Movie Review Monday: Deadpool

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the recently released Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, and TJ Miller.

I wanted to highlight this movie as it is the first big movie of 2016 that I have seen in theaters and it is something special indeed. Focusing on the fan favorite character from Marvel Comics, Deadpool is an origin story movie to get the movie-going masses acquainted with this unique character. With a hard R rating, the movie does the character justice, showcasing his full range of violent acts, vulgar language, and all around silly fun.

What I appreciate about this movie existing, is just that really, that it exists. It took a long time to get out of development hell, and we all should be thankful it did. It shines as a unique, original movie among the current comic book superhero movie landscape. It is like you mixed the awesomely visceral action of Netflix's Daredevil series with the fun and humor of Guardians of the Galaxy, and added a little self-aware meta material for good measure. Plus, it allows Marvel (or Fox more specifically) to explore another uncharted corner of their comic book universe. Deadpool's wacky adventures can be smaller scale and exist outside (and alongside) the exploits of the X-Men or possibly The Fantastic Four (since Fox owns movie rights to both of these).

I'm really pleased that Deadpool is opening very strongly this weekend at the box office. I highly recommend any fan of the character, any fan of comic book movies, or any fan of fun to go see this movie. You will not be disappointed. While it is not a perfect movie (and hardly any are) the good stuff far outweighs the weaker spots.

Thanks for stopping by!

What I'm Geeking Out About This Week - 01/08/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week (for the first time in 2016!):

• Winter Holidays

I spent two weeks down in New Jersey and Delaware seeing friends, family, and taking in all of the local flavors and sights that I've been missing (even though I was down in October). I continually miss the area more and more since I can only visit a few times a year. I sort of took it for granted when I was there, so now every time that I go back, I try to soak it all in since life in Maine is far different than life down in New Jersey. There is more diversity, more awesome food, more cool things to do, and I can also pop down to where I grew up in Delaware to check in on everything to see what has changed and what has stayed the same. While visiting new places is nice, it is also nice to go back to your favorite spots too.

• Marvel Civil War

In anticipation of the upcoming movie, Captain America: Civil War, based on this pivotal comics crossover event, I've been trying to dig into all the nooks and crannies of this story-line, since it is one of my favorite events in Marvel Comics. There is so much interesting stuff that happens, especially everything with Spider-Man since it leads up to my favorite Spider-Man arc that I've read, One More Day. While I know the movie is going to be a pretty big departure, I just really enjoy the philosophical and moral dilemmas of this story-line. Whether it is reading the comics or seeing the adaptation on-screen, I know it will be enjoyable and entertaining.

• Deadpool

This is the first big movie of 2016 that I am excited for. It finally looks like they're doing the character some proper justice on-screen and I'm really stoked to see it. It also is going to be far different than any other comic book/superhero movie to come this year (or perhaps ever) so I'm absolutely going to see it in theaters when it comes out in February. What is usually a dumping ground for less entertaining fare at the beginning of the year, Deadpool is a bright spot for me that will get me out to the cinema (which I always enjoy doing when it is worth my time).

Thanks for stopping by!