This week one thing, or in fact one man is unavoidable, the Marvel Marketing Machine is in full force and Deadpool (Mr Pool to you) is everywhere.
We alone have 4 monthly titles featuring Deadpool in the title (Deadpool, Deadpool and Cable, Deadpool Mercs for Money, Spider-man/Deadpool) as well as at least 3 toys and I'm sure that's far from all of them. This is all of course because of the Deadpool movie.
The marketing for Deadpool has been particularly well handled and the free rein given to Ryan Reynolds has been refreshing and an excellent idea, the man clearly knows and loves his Deadpool (a refreshing change to have an actor versed in the character before it comes to the screen). But is it any good? Were all the funny bits in the trailer?
We managed to catch a sneak peek last night with the staff at Cineworld (Cineworld Unlimited card holders get 10% off here in store), and here is our take as comicbook geeks.
Tom:
I was honestly worried about how they could make Deadpool work, it's a movie that would be so easy to get wrong, but they've done an amazing job. There are laugh out loud moments aplenty, gratuitous comedy violence (although I have no idea how on earth it got a 15 certificate, it's not a 15 trust me), and somehow a touching love story is in there too.
Ryan Reynolds is a perfect Wade Wilson and Deadpool, Morena Baccarin's Vanessa fits Wade wonderfully, and a lesser actress may have struggled. Ed Skrein makes for an excellent English Baddy displaying just the right amount of relish and enjoyment at his own evil nature.
I may have a couple of criticisms, but they aren't big and I was just too happy with the movie to care that much ultimately. It's the Deadpool movie you hoped they would make, enjoy.
Owen:
I agree with Tom, they have perfectly executed a Deadpool movie - It isn't going to win any awards but Reynolds provides a lesson in Deadpool execution (see what I did there?). The fourth wall is regularly broken which I enjoyed hugely and there is obvious love for the character from all involved. The film also provides a nice 'count how many in-jokes/references you can find' challenge - As long as you go in expecting a Mr Pool film you will enjoy :)