'Deadpool' review

Deadpool focuses on the fan-favourite Marvel Comics character, previously seen in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, to the audience's dismay. However, seven years later, Ryan Reynolds has finally got the chance to redeem himself and give the film portrayal of the character that both him and the audience alike have always wanted to see. So has Deadpool finally been given big screen justice with this solo film, or is it another strike for Fox?

Deadpool focuses on the origins of the character, as a love stricken mercenary, Wade Wilson, discovers he has cancer. In order to save himself for girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), Wilson joins an experimental program that promises to cure his cancer, as well as provide extraordinary abilities. However, when the program isn't as it seems and Wade is left a broken man, he hunts down Ajax (Ed Skrein), the man responsible, equipped with his new abilities and a twisted sense of humour. Deadpool successfully manages to represent the tone and comedy of the character where X-Men Origins failed, as the film enters the Comedy genre as much as it does Action. This is the representation of Deadpool that fans have been waiting for ever since X-Men Origins, and the film flaunts that, with graphic violence, crude jokes, and a self-aware protagonist.

Perhaps the strongest positive and negative of Deadpool can be found by considering how faithfully the trailer represents it. On the positive side, the jokes in the trailers, while among the film's strongest, are far from the only funny parts of the film. The film manages to maintain the same level of humour demonstrated in the trailer throughout, and if you enjoyed the trailer, you will definitely enjoy the film. However, the trailer pretty much showcases the entire story, and the film does very little to surprise the audience from there. If you have seen any trailer, or have a general knowledge of how superhero films play out, you'll probably be able to predict every plot point Deadpool can throw at you from a mile away. Rather than being the completely unique take on the superhero genre that some may have been expecting, Deadpool is rather the generic superhero film structure wearing a fresh coat of paint in the form of the fourth-wall breaking humour that the character brings to it. 

Ryan Reynolds has played his fair share of comic-book characters, but I have a feeling that in years to come he will be considered among the likes of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine as an actor born to play a comic character. Even in X-Men Origins, he managed to deliver an interesting delivery before the character was mutated beyond recognition, but in this more faithful adaptation, Reynolds truly nails the character. The supporting cast all fare well too, with T.J. Miller as Weasel being a highlight. The directing from Tim Miller is an impressive feat, especially for his directorial debut. Miller manages the balance the action beats of the film with the absurdity of the Deadpool character remarkably well in a project that could have easily crumbled under its own weight. The technical aspects of the film all stand up, considering the film was made on a fraction of the humongous budgets that most superhero blockbusters rely on.

Despite existing primarily as a standalone film, Deadpool does exist within the X-Men franchise too, with supporting character Colossus appearing once again in a larger role. Both the completely different tone of Deadpool, plus the completely different look and new actor for Colossus, make these links feel less natural than those of a Marvel Studios film, but it’s enough to satisfy fans of the franchise. Deadpool overall is a funny and faithful take on the character, and while it stumbles by adhering too closely to overused conventions of the genre, and the story feels unbalanced once it enters the climax, there is no denying that it’s an incredibly fun experience that audiences are sure to enjoy.

Deadpool  -  8 / 10

'Zoolander 2' review

Old. Lamè.

Zoolander 2 is the sequel to the 2001 comedy, arriving a hefty 15 years after the success of the original. Ben Stiller returns to direct and star as the titular Zoolander, a male model once again caught in a conspiracy knitted deep in the fashion industry, and has to save the day with best friend Hansel (Owen Wilson). Can Stiller recapture the beloved feel and humour once again, or will this sequel be the latest in a long line of comedy sequels to offer too little, too late?

Stiller and Wilson return with Penelope Cruz.

Zoolander 2 catches up with Derek and Hansel fifteen years after their first adventure, where they are thrust into a conspiracy that has pop stars over the world dying while sporting Zoolander's iconic blue steel image. While initially it's great to see these beloved characters again and see what they've been up to since the first film, the novelty quickly wears off as the plot stumbles through reused jokes from the first film and pop culture references that already feel outdated by at least two years. The film desperately tries to recapture the magic of the first with its zany story that ends up being a plot-hole ridden mess and dozens of celebrity cameos that don't have the same impact as the first. It quickly derails from charming nostalgia to desperate trainwreck. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are still good in their roles, there just isn't the effort in the writing or any original jokes left to make the characters interesting. The film even goes back on some of the character development from the previous film just to reuse the same jokes. Additionally, the majority of new elements the film adds, such as Kristen Wiig's antagonist who can barely be understood, or Zoolander's son who is mind-numbingly annoying, fail to live up.

Will Ferrell is one of the film's few highlights. 

One of the film's only highlights comes from the return of Will Ferrell's Mugatu, the villainous mastermind behind the events of the first film. His initial appearance gets the most laughs in the film by far, but soon after even Ferrell's performance is bogged down in the over the top plot. The film crashes into a third act climax that tries so desperately to match the stupid wackiness of the first that the end result is similar to Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, where the action on screen stops coming off as funny and starts reeking of desperation. Certainly, Zoolander 2 isn't devoid of all humour. But the jokes that stick come so few and far between that you'll find yourself counting down the minutes until the end credits. If you're a fan of the first, check this out when it comes to Netflix, or at the most rental. There is a whiff of nostalgia and a few laughs to be had for fans. Otherwise, you'd be better off avoiding the latest in a long line of disappointing comedy sequels.

Zoolander 2  -  3 / 10