Admittedly, I had zero desire to see Deadpool. I judged this movie by its trailer and it definitely did not appeal to me. My opinion was unchanged by the enthusiasm of my friends and the excellent box-office numbers. That said, I'm a big enough movie fan, that it is rare that I will turn down an opportunity to see a film, even if it doesn't appeal. Dan lured me with the promise of a midweek movie date night. I couldn't resist.
PLOT - Wade (Ryan Reynolds) is a mercenary, whose life is looking up when he falls in love with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Shortly after becoming engaged, Wade learns that he has incurable cancer. He finds hope, when a mysterious man gives him the opportunity to not only be cured, but to gain super powers in the process. With nothing to lose, Wade heads to a mysterious (and less than sanitary) facility to undergo treatment. Once there, he learns that the road to super powers is painful. He will be tortured in a variety of ways until the super power serum activates and then he is told, he will be treated as a slave, sold to the highest bidder. Wade manages to activate his powers and break out of the facility. He dons the moniker Deadpool and creates a red suit to disguise the disfigurement that he received at the hands of the sadistic Ajax (Ed Skrein). Hellbent on revenge, Deadpool searches for Ajax and his assistant, Angel Dust (Gina Carano).
LIKE- I underestimated Deadpool, it's a highly entertaining film. It's funny, including poking fun at the film makers, actors, and genre. Deadpool works, because it never takes itself too seriously. I liked the way that the story unfolds, quickly cutting between the past and present. It's slick. The biggest stand-out element is the narration. Fourth wall destroyed, Deadpool directly addresses the audience. Stay for the end credits, there is a nod to another famous film that breaks the fourth wall.
Ryan Reynolds...what's not to like there?
DISLIKE- The character of Wade/Deadpool has a very distinct brand of humor. It's snappy, irreverent, and off-beat. Actually, very obnoxious too, but it works with Deadpool's cocky attitude. Unfortunately, other characters have been given the same sense of humor, rather than unique voices. I think this speaks to a lack of proper character development, in favor of cliches. To be fair, at the very start of Deadpool, in the opening credits, the writer's tell us that the film is full of cliches. Still though, I think it's lazy writing. Even cliches, have their unique voices. The film is heavy with pop-culture references, many of which made me laugh, but I also wonder how Deadpool will age. I anticipate it aging poorly.
RECOMMEND- I was entertained. A majority of my friends, loved it. Some even saw it twice during opening weekend. If it appeals to you, go for it.