For the last couple of decades, Hollywood has transformed the super hero genre into a diverse array of characters and archetypes. This stretches from the more unusual Marvel heroes such as Groot and Rocket to DC’s more familiar array (eg., Batman and Superman). All of these films follow a [redictable formula, and Deadpool (2016) is no exception.
What makes Deadpool different is how much director Tim Miller wants you to know the formula
is being followed. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is both protagonist and storyteller, a fitting role considering how the comics have always depicted Deadpool as a serial “fourth wall” breaker commenting to the audience, even in plot-defining moments.
Any weaknesses in Deadpool’s plot are easily overshadowed by violence and humor. From the beginning we're hit with quirky inside jokes, including a reference to the popular YouTube series Honest Trailers where the opening credits are replaced with snarky comments about the cast and film crew. The real credits are not actually shown until after the film has long since ended.
The jokes continue as we’re taken through a mixture of backstory and present events, where Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) develops from a cynical murderer-mercenary to a cynical murderer-mercenary with super powers. We’re also introduced to an array of predictable but still entertaining characters including Wade’s love interest Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) and guest characters Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) from the X-Men.
Our villains deviate very little from their stereotyped roles. Ajax (Ed Skrein) and Angel Dust (Gina Carano) serve little purpose other than to assist in Deadpool’s origin story. Their plans are basically just a scheme to make money creating super soldiers.
None of the story’s shortcomings seem to matter as we’re taken from one intentionally bad joke to the next. Ryan Reynolds dives completely into character as Marvel’s “merc with a mouth”: he gives a new face to superhero violence by decapitating villains and making heads explode. Deadpool himself is dismembered on multiple occasions, yet Deadpool’s ability to endlessly regenerate makes any grievous injury a joke.
Some of this film’s best support comes from the limited appearances of Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) and Dopinder (Karan Soni). While their characters are all but irregular, they lend support to Deadpool both as the straight men in a comedic trio and as the subjects of multiple jokes. Be sure to stay tuned after the credits roll for a little bit of extra content.
Ultimately, Deadpool accomplishes everything it set out to do and then some. No superhero film has such a great time mocking itself and its peers. The constant barrage of puns, Easter eggs, and intentionally bad jokes will surely satisfy mature crowds with a rowdy sense of humor.