‘Deadpool’ proves it’s not a typical Marvel film

By Ryan, February 25, 2016

By Meg Thomson // Staff Writer

If you are looking for a traditional action movie, “Deadpool” is most definitely not it – it is better. The film, starring heartthrob Ryan Reynolds, centers on an antihero, Deadpool, that is the main character of comic books published by the fictional Marvel World.
Although this isn’t a traditional Marvel film by any means, it still stands that when it comes to Marvel films, I am not usually a fan. For some reason, the action, superhero drama genre never appealed to me, even when the Avengers characters joined forces into one. However, this is anything but your typical action film, even from its origin story.
Reynolds and producers were anxiously pushing to get this film made and the studios were not buying it. They couldn’t see an audience for a film with such an outspoken anti-hero. The process of getting this film produced started all the way back in 2000. After being put on the back burner by several studios, “Deadpool” test footage was leaked online in 2012. Upon watching it, fans went bezerk and demanded that the film be put into production immediately. Fan hype prompted Fox studios to give “Deadpool” a release date of Feb. 12. Reynolds, in fact, attributed Fox’s greenlighting of the film for production to the test footage leak.
With its captivating origin story and all of the hype surrounding Ryan Reynolds as its star, I decided to check “Deadpool” out.
If I’m honest, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while watching an action movie. The comedy in this film is witty, on-point and frankly unpredictable. It is unlike any other Marvel film. Reynolds’ comedic timing is outstanding, taking audience members by surprise and inducing ab-sculpting laughs every time. You’ll find yourself leaving the theater with a Ryan Reynolds worthy six-pack. The laughs begin through the writers, providing comedic relief throughout the opening credits and will not stop until the screen fades to black.
“Deadpool” does share basic similarities with other Marvel films. The movie is chock-full of action, with stunts surprising and impressing you left and right. An interesting twist, however, is the centrality of a love story. Wade Wilson, known in his mask as the vigilante Deadpool, creates his mission of getting back his charming good looks, and in turn, the love of his life.
It’s clear other movie-goers thought so too: at the time of this publication going to print, “Deadpool” has grossed $196.6 million in North America and a worldwide opening of $264.9 million. The opening is the biggest of 2016 thus far and the second biggest for Fox, second only to “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”
Although a recent release, “Deadpool” feels like one of those films that will be quoted for decades. Even if you only see the film once through, there are one-liners that will stand out in your brain and beg to be recited at various occasions when you’re conversing later on. There are heart-wrenching moments as well as painfully realistic action and gore. There is something in this film for everyone, while keeping in mind that it is rated R for a reason.
While I am not a fan of “slasher” films or extreme amounts of gore, I was comfortable and entertained throughout the entire film. If you have the slightest inclination or temptation to see this film, I say give it a chance. Worst case scenario, you spent a few hours staring at Ryan Reynolds, which hardly seems like a waste to me.