I watched Deadpool and I really liked it! 4/5
–
When Deadpool hit theaters in 2016, it didn’t just step into the superhero genre—it kicked the door down, flipped everyone off, and moonwalked onto the stage with an unapologetically crass grin. Directed by Tim Miller and starring Ryan Reynolds in a role he was clearly born to play, Deadpool is a riotous, fourth-wall-breaking joyride that doesn’t just poke fun at superhero tropes—it mercilessly shreds them into confetti. This R-rated spectacle is bold, brash, and undeniably entertaining, earning a solid 4 out of 5.
A Tone Unlike Any Other
What immediately sets Deadpool apart is its tone. This isn’t your typical family-friendly caped crusader film; it’s an R-rated, no-holds-barred explosion of irreverence. From the sarcastic opening credits (because who doesn’t love seeing a director referred to as “an overpaid tool”?) to Deadpool’s running meta-commentary on the ridiculousness of his own story, the film plants its flag firmly in uncharted territory.
Tim Miller embraces the chaos, giving the film a kinetic energy that pairs perfectly with its unapologetic humor. Deadpool knows exactly what it is—an over-the-top, fourth-wall-breaking parody of the superhero genre—and it never apologizes for it. The film gleefully mocks everything from Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to the low budget that limited the X-Men’s cameo appearances. (“It’s almost like the studio couldn’t afford another X-Man!”) It’s a movie that doesn’t just wink at the audience—it outright invites them into the joke.
Ryan Reynolds: The Perfect Anti-Hero
Ryan Reynolds is Deadpool. Full stop. His portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool is a masterclass in casting—so perfect that it feels like the role was genetically engineered for him. Reynolds oozes charisma and wit, delivering Deadpool’s endless one-liners and self-deprecating humor with flawless comedic timing.
But it’s not all snark and sass. Reynolds injects just enough vulnerability into Wade Wilson’s backstory to give the character emotional weight. Wade’s desperation and heartbreak after being diagnosed with terminal cancer—and his subsequent disfigurement from the experimental procedure that gives him his powers—anchor the humor in something real. It’s this balance of comedy and pathos that keeps Deadpool from feeling like a two-hour stand-up routine.
A Script That Cuts Like a Katana
The screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick is sharp as hell—both literally and figuratively. The dialogue is packed with rapid-fire quips, pop culture references, and crude jokes that (for the most part) land hilariously. Deadpool’s signature fourth-wall-breaking is a constant source of amusement, as he gleefully acknowledges the absurdity of everything happening around him.
The plot itself is simple: a revenge story wrapped in an origin story. Wade Wilson, a mercenary with a heart of (somewhat tarnished) gold, undergoes a horrific experiment that leaves him disfigured but nearly indestructible. Fueled by rage and a desire to win back his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), he sets out to destroy the man responsible.
The simplicity of the story works in the film’s favor, allowing the humor and character moments to take center stage. Sure, it’s predictable and follows the basic beats of a superhero origin film, but Deadpool openly acknowledges this familiarity, turning it into part of the joke.
Action That’s as Stylish as It Is Violent
The action in Deadpool is stylish, brutal, and ridiculously fun. Whether he’s slicing bullets in half with his katanas or delivering creative kills while bantering mid-battle, Deadpool’s combat scenes are an adrenaline rush. Tim Miller brings a video game-like aesthetic to the action sequences, leaning into the chaos with flair.
The freeway fight in the opening act, in particular, is a standout. It’s frenetic, bloody, and hilarious, perfectly encapsulating everything the movie does well. And let’s not forget the epic soundtrack that accompanies the carnage, from DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” to Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop.”
Not Without Its Flaws
For all its strengths, Deadpool isn’t without its missteps. The relentless barrage of jokes, while often hilarious, can occasionally feel overwhelming. Not every gag lands, and the sheer volume of quips sometimes undercuts the film’s more serious moments.
The supporting characters, while entertaining, are underdeveloped. Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead are fun additions, but they’re mostly there to react to Deadpool’s antics rather than have arcs of their own. Vanessa, while charming and a welcome departure from the usual damsel-in-distress trope, still feels like she’s mostly there to motivate Wade.
And then there’s the villain, Ajax (Ed Skrein). While serviceable, he’s not particularly memorable or threatening. He’s more of a plot device than a fully realized character, which makes the stakes feel a bit lower than they could have been.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for the Genre
Despite its minor flaws, Deadpool is a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre. It’s hilarious, self-aware, and unafraid to take risks. Ryan Reynolds delivers a performance for the ages, anchoring the film with his pitch-perfect portrayal of the Merc with a Mouth.
Sure, it’s crude, violent, and occasionally juvenile—but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Deadpool isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s trying to blow it up, dance in the wreckage, and then crack a joke about how ridiculous the wheel was in the first place.
For fans of the character, it’s everything they could have hoped for. For the superhero genre as a whole, it’s proof that taking risks can pay off. Deadpool is a wild, hilarious ride that earns its place as one of the most unique superhero films of all time.