Are you burnt out on superheroes?  I certainly am.  It feels as if not a month goes by without hearing buzz about the latest Marvel team-up or sneak peaks at upcoming comic book blockbusters.  If you’re like me, Deadpool is the antidote you’ve been craving.

Ryan Reynolds has been itching to bring the “merc with a mouth” to the big screen;  even more so after his portrayal in X-Men Origins: Wolverine received scathing criticism.  After watching Tim Miller’s clever update to the character, I can see why Reynolds has such a fond attachment to Wade and his foul alter-ego.  Wade/Deadpool allows the comedic actor to demonstrate the sarcastic charm Reynolds is known for while channeling a more dramatic side to him that audiences have grown to like.  The opposites also allow the filmmaker to play with an even tonal balance as well.

Some details are left a little grey in Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese’s witty screenplay though.  Wade’s initiation to an exclusive experimental program is oddly glossed over – other than it being an easy way for Wade to earn his powers – and not enough questions are considered when Deadpool is suddenly paired with X-Men co-stars Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (played by Brianna Hildebrand).  However, the story moves so fast towards an exhilarating climactic brawl, you forget about the lack of definition until the film is done.

Wernick and Reese walk a fine line with how often Deadpool invites the audience in on its self-referencial flippancy.  The film doesn’t take itself seriously, which is a refreshing change of pace for Marvel, but the filmmakers clearly have intelligent comprehension when the film’s lead breaks the fourth wall.  The production has a lot of fun poking at Reynolds’ “pretty boy” appearance as well as roasting other properties, and the team uses its “adults only” rating splendidly to milk Deadpool’s demented energy and not shy away from natural reactions to missed gunfire and bloody accidents.

There’s so much at stake in and around the film, the audience can’t help to lean in and snicker along with Marvel.  Deadpool uses a fantastic formula to have its cake and eat it too – the film actually gets away with it.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie