as he embraced his ridiculous nature, so did the reader.

Deadpool gained many a fan, including actor Ryan Reynolds. Many fans, Reynolds included, have long yearned for him to play the part in a film role. Finally, in 2009, Deadpool was set to appear in the X-men series prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, with Reynolds in the role of the mercenary.

At first, fans rejoiced when they saw Reynolds playing up the talkative and annoying, yet fiercely powerful nature of the character. Then, a misstep occurred, resulting in one of the most hated adaptations of a comic book character ever. And so, Deadpool was forgotten, and all hope of a Deadpool movie at all was dashed.

Ryan Reynolds didn’t give up, nor did director Tim Miller and several dedicated writers. For years, they had pushed to get the movie produced by 20th Century Fox, who have the film rights to the X-Men and related characters such as Deadpool.

Although test footage had been filmed, Fox was reluctant to fully fund the film. Then, in 2014, test footage was officially leaked online, and new online fervor for the film was created. This, combined with the newfound comic book movie fever, forced the studio’s hand, and Deadpool was officially greenlit.

Fans were nervous about the film’s prospects. Despite a masterfully created viral campaign, tension ran high amongst the fan community leading up to the film.

COURTESY PHOTO/ http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2016/01/justice-has-a-new-face-in-new-deadpool-posters.html/deadpool-poster-2

FILM REVIEW

During a time when the public may be beginning to tire of comic book movies, “Deadpool” is a highly refreshing, original film about not a superhero, but more of an antihero.

As its Feb. 12 release date implies, it is surprisingly infused with a romantic air. The film revolves around Wade Wilson, an eccentric soldier-of-fortune who falls in love with Vanessa (played by Morena Baccarin), who is just as eccentric as he is.

When Wilson is diagnosed with cancer, he turns to an experimental program for a cure, only to become disfigured, and given an ability to heal any injury. When his girlfriend is taken by his enemies, he’s forced into action as Deadpool.

For fans of the character, the film acts as a relief, and a vindication of all hopes about the film’s possibilities. Deadpool, as played by Reynolds, remains a humorous, snarky, crude, fourth-wall breaking dynamo of personality.

Reynolds manages to inject both humor and gravitas to the role simultaneously, and seems to inspire that kind of performance from his fellow cast. Baccarin turns in a spirited performance as Wade’s equally eccentric girlfriend.

T.J. Miller and Leslie Uggams turn in equally spirited performances as Deadpool’s friends, Weasel and Blind Al. The film even manages to bring in the X-Men in the form of Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (a suitably ‘90s name for a ‘90s hero’s movie), and manages to produce what may be some of the most faithful adaptations of any comic book character as a result.

The only downside to the film may be the villains, who, while threatening enough, are still not the most engaging characters. However, this film isn’t about the villains. Deadpool stays front and center, overshadowing all around him, as he should.

The action scenes are beautifully restless, without being confusing. Writing and humor are spot-on throughout the film, and all fourthwall breaks and pop culture references are executed masterfully. From literally the first moment of this film, one can understand the type of film it is going to be; a filthy, gory, riproaring good time.

Is it the best quality comic book movie ever? No, that title most likely still belongs to “The Dark Knight” or “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. It is, however, a much-needed shake-up to comic book films.

“Deadpool” may just ensure that the comic book film lasts a little bit longer. So grab a People’s magazine, heat up some microwaveable chimichangas, put on some brown pants, and enjoy the ride that is “Deadpool”.