It's interesting that there has been so much controversy, debate and hand-wringing editorials about how DEADPOOL is most definitely not a kids' film and they shouldn't be allowed to see it... because 10 year old me would have LOVED this film, it would have been my favourite movie. It's outrageous cartoon violence and potty mouth, without too much in the way of legitimately upsetting content, making it a perfect candidate for "something kids watch to feel grown up" fare. And the experience of watching DEADPOOL had me grinning from ear to ear like a big kid.
I've never been the biggest fan of Deadpool in the comics. I've found him fitfully amusing when appearing as a guest star in someone else's book, but his recent glut of appearances bordered on overkill for me and he was never a character I felt compelled to follow. But go to any convention floor and see the legions of spandex-clad devotees cosplaying as him, and you'll appreciate what a loyal fan following Deadpool has. And that fandom is sure to be immensely pleased with this film. Everything about the character is NAILED: the costume looks like it leapt off the comic page, the voice and personality are bang on, and the 4th wall breaking hijinks are present and correct, with rapid-fire in-jokes for both the X-MEN franchise and superhero films in general.
But even setting aside its faithfulness to the source material - and on that front it probably surpasses any previous Fox superhero film - on its own merits DEADPOOL is a masterclass in action comedy. By this, I mean it manages to have both genuinely thrilling action and consistent laugh-out-loud comedy. And I mean proper hilarious, "even without the action it could be an early comedy of the year contender" funny.
The film launches us right into the action, and for the first 45 minutes or so it is a pure joy, soaring along with an inventive, unusual structure. Admittedly, it loses a step in its second half, where it settles into more conventional damsel-in-distress "action with added wisecracks" structure, but by that point the film has accumulated enough good will to forgive it for most sins, especially when the movie is too short to overstay any welcome and become dull.
The supporting cast are entertaining (save for a lacklustre villain), but this is far and away Ryan Reynolds' show. As Wade Wilson, mercenary turned disfigured mutant killing machine, he is clearly having an absolute ball, fitting the role to his persona hand-in-glove like Robert Downey Jr playing Tony Stark. He is having a ball, and from what I've heard this has been something of a passion project for him. You can tell. Deadpool feels like the role Ryan Reynolds was born to play.
I had an absolute blast watching DEADPOOL. It is the best Deadpool story that I have experienced in any medium, and may have been just enough to finally make me a fan of the character. 2016's year in superhero cinema is off to a rip-roaring start!
