"Deadpool" Delivers. Period.

   Well, the first comic book movie of 2016 has arrived and boy is it a doozy. Marvel's "Deadpool" is being hailed as a "game-changer" and in many ways that sentiment is true. Let me be frank, I've only recently begun to delve into the world of comic books and graphic novels, and I really didn't know much about Deadpool going into this viewing other than the main premise of the film. I am, however, a huge fan of comic book films, both good and bad. I like seeing these iconic literary characters brought to life on the big screen, and I'm not alone in this mindset. Marvel has done a fantastic job establishing their cinematic universe, ultimately changing the fabric of comic book movie franchises. I'm excited to see what DC has in store with their own cinematic universe unfolding with next month's "Batman v. Superman". When all is said and done, "Deadpool" is here and Marvel's done it again. This movie is a freakin' fun time.

   As I said before, I'm not as versed in the comic origins of Deadpool as a lot of people are. I know the basics and that's about it. Really, all I knew--or at least all I focused on when going in to see this movie--was that this would be a different kind of comic book movie that has yet to be done. The style in the storytelling is unique and refreshing, which gives credit to the comic as a whole since it heavily paid homage to the character, style and tone of the source material. Wade Wilson is a fascinating character, because he has no filter. Forget the iteration of Wade Wilson and Deadpool from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". This is the definitive version. Judging by the reactions from my packed auditorium, "Deadpool" hits every right note. It's a complete blast from start to finish,

   Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary, is subjected to a rogue experiment after finding he has terminal cancer. The experiment leaves him physically grotesque, but also leaves him with accelerated healing powers. He adopts the alter ego of Deadpool as he hunts down the man who experimented on him and who has kidnapped his girlfriend. It's a revenge/comedy/romance/action/comic modge-podge. The typical linear storytelling is skewed as we meet Deadpool in present time and learn of his past and current intentions through flashbacks. Nicknamed "The Merc with a Mouth", Wade/Deadpool comes off with some insanely witty jokes, most of them vulgar, but all of which hilarious. The action is fluid and intense, and the fourth-wall breaking is so much fun, it's probably my favorite aspect of the movie. Taking influence from the comics where Deadpool is fully aware he's in a comic book and interacts with the reader, the movie version is no different. He interacts with the audience, fully aware he's in the movie, and even sends multiple jabs to studio heads, other franchises, and Ryan Reynold's own past comic book movies. It's a whole new style of comic book movie that is absolutely fun. Like, honestly, it's one of the most fun movies I've seen in a while.

  This film is such a breath of fresh air in a world over-populated with comic book movies. I think this movie came at the right time because it fits within the overly-stimulated world we live in. Ryan Reynolds--who, along with the rest of the world, I believe was born to play this part--has been trying to get this movie made for over ten years now, and his love for the character drips of the screen. You can just tell he's having the time of his life and as a movie fan I appreciate that tremendously. You can tell when an actor is just "phoning it in", and that's not the case here. Every cast member is putting in their all to deliver an entertaining movie, and they succeeded. I could talk about the cast individually, but ultimately no one will care because everyone will only focus on Reynolds and his Deadpool. I'll just say that there wasn't a character that I thought was unnecessary, nor un-entertaining. Deadpool is connected with the X-Men universe and it's fun to see a couple of the X-Men present in the film. But overall, the red-suited assassin will take the cake. Tip o' the hat to 'em.

   "Deadpool" will win the box office this weekend, no doubt. Much of that is owed to its ingenius marketing. "How To Be Single" and "Zoolander 2", also opening this weekend, don't stand a chance. "Zoolander 2", maybe, only because it's PG-13 and can be seen by a wider audience. Deadpool's hard R was well deserved, so be aware of that. That being said, I don't think that'll slow the masses. A petition was sent out a while back to release a PG-13 version of the film, and though most R-rated films can go overboard on their content to a degree I personally feel is above and beyond what would've been acceptable to the story, I don't think that's the case with this movie. Comic book fans be happy, for what is being hailed as one of the best comic book adaptations to date has finally arrived.