Artist and writer Rob Liefield and writer Fabian Niceza first created Deadpool in 1991, where he was introduced as a parody on DC Universe’s Deathstroke, Slade Wilson, as Wade Wilson.

Deadpool stays close to its comic book roots with its gory aspects mixed with a dark sense of humor that could only come with such an unorthodox protagonist. Actor Ryan Reynolds has finally found his niche in this R-rated action comedy as the mercenary turned antihero Wade Wilson.

As the first R-rated comic book movie, the film completely broke the current mold of the superhero films of today.  However, deviation from the standard hasn’t held back the box office profits so far, as it has become the most profitable R-rated movie ever.

While the plot isn’t particularly unique, most of the interest is created through exceptionally unique characters that evoke both empathy and sympathy.  The main character, Wade Wilson, is a mercenary diagnosed with terminal cancer. At the end of his rope, he decides to undergo special treatment in a desperate attempt to cure it. A side effect of the treatment was that it left him horribly scarred and with an accelerated healing factor which makes him pretty much indestructible. Deadpool, as he calls the new persona he attains, wears a suit to hide his disfigurement. The plot of the movie consists of him going on a rampage to find the man who conducted the treatment and purposely left him with the side-effects. That man, known as Ajax, is another enhanced being who was forcefully mutated just like Wilson. His mutation composed of enhanced reflexes and dulled nerve endings leading to an inability to feel pain. This not only made him a good counter to Deadpool’s unlimited regeneration, but also caused their fights to be gory due to the lack of sure-kill wounds to end them. 

After fighting for the role of Deadpool for many years, Reynolds has finally landed his dream role, and he plays Wilson with an uncanny likeness to the fictional character.  Also notable is Ed Skrein, who played Ajax, who also performed most of his own stunts.

While this movie has proven it has mainstream appeal, it is an R-rated movie and you definitely shouldn’t bring your 10-year-old brother to see it.  However, this movie is unlike anything that’s been in a movie theater in recent memory.  The excellent blend of insane acrobatic fight scenes, nonstop gore and constant quips creates a very entertaining film that is definitely a must-see.

Editor’s note: This was corrected to fix factual errors.