So, superheroes. They're a thing again. Or still. Either way, it's not news.
What is news? Ryan Reynolds makes an excellent superhero. That is, if you like your superheroes Deadpool-style. For those of you rediscovering superheroes – or falling in love for the first time — Deadpool is probably your guy.
The movie itself has nothing remarkable, save the writing and the acting and the structure, which are all superb. Really, it's a couple of hours with great writing and storyboarding and Ryan Reynolds doing what he does best in front of the camera.
Reynolds does it really, really well, and if you're a fan, you will love this movie. If you're not a fan? Well, eh, perhaps you should stick with the comic book hero.
Deadpool pokes at our traditional ideas of superheroes… but does it really? "He's a sociopath," one friend says, and I'm quick to respond that aren't all superheroes sociopaths? So, OK, Ryan Reynolds's Deadpool is a no George Reeves's Superman (honestly, Deadpool's kind of a dick) but he does have some amazing powers.
But back to the film: From the opening credits to the somewhat-predictable ending (even when the superhero doesn't get the girl, he sort of does), this movie sucked me in more than I expected. Deadpool's a funny guy, you know? Also promising: Deadpool goes easy on the CG effects (although they're there, have no fear), making it more of a film than a narcissistic adventure into a studio's Adobe skills.
Why did it grab my attention? Well, let's go back to that story structure. It's a tried-and-true story arc, but in plenty of films that isn't nearly enough. This is one of those rare funny films where the entire production team takes the comedy seriously enough that you want to keep watching. And, while the ending is predictable, it's not so predictable that it disappoints.
Reynolds, for his part, isn't so Reynolds that he doesn't tug at your heart, either. The relationship between Deadpool (Reynolds) and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) smacks more of real-life (well, in parts) than it does Marvel Universe, which makes Deadpool's cancer diagnosis more poignant.
Go see Deadpool this weekend. I mean, ladies, come on: Reynolds has clearly signed some sort of deal with the devil to get that body, and that suit doesn't leave much to the imagination.
Which is totally OK, you know? I'm up for objectifying Reynolds as much as the next gal, but it's nice to note the movie stands on its own merits.
This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2016.