Deadpool (2016)

Fox really pooped the pool seven years back with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This was of course after they pooped the hot tub three years prior with X-Men: The Last Stand. Yeah, those were bad and stinky times. When all hope seemed lost, 2011 rolls around, and they instantly redeemed themselves with X-Men: First Class, a superb superhero film in every respect. Then 2013 rolls around and we got The Wolverine, not the greatest superhero film by any means, but still a good one. Then 2014 rolls around, and we got X-Men: Days of Future Past, and there was much rejoicing. However, something…or should I say someone was missing to complete this turnaround. Who could it be? Perhaps it was that character in Origins Wolverine they totally butchered? Perhaps it was the merc with a mouth, or the merc without a mouth (am I right?). Nah, they totally did him justice then, right…right? Yeah, I’ll leave someone else to try and defend that “portrayal” of “Deadpool.”

The film follows Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a wise-ass former Special Forces op who undergoes a secretive medical procedure to treat his terminal cancer. The result: A wise-ass anti-hero with regenerative abilities, with a face that looks like the inside of a butthole. Yeah, he was pretty pissed about the face.

So, how did Fox do this time? Well, there’s a merc, and he does have a mouth, so thumbs up to them in lieu of another middle finger. In fact, give them two thumbs up because this film is awesome, sixteen walls and all. It’s funny, clever, action packed, and romantic? Yes geeks, it is the kind of film you can take your girlfriend to see in case you’re wondering. And if you and your significant other are both geeks, then many envy you.

As for the R-rating, do they take advantage of it? Indeed they do. Having previously demonstrated how suited (no pun intended…or was it?) he was for the role, Reynolds absolutely kills it every moment he’s on screen. Like him or hate him, he IS Deadpool. The supporting cast is quite impressive too. Morena Baccarin makes for one of the more unique Marvel love interests as Vanessa, Wilson’s girlfriend. It’s clear early on that these two have chemistry, bizarre chemistry might I add. TJ Miller kills it as Weasel, the comic relief, and the best kind of comic relief. The film’s villain Ajax (Ed Skerin) isn’t particularly memorable, but his banter with Wilson sure as hell is. Gina Carano once again flexes her muscle as Angel Dust, Ajax’s strong arm so to speak. They also were also able to spare two mutants so the film could conveniently be tied into the larger X-Men cinematic universe. Oh, Fox, you’re so thoughtful.

Overall, it’s a hot load...of fun! Fox has finally righted their biggest wrong. If X-Men: Apocalypse is as stellar as Deadpool, Fox just might trump Disney’s MCU and Warner Brothers' DCU in the 2016 superhero race. Wade Wilson for president!

Is Her the Best Romance Film of All Time?

Considering Valentine’s Day is coming up, I figured I’d touch upon a few romance films on my blog this week, with the 2013 Spike Jonze directed film Her being the first. Personally, I’m not really a fan of romance films. It’s not because I’m a heartless jerk or a guy who just can’t “appreciate” them, it has more to do with my own romantic experiences (and lack thereof) and my general beliefs regarding love. Love is complex, and because of that, it’s a momentous challenge to depict on the big screen. Most mainstream and Hollywood romance films tend to be formulaic, over reliant on tropes, and pure escapism. Since film is essentially make believe, there’s nothing wrong with liking those types of romance films for escapist reasons, but it’s important to remember that those types of romance films will never appeal to everyone. Why? Well, as I previously stated, love is complex and more importantly, experiences and beliefs in regards to love differ. Those of us who have never been in love, or who have been in love and/or felt a strong, personal connection with another only to get hurt in return are going to have a hard time relating to the typical mainstream romance film. Love isn’t all sunshine and flowers; people get hurt and many struggle to connect with others on a deep and intimate level. It’s rare when a romance film like Her comes along and depicts love and the desire for connection with such brutal honesty.

Set in future Los Angeles, the film follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a depressed and lonely man. He works as a professional writer, composing profound and thoughtful letters for people who are unable to compose similar letters themselves. After the purchase of an advanced operating system with advanced AI that Theodore names Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), the two develop a deep relationship.

Her is a unique mix of romance, comedy, drama, and science fiction with an undeniably original premise and is gorgeous on visual terms. It’s also the best film of recent memory to depict loneliness and the desperation that comes with it thanks to a strong script written by Spike Jonze, who also directed. His Academy Award win for Best Original Screenplay was well deserved too. Joaquin Phoenix gives perhaps the best performance of his career as Theodore, a character any lonely or heartbroken person can relate to. He’s the sensitive, romantic type who experienced a failed relationship with his sweetheart Catherine (Rooney Mara). The flashback structure employed to show how their relationship failed is both creative and effective. Do we ever truly forget the moments, both good and bad that we experienced with a person we felt a genuine connection with? Although Theodore’s subsequent relationship with Samantha is appealing on both visual and emotional terms, there’s still an underlying feeling of doubt present as their relationship progresses and grows. It asks one of the most intelligent questions a romance film has ever asked: Is deep, emotional companionship with advanced AI a suitable replacement for human companionship?

In addition to Samantha, Theodore is also close with Amy (Amy Adams), a girl he once dated and remained friends with. Amy serves as a female equivalent to Theodore in a way because she experiences a failed relationship of her own and bonds with an operating system to cope, showing how loneliness and the need to be wanted affects both sexes. Chris Pratt also has a strong supporting role as Paul, a co-worker of Theodore’s who admires Theodore’s sensitive side and a character who embodies the potential future acceptance of human and AI relationships. Theodore’s moment of vulnerability with Samantha after a failed blind date is hauntingly profound and emotional. It’s one that really touches upon the human condition and again it asks the question mentioned in the previous paragraph.

So, is Her the best romance film of all time? Well, how you like the film is largely dependent on how you view Theodore, the film’s protagonist. Is he a lonely, sensitive romantic, or just a lonely creep? How you view him will be mainly dependent on your past experiences and if you can accept the admittedly bizarre premise of a man falling in love with an operating system. To me personally, Her is the best romance film of all time because of how smart, emotional, and brutally honest it is. Its depiction of loneliness and the struggle to connect are hauntingly accurate, and it raises some troubling questions about the human condition and the advancement of AI. However, that final image before the end credits suggests that there might be hope for us yet.