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!