Deadpool

Image: www.foxmovies.com 

In Deadpool, an anti-hero fronts an apparent antidote to the current swathe of similar comic book films. When the costumed titular character (Ryan Reynolds, Mississippi Grind) cracks wise, he’s not just channelling the usual humour of other Marvel fare; he’s endeavouring to call out their flaws and fashion an irreverent alternative.

While laughs result so too does an appreciation for recognising the genre’s conformity with such a cheeky demeanor, as well as darker content, but still light in tone, excursion into the world of those with enhanced abilities. The end result doesn’t stray far from the superhero flock. The feature attempts to establish itself as the sarcastic, self-aware substitute to the increasingly grim and always earnest X-Men franchise, but just as the enjoyable Guardians of the Galaxy stuck with the usual beats when it gave The Avengers a goofier counterpart, it too adheres to the usual formula in the process. 

Of course, repurposing well-worn elements into an overtly mocking addition to the superhero canon still makes for an entertaining viewing experience. Whether it is filling its opening credits with listings such as “God’s perfect idiot”, “a hot chick” and “a CGI character”, making fun of Reynolds’ Green Lantern-starring past, referencing the fact that its crossover characters are of the lesser known — and less expensive — kind, or interrupting its fourth-wall-breaking narration with fourth-wall-breaking narrated flashbacks, the movie doesn’t lack in personality. Other than its blatant commitment to a joking vibe and accompanying willingness to plaster more sex and carnage across the screen than the bulk of its all-ages-courting brethren, however, it doesn’t traverse new territory.

Indeed, it’s business as usual narrative-wise, complete with a titular protagonist seeking revenge on the party that caused his current state while also dealing with the complications of his love life. Better known as Wade Wilson when he’s not wearing his distinctive red-and-black outfit, and previously a mercenary for hire, Deadpool boasts extreme fighting and healing powers as well as an unattractive skin condition under his mask. Both are the result of the shadowy Ajax (Ed Skrein, The Transporter Refueled), who tried to cure an illness by forcing Wilson’s body to mutate. Unable to face prostitute turned long-term paramour Vanessa (Morena Baccarin, Spy) in his current condition, he leaves her believing he has succumbed to his sickness, and turns his focus to wreaking havoc on his creator.

Visual effects artist turned first-time director Tim Miller (shorts Rockfish and Aunt Luisa) and writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) may start Deadpool’s first headlining feature appearance by plunging into the thick of action — and into a tumbling car, as seen in slow motion, in fact — however they don’t eschew the usual background antics. Their stylised, snarkily-voiced opening scene acts as a feint, seeming to toy with the typical comic book structure until it needs to shoehorn in the standard tropes; it also proves a weathervane, indicative of bloody flair, juvenile humour and pop culture references being used to patch over the familiar. From there, expect more of the same ostensible flouting of the formula while actually adhering to it, as well as aesthetic choices and impudent gags employed as a distraction. Here, packaging is key; Deadpool is more invested in appearing different than actually doing much differently, with its mood of vulgar, violent tomfoolery its strongest weapon. 

Thankfully, continuing his casting from 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine — aka Wilson’s introduction into this sliver of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Reynolds is well equipped to wade through a recognisable tale and make it feel like more than another spin around the superhero block. His fast-talking, playful performance as the aggressively obnoxious lead character is as effective as Miller’s penchant for frenetically flitting from one scene of chaos to the next, though both suffer from the intermittent success rate of the one-liner-heavy material. Neither its star nor its approach makes the movie the part-parody, part-rebellion it wants to be, but the former oozes uncouth charisma and consistently outshines the non-descript work of his co-stars, while the latter remains energetic and commands attention. Ultimately, what Deadpool does best is lay the groundwork for future instalments — and if whatever comes next can harness the winking amusement and wry take on caped crusaders without having to tick the customary boxes, it will make the current film’s origin story dressed up as something more inventive and anarchic worthwhile.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Deadpool