Film Review: Once Upon A Deadpool Is A Charitable Laugh
You should know that I, literally, saw my first rated R film by age 10. I like to think that I was an old soul in my movie selections, which is why I found Once Upon A Deadpool “kiddie friendly.” It is the film I would see with my family as a kid, and pretend that I understood all the hidden “adult” jokes. Trust me! There are a lot!
Once Upon A Deadpool does not back off from Deadpool 2’s raucous, even raunchy humor for this take. What it does is that it veils it more. I call it the “The Simpsons” move; as you grow older, different jokes will be understood or caught by you, but, as a kid, all you do is watch the animation and action. The same goes for once Upon A Deadpool. Certain edits and the incorporation of Fred Savage have helped to make if feel like a film die-hard fans can bring their 11 year old to see.
If you have already seen Deadpool 2, and do not have kids, I only suggest seeing this film if you are a major fan of the franchise. The dynamics between Fred Savage and Deadpool are hilarious, and feel exactly like the web sketches/ youtube videos Ryan Reynolds did to promote the first and second film. You never grow tired of Fred Savage verbally abusing Deadpool, and Ryan Reynolds’ narration of the movie is like adding fudge to an ice cream sundae. On the basis of getting new laughs, it is worth it for fans. Who does not want to see Deadpool try to re-enact the Princess Bride? Frankly, the humorous chemistry between Fred Savage and Deadpool was so good, my only complaint about the film was that I wish there was more scenes of them together. They were only onscreen about 20-30 minutes, and, when they were not, you were waiting for them because they were the reason Once Upon A Deadpool felt new and worthy.
The scenes between Fred and Deadpool do help to cover that the film has been stripped down to be more child-oriented, but, if you are bringing your kids, they will not notice at all. Thus, to emanate the story and target their audience, Once Upon A Deadpool does a great job. Yet, part of why Deadpool 1 and 2 were so massively received is because they were R. From the minute the franchise opened, audiences gained a feeling that this movie will “dumb down” or “water” or water its wit and violence to be for all. You either love it or hate it; come for the full ride or walk home. It’s unabashed, unafraid uniqueness amongst comic films that, though great, can be formulaic has drawn its cult following. Yet, Once Upon A Deadpool will make die-hard fans thankful that is WAS NEVER PG-13; as was initially desired.
Thus, ultimately, see Once Upon A Deadpool if A) you want your younglings the franchise you love B) You cannot wait and are willing to pay ticket for 20 minutes of truly hilarious banter between Deadpool and Fred Savage C) Are looking to do some charity for Christmas. From December 12 to 24, one dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to the “Fudge Cancer” campaign started by writers Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds. So you will be doing good and having a fresh laugh if you see Once Upon A Deadpool, which comes out in theaters December 12.
