Deadpool

Year of Release:  2016
Director:  Tim Miller
Screenplay:  Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, based on the character created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld
Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic
Running Time:   108 minutes

This film is based on the Marvel Comics character created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, and is technically part of the X-Men franchise.  The movie tells the story of Wade Wilson (Reynolds) a wisecracking mercenary, who discovers that he has cancer.  Reluctantly he agrees to an experimental treatment which is designed to trigger mutant abilities.  The end result is that it cures his cancer and leaves him well-nigh invulnerable, but also hideously scarred and even more unbalanced than before.  Discovering the sinister purpose behind the treatment, and feeling unable to return to Vanessa (Baccarin), the woman he loves, due to his mutilated appearance, Wilson renames himself Deadpool and sets out for violent revenge.

This is a hugely entertaining film. It's fast, funny and full of violent action.  Deadpool frequently breaks the fourth wall, addressing jokes and comments directly to the audience, and being seemingly aware that he is a fictional character.  The action is stylish and violent (it is definitely one of the most violent of the Marvel Comics movies).  It's a film that is definitely made by fans for fans.  The problem that the film has is that the constant asides to the audience and overall flippant tone means that it's hard to connect to the characters.

It's funny and action packed, and comedy and action are very difficult genres to mix together successfully.  Deadpool doesn't always work, but it does more often than not.