Deadpool impresses with constant laughter

By Jackson Weaver

Staff Writer

Comedic anti-hero film “Deadpool” impresses with constant laughter and an action-packed storyline based on Marvel’s Deadpool comic series.

“Deadpool”, directed by Tim Miller, combines qualities from both a comedy and an action-thriller into a “superhero” type film. Ryan Reynolds excels in his roles as both Wade Wilson and alter ego Deadpool and also develops strong on-screen chemistry with Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin), his fiance.

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative that works as a mercenary. After meeting the love of his life, his life drastically changes as he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Hoping to cure the cancer and live a long life with his fiance, Wilson agrees to terms with a shady individual, Ajax (Ed Skrein), to cure his cancer with a DNA mutating serum.

Subsequently, this shady deal with Ajax turns Wilson into a mutated laboratory experiment. Stuck as a lab rat, the only way to activate his “mutant” genes and survive the experiment is by undergoing vigorous torture. In this process, Wilson receives incredible results of health regeneration, super strength and agility, however, his body transforms into a monster.

The main reason this film is different from any other action-packed superhero film is because of the crude humor and the raunchiness of the characters. The film is rated R which allows both Miller and Reynolds the ability to create a non family friendly environment and have a free reign of how dirty they want the film to be. The implementation of these dirty jokes creates a humorous atmosphere which alleviates the more serious action in the film.

In addition, the comic violence in the film generates laughter which isn’t seen in any other superhero movie. Deadpool decapitates his enemies while making fun of it and creating a lighthearted mood in an otherwise gloomy subject matter. Deadpool makes killing hysterical coming up with exciting new ways to kill enemies in order to amuse himself.

Even though Deadpool continuously steals the spotlight, his fiance (Baccarin) succeeds as a profane an equally immature character and this connection exemplifies their on-screen chemistry. Their on-screen chemistry is noticed by their ability to poke fun at one another in the lighter moments of their relationship and how the mood abruptly changes when Wilson is diagnosed with terminal cancer, showing sincere emotion in darker times.

Most of the cinematography in the film is average, however, the special effect of slow motion enhances the perspective of Deadpool. Just by slowing down the picture, viewers can experience what it is like for Deadpool as he is fighting his enemies while also tracing his thoughts throughout his battles.

Deadpool’s enhanced abilities make him appear as a superhero, but his motives are not the same. Superheroes are meant to protect the innocent and take down the “bad guy”, but Deadpool can be considered to be the bad guy as well because he still acts as a mercenary killing more than he saves. Deadpool’s character is more interesting than the conventional hero because he’s a narcissist that doesn’t care about helping others in need and his unique style is entertaining.

Overall, the transition from comic to film for “Deadpool” is a success with Ryan Reynolds becoming the new face of the comic book anti hero. Alongside him, Morena Baccarin is able to emulate Reynolds’ crude humor and pair well together on screen. The sheer brutality of Deadpool killing in cold blood and his role as a comedic, unconventional hero makes the film worthwhile and unique.

“Deadpool” is rated R and is playing in theaters nationwide.