Deadpool (2016) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Former Special Forces soldier Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) subjects himself to an experiment. This accelerates his healing abilities. Wade then adopts the codename Deadpool. With these abilities, Wade hunts down Ajax (Ed Skrein), the man who almost destroyed his life.

Review:

As a character in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Deadpool failed to make a positive first impression.

For context, this version of the character was also portrayed by Ryan Reynolds.

An odd decision by the filmmakers was turning Deadpool into a mute. This was their first mistake, as Deadpool is the “Merc with a Mouth.”

Among many other drastic changes to the character, that version left fans puzzled.

Seven years later, Ryan Reynolds returned for a solo film, with Tim Miller as the director.

It is safe to say that this pairing worked. Alongside its R-rated tone and Ryan Reynolds’ charm, Deadpool is a fun time.

With this version of Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds makes the character his own.

For those already familiar with the character, fans should expect many fourth-wall breaks.

To some, this style of comedy may grow tiresome over time. It is a film that relies on Reynolds’s constant ability to make the audience laugh.

On this merit alone, most fans should find entertainment. Wade’s best friend in the film, Weasel (T.J. Miller), for example, is there for comic relief.

Other than telling jokes, his character has a limited purpose. Deadpool’s reliance on flashbacks for Wade’s backstory also has structural issues.

These are necessary to convey Wade’s relationship with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin).

Despite this, their random insertion during the present-day segments leads to some confusion. Otherwise, the story is easy enough to follow.

This film also has problems with its main antagonist, Ajax. Despite an above-average performance from Ed Skrein, the character is hollow.

Other than learning that he has enhanced reflexes, the character has little else to offer.

This also applies to the film’s secondary antagonist, Angel Dust (Gina Carano).

Despite her lack of screen time, Gina Carano is entertaining enough to watch during the film’s final action scene.

She even goes one-on-one with the veteran X-Men, Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapičić).

Compared to his other incarnations, this version of Colossus is the most accurate to the comics.

With his appearance, most long-time X-Men fans will find appreciation. Joining him is the teenage recruit, Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand).

As with Gina Carano’s Angel Dust, she makes a brief appearance in the final action sequence.

As a whole, this film’s action is entertaining. Given its R-rating, it makes appropriate use of Deadpool’s swords.

Given this film’s low budget of $58 million, it doesn’t incorporate much use of guns. This isn’t a major flaw, as Deadpool’s action is well-helmed otherwise.

Unlike some other action films, Deadpool’s action sequences aren’t disorienting. This makes them easy to follow.

Where Deadpool’s action can falter is in the film’s final act. It doesn’t feel too dissimilar to most other superhero third acts. This is because it relies on spectacle rather than personal conflict.

Still, Deadpool’s final confrontation with Ajax is well-choreographed.

Due to its limited budget, some of the background visuals in this scene also look unfinished. Aside from its third act, the film’s visuals are good.

For context, Tom Holkenborg composed Deadpool's original score.

All in all, Holkenborg’s score is an afterthought. This is despite some decent moments throughout.

This film instead relies on many licensed tracks to convey its themes and tone. In this respect, it is entertaining.

Conclusion:

As a whole, director Tim Miller made an entertaining film.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool gets redemption from 2009. With it, he embraces the character’s charm to its fullest.

Ryan carries the film through his use of fourth-wall breaks and pop culture references.

Though his style of comedy may get tiring for some, it’s entertaining as a whole.

Characters such as T.J. Miller’s Weasel, for example, exist for the sole reason of comedy. Other than this, his appearance has little meaning.

This film also has some trouble with its main antagonist, Ajax. Though Ed Skrein is decent as the character, Ajax fails to have a presence.

Deadpool’s secondary antagonist, Gina Carano’s Angel Dust, is entertaining during her fight with Colossus. Aside from this, she has limited screen time.

Brianna Hildebrand’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead also has a limited appearance. Regardless, she has some entertaining moments during the finale.

Deadpool’s narrative can falter on occasion due to its implementation of flashbacks.

As a whole, they feel muddled. Despite this, they offer some good moments between Wade and Vanessa.

Deadpool's action is good (aside from a bloated final act). It focuses the camera on each one, allowing the viewer to register each sword strike and gunshot.

This film’s visuals are also good, even if they falter during the third act.

This film’s soundtrack also has some decent moments. Though Tom Holkenborg’s score is generic, the use of licensed tracks is good.

Despite some of its issues, Deadpool is sure to entertain fans looking to see the “Merc with a Mouth” in action.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 7.5/10

CGI and visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 7.1 out of 10