‘Deadpool’: The Perfect Formula

The Merc With a Mouth made his way to the silver screen this weekend and boy does he leave his mark. Ever since the leaked CGI concept clip last year, fans of the potty-mouthed lovable devil had been jumping up and down with anticipation like excited little chimichanga-eating Deadpools to see what Fox would whip up and whether or not they should be standing at the ready with torches and pitchforks (I would make sure there would be a steady supply ready).

Fox finally learned their lesson.

‘Deadpool’ follows everyone’s favorite Merc With A Mouth in an origin story that’s like no other. Ex-Spec Ops officer turned mercenary Wade Wilson goes through with a sketchy experiment after finding out he was the breeding ground to many types of cancers. The result is a guy with healing powers (and a face akin to avocado intercourse) and a vendetta against the guy that did this to him. Flavor this up with twisted humor, the breaking of many fourth walls, meta-commentary, and a face that only a blind mother can love and you have a recipe for arguably the best scripted Marvel movie to date. With all of the annoying rights battles and who-has-which-character nonsense, it was good to see a film and a character that honestly doesn’t give a darn and knows what to do to make something lasts and truly matters.

I know I’ve said ‘Deadpool’ was great but I need to explain why exactly it is that I hold this movie in high regard. First off, the marketing. Good gosh the marketing! A lot of films, particularly franchise films, tend to overload every orifice of society with their random thingy things (‘Star Wars’ eyeliner anyone?) and people can’t help but roll their eyes with annoyance. ‘Deadpool’ decided to go in the most unexpected directions and it paid off. Testicular cancer commercials, spoof Valentine’s Day marketing, and being honest about it’s heart all made for a great experience that led into an even greater time in the theater. Second off, man what a show. Deadpool is, by default, an apologetically complex character that very well has a twisted mind of his own. There are no ideals, no morals, no real overarching goal benchmarks that holds him down. Deadpool is, and will always be until the world runs out of chimichangas, Deadpool. ‘Deadpool’ goes to show that people will respect honesty and transparency.

Every now and again I come across a film that is difficult to find fault with. When I do, it’s not that I find said films to be absolute perfect masterpieces that should be handed down in human history and be held high forever as a gold standard, it’s that the film fulfilled it’s purpose and manages to hit a point that many films often miss the mark on. This may come as a surprise but ‘Deadpool’, as crass and as vulgar as one may find it, managed to be full of heart without being gratuitous. Hear me out. ‘Deadpool’ is rated R for a reason. Nudity, vulgar language and excessive violence are very prominent through the film but at no point did it ever feel like too much. Some may argue that’s due to the degeneration of my generation but I honestly believe it’s because Fox did such a good job of making everything about and revolve around the characters rather than just showing content for content’s sake. It all just fit in it’s rightful place and at no point did it feel excessive because everything was done to either further the plot or deepen the narrative. I respect that a lot. The crudeness may end up being a bit of a wall for audiences that aren’t accepting of that sort of thing or may not be familiar with the entity that is Deadpool, but ultimately Fox packaged this in a way that makes it a hilariously memorable experience that audiences of all ages (above 18!) can go to and enjoy with ease.

All in all, ‘Deadpool’ is one of the most perfect ways to kick off 2016. This bold gamble wins the respect of many audiences that once thought that the magic of Marvel was selfishly kept for the kiddies and nerds. May this film live down in infamy and it may it be an example of brilliant storytelling of the unconventional. In the words of Betty White, “I give this film 4 Golden Girls”.