‘Deadpool’ signals new age in comic book movies

Feb. 18, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Ryan Reynolds in a quiet moment in “Deadpool.”
Reminder Publications submitted photo.

In theaters: Deadpool

It’s remarkable to me, a guy born in the mid-1950s that there would be a time when movies based on comic books and superheroes would be some of the most commercially successful films of the era.

When I was growing up a die-hard comic book fan, essentially comic books properties were either aimed at kids or were parodies of the characters themselves.

For the last 15 years or so comic book movies have been growing in success and respectability. They’ve also become very serious.

Perhaps that’s why I enjoyed “Deadpool” so much. It is a truly subversive commentary on today’s superhero films.

Deadpool is actually mercenary Wade Wilson who thinks he is receiving a treatment for his terminal cancer only to discover his body is be forced to mutate. Whatever his super power turns out to be, a control collar will be installed and he will be sold as a slave to the highest bidder.

Only Wilson escapes his fate and discovers his power to have a body that immediately regenerates making him very difficult to kill.

The treatment disfigures him and he is out for revenge the man who made him a mutant, who also has kidnapped Wilson’s fiancée.

Writing that synopsis make “Deadpool” sound like, well, an average superhero film, but it’s not. Deadpool is a totally snarky irreverent character cracking dark jokes while slicing off the heads of bad guys.  He makes a constant stream of pop culture references and regularly breaks the fourth wall speaking directly to the audience.

This film has healthy portions of sex, violence and black humor all of which make it a movie that will not appeal to some audience members. Be warned. This is rated “R” for many reasons and this is not a film for kids.

I imagine this is now the film that every 14-year-old boy will crave to see, but probably shouldn’t.

Perhaps I have the soul of a 14-year-old boy, but this film had me from the very beginning when the hilarious opening credits started. Director Tim Miller clearly understands not only how to please action fans but make fun of their beloved genre as well – something rare.

Two of the X-Men make an appearance as well giving Deadpool stereotypical comic book heroes as foils – a great move on the part of the filmmakers.

Ryan Reynolds is perfect as Deadpool having played snarky characters in a string of comedies.  He is matched in appeal by the actress who plays his fiancée Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) and supported by his pal Weasel played by T.J. Miller. Only Ed Skrein as the villainous Ajax seemed a bit lackluster as yet another bad guy with an English accent.

With a funny script, a subversive tone and some outstanding action sequences. “Deadpool” is a must see – unless you’re a kid. Children really shouldn’t see it unless you want uncomfortable questioning during the ride home.

On Blu-ray: Freaks of Nature

Here is another film that seeks to turn the conventions of its genre on its head.

The town of Dillford is known as the place where “riblets” are made and where – without any explanation – vampires, humans and zombies live side by side in some sort of peace and order. That is until the day aliens invade the town and capture most of the population.

The fate of the town rests on an unlikely alliance between three high school students – recently turned vampire Petra (Mackenzie Davis), failed athlete Dag (Nicolas Braun) and young genius but zombie Ned (Josh Fadem).

This offbeat comedy horror film has the laughs and the chills, but mostly what it has is heart. Much of the action is driven by the relationship between the three students that touch on the social difficulties of high school and growing up.

The film has cameos from Joan Cusack, Denis Leary, Patten Oswalt, Keegan-Michael Key and Bob Odenkirk, which add some fun, but the three young leads carry the film.

If you’re a horror fan you’ll probably enjoy this off-kilter take on high school, zombies and vampires.

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