← Back to Reviews
 
Deadpool is the latest comic book movie to be pumped out by juggernaut company Marvel. Family friendly Marvel. That's what Deadpool is like, right?


Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson who would later go on to be the tittle character as he gains superhuman abilities after his last chance of curing his cancer brings out the mutant gene in him. Ajax (Ed Skrein) is the one who has done this by torturing and disfiguring him in the hope to creating him to use as a slave. This does not go to plan but Ajax leaves Wilson for dead...or so he thinks. Deadpool along with his twisted sense of humour looks to hunt Ajax down for revenge and also to save the love of his life.


Deadpool is a comedy, action, superhero, revenge and romance rolled into one like no other superhero movie we have ever seen, never mind just Marvel film. Rated 15 in the UK which is slightly higher than the normal 12A rating given to the recent Marvel movies. And quite right. This is most definitely not fun for the whole family. However for myself and my friends, it is absolutely perfect.


First of all, this movie is absolutely hilarious. If you think the trailer was funny you are certainly in for a real treat. How great is it going to see a comedy where the best bits aren't just in the trailers? There's so much comedy gold in Deadpool and it is fantastic. Straight from the start it is hilarious with a substitution for what would normally be the credits as 'Angel in the Morning' plays over it. Truly great work. Every attempt at comedy in Deadpool works with some truly great dialogue. It must of been so fun for the writers to come up with some of the outbursts said not only by Deadpool but many of the other characters in the movie.


Nobody is safe from Deadpool in this movie when it comes to quips. Between bringing up actors in the X-Men universe such as Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart to other well known characters such as Ripley from Alien there are plenty of references that are all hilarious. Even Reynolds himself is not free from getting a ribbing as himself and a certain green suited superhero are mocked in the film. The movie studio are also the target of many jokes from the merc with a mouth which is just magnificent. It also takes time to take aim at the decision to sew his mouth shut in X-Men Origins: Wolverine giving a little redemption to the huge mistake made.


The action in this film also has to be mentioned. It is absolutely beautiful. There are times tho that you can easily tell that it is CGI but for the most part the effects are really good and lifelike. Great action that we have come to expect in Marvel's movies. The action is often slowed way down to allow the jokes and remarks to come out which works perfectly such as when he turns someone into "human kebab". The action is unique to than other Marvel films due to this which is great as it is bringing something new to the table in this huge inflation of superhero movies.


Ryan Reynolds really was a perfect casting for this role. He was absolutely fantastic as Wade Wilson/Deadpool. His delivery for all of his comedic lines was excellent and he was great when the character had to be a bit more serious. Definitely the performance we'd hoped for and he did not disappoint us at all. You can clearly see that he has thoroughly enjoyed being this character and it has probably helped his performance with him being so passionate about the project.


Ed Skrein was also great as the villain Ajax. I'd even say that he is one of the strongest Marvel villains we have had although competition isn't overly competitive. That being said, it shouldn't be taken away that Skrein did a great job especially considering he was coming off the back of a terrible Transporter reboot. Morena Baccarin plays Vanessa, Wilson's love interest and also does a great job. She is great at playing this character who is just perfect for Wilson and they really compliment each other. The character is very similar to Wade Wilson himself and really show an actual believable couple. One of the funnier roles was played by T.J Miller who was Wilson's friend 'Weasel' who provides even more great comedic effect to the film. Also be prepared to see one of the funniest Stan Lee cameos.


As this is the same universe as the X-Men, it was good to see this be acknowledged. Even if so most of the time it was taking digs at the mutant group. At least it is giving a reason to why he is not helping the main group take down foes which has been a question asked in Marvels solo Avengers movies. Deadpool however does have two X-Men characters in it with Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) who's incredible name is brought up in admiration by Deadpool himself. This is probably the best looks to Colossus that we have ever had which is great to see. Also Negasonic's quick wit and moody attitude is great to watch as well. It will certainly be interesting to see how Deadpool will tie in with the X-Men universe in later films.


If you do go to see this like all Marvel films there is a scene at the end of the credits with a pop culture reference and then a reveal for Deadpool 2. If you are a fan of a certain 80's classic you will love the end credits scene. I know I did.


Final Verdict: Deadpool = A-

A great start to a year that will be dominated by superhero movies. I am glad to say that I was surprised at just how good Deadpool was and would highly recommend it to mature fans. Probably a bit too much for younger audiences. Let's hope the rest of the superhero flicks follow suit this year.


So have you seen Deadpool? If so what did you think? If you are planning on seeing it, I hope this review was useful and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Once again thank you for reading, it is much appreciated.

By Angus McGregor