Deadpool Series (2016–Present)
Deadpool was a comic book superhero created by Rob Liefeld for Marvel Comics. Liefeld has said that he got the name from the final Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry film: The Dead Pool (1988). A film was a long sought–to–be–made project by actor Ryan Reynolds and it was in 2015, with a 2016 release. Deadpool, as portrayed in the 2016 film, is a crass and sarcastic superhero born out of revenge from a experiment done on a hitman who was terminally ill. The film was a roaring success at the box office and set off a chain of R rated superhero films, some being better than others in this reviewer’s opinion. A sequel followed the 2016 Deadpool film in 2018. Below are the reviews for the hit series.
Deadpool (2016)
C – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: X–Men Origins: Deadpool, X–Men: Deadpool
Characters By: Geoff Johns, Rob Liefeld, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, Fabian Nicieza, Grant Morrison, Joe Kelly, Ed McGuinness, Frank Quitely, Joe Madureia and Shawn Martinborough.
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese and Paul Wenick
Exec. Prod.s: John J. Kelly, Stan Lee and Rhett Reese
Prod.: Ryan Reynolds
Dir.: Tim Miller
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Karan Soni, Ed Skrein, Michael Benyaer, Stefan Kapicic and Stan Lee.
A fast–talking mercenary with a morbid sense of humor is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a quest for revenge. Delightfully morbid and sarcastic superhero film? Yes please! Ryan Reynolds finally hit his stride with this one and it paid off! The first R rated superhero film of the 20 – teens started a small rash of them. This is by far the best of the bunch. No complaints here!
Trivia: Ryan Reynolds full body makeup took 8 hours to apply. Once it was on, he was not able to sit or lie down. Ryan Reynolds took his Deadpool costume without asking anyone. When 20th Century Fox found out, they just didn’t care and let him keep it. Ryan Reynolds says that Deadpool would be his last comic book superhero he’d play. This obviously left the door open for sequels or cameo appearances. While filming, Ryan Reynolds would visit sick kids in his Deadpool costume via the Make A Wish Foundation. It has been said by Ryan Reynolds that there are over 100 references throughout the film. This film was shot in 48 days.
Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld said he stole the name from the title of the final Dirty Harry film: The Dead Pool (1988). This was Tim Miller’s feature directorial debut. And finally: An example of this would be when Deadpool saws off his hand and sprays blood in Colossus’ face he says, “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.” This was the title of a Judy Blume coming of age novel where the teen girl gets her first experience with, “that delightful time of the month” (her first period).
Golden Globe nominated for: Best Picture – Musical Or Comedy and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy – Ryan Reynolds.
Followed by: Deadpool 2 (2018).
Rated: [R] – Strong Violence And Language Throughout, Sexual Content & Graphic Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy
Deadpool 2 (2018)
C – 119m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Love Machine, Daisy, DP2
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds
Exec. Prod.: Stan Lee
Dir.: David Leitch
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Karan Soni, Eddie Marsan, Rob Delaney, Bill Skarsgard, Terry Crews, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, James McAvoy (uncredited), Evan Peters (uncredited) and Tye Sheridan (uncredited).
Foul–mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (A.K.A. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time–traveling cyborg, Cable. Uproariously funny sequel to the 2016 hit film. This film was not received well by critics, except this one, but audiences liked it well enough. Ryan Reynolds and the gang are in fine form here and the jokes fly fast and furious. The story isn’t as good as the last one but there is enough of one to keep the film afloat and allow viewers their laughs at the jokes. To be fair there are some corny jokes here, that weren’t present in the first one, but they too are passible. Yes there is quite a bit of witty remarks too. If you liked the first film, you’ll likely like this film. If you didn’t like the first film, this isn’t for you. See it!
Trivia: On August 16, 2017, a stuntwoman named Joi Harris died while filming a stunt on a motorcycle. Production was stopped for two days. In one scene Deadpool refers to Cable saying, “Bring on One Eyed Willy,” which was the name of the pirate in: The Goonies (1985). The sequel was announced three days before the release of: Deadpool (2016). Brad Pitt met with director David Leitch to discuss playing Cable but he couldn’t commit due to scheduling conflicts. Dolph Lundgren, Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Sylvester Stallone, Arold Schwarzenegger, Stephen Lang, Ron Perlman, Peirce Brosnan and David Harbour were all considered to play Cable. Russell Crowe was Deadpool co–creator Rob Liefeld’s choice for Cable. Michael Shannon was reportedly considered for the role of Cable, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
Rated: [R] – Strong Violence & Language Throughout, Sexual References & Brief Drug Material
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy
