Movie: Deadpool
My Rating: 4 stars
I liked this movie. But then, I’m a sucker for self-aware comedy. And, I’m almost always in the mood for some good, raunchy fun. Deadpool is another superhero movie. But, it’s not the same kind of superhero film that‘s been flooding the market lately. This isn’t one of those earnest, good-triumphing-over-evil flicks that takes itself very very seriously. It’s rude, riddled with sex, and we actually get to see the consequences of all the violence (even if it is comically exaggerated). Ryan Reynolds plays our anti-hero, and he appears to be having a very good time doing it. He’s a retired mercenary who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When a man in a dark suit shows up, offering him a special medical procedure that will cure him, it almost seems too good to be true. And, of course it is. Let the head-smashing begin.
I understand that people had some very mixed, and complex feelings about this movie, and for a lot of different reasons. Some people objected to it for being so filthy. But, this film really isn’t for the pearl-clutching set. The movie, of course, features plenty of foul language, nudity, and violence. So, I’m not sure why someone so uptight would ever decide to watch it in the first place. Then there are the people who objected to all the meta, self-aware content. It’s all a matter of taste, but some people just don’t like that fourth wall to be broken. And, these people have a lot in common with the third type of critic—the ones who don’t like how funny this movie finds itself. I’ll admit to being annoyed by people who are just tickled to death by how funny they are. And, this film does suffer from that affliction. But, I didn’t find that trait to be off-putting in this context. Maybe because I actually thought it was funny. In any event, I recognize people’s objections to be valid ones (except for the prudes), but politely dissent.
I think I liked this movie mostly because I am so sick of those do-gooder, America-loving, superheroes. Yes, they’re amazing, and they’re all upstanding examples of good, clean living—those early to bed, early to rise, paying-my-taxes-on-time types. But, isn’t that the most boring kind of friend to have? That’s totally the kind of person you’d avoid at a party for fear of being cornered and trapped in a conversation about the American flag, and our duty as citizens. So, I love just how irreverent Deadpool is. This guy loves booze, hookers, and he’s an unrepentant killer. Other super hero movies like to conveniently ignore all the collateral damage their grand battles must be causing. And, this movie pokes fun at the genre.
This movie isn’t for everyone. But you’ll probably know it if it’s for you or not. You have to be the kind of person who doesn’t mind sex and violence in their films, but also someone who isn’t annoyed by constant wisecracking. I liked it, and as long as you are ready for what you’re getting yourself into, you will too.