It’s just a few short weeks until Deadpool releases on February 12, and as a way to prepare moviegoers, we’ve decided to offer a primer on the Merc with a Mouth for those uninitiated in his fourth wall shattering antics.
With Great Power comes Great Irresponsibility
Deadpool, AKA Wade Wilson, is a mutant much like the members of the X Men and their foes. As likely to assist either side of that battle a he is to light a donut shop on fire and make a joke about smoked pork, Deadpool’s mutant power is the ability to regenerate no matter what media he is be it comic or movie. However with a great number of writers, comes a great amount of confusion. The extent, variety, and even source of Deadpool’s powers has changed repeatably over his long career of incredible violence. In some sources his regeneration goes far beyond the “normal” amount seen in fellow mutants Wolverine and Sabertooth. Deadpool has casually laughed off decapitation, immolation, and auto-erotic asphyxiation.
He is also a master of nearly all imaginable forms of weaponry (including katanas, pistols, rocket launchers, and spoons). In more recent years he has been known to use teleportation devices to enhance his ability to now literally show up out of nowhere and cause chaos. Perhaps his greatest power of all, however, is that he is the only one in the universe with the knowledge that he is a fictional character. He’s used this knowledge to his benefit on many occasions, such as ripping through the pages of his comic book to warn his past self on impending danger.
One Ugly Mother . . .
But beyond the swords and the healing and the guns and the teleportation and the other guns and the breaking the fourth wall and – oh wait, yes that’s right, even more guns, who is Deadpool? Well the man behind the mask is at heart a really clever guy who chooses to laugh at a crappy world rather than cry about it. This sarcastic and jokey fellow, with an admittedly dark sense of humor, is then subjected to experiments that, depending on the source, either granted or enhanced his powers. As a side effect his face and body were disfigured, and he went completely balls-to-the-wall insane. This gives us the Deadpool we all know and love. Quick to make a joke, ignorant or uncaring of the consequences of his actions, lusting after all things violent, and crazy enough to have at least two voice going on his head at all times.
There’s a Reason It’s Called a Punch Line
So going into the movie theatre, what do you need to remember about Deadpool? While knowledge of his powers and personality is nice, what you need to be prepared for are the jokes. Deadpool has lot of long running gags, so knowing these might help you catch a few you would’ve missed.
- Breaking the 4th Wall – Deadpool is going to break the 4th wall. It’s what he does. Be ready for when it happens. Probably more than once.
- Chimichanga – It’s unsure if he just likes the word or actually loves the food, but he loves referencing it.
- Taco Bell – At times Deadpool’s motivation to save the world has been very closely linked with saving these restaurants.
- Spiderman – Due to similar costumes, the two are often confused for one another.
- The Other Deadpool – There has already been a movie with Ryan Reynolds playing Deadpool in it that took some . . . liberties with the character. It was not well received.
- Green Lantern – Similar to the last, Ryan Reynold has also played Green Lantern before. Again, the movie was rather unpopular.
Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-That’s All Folks
So, whether you’re used to Deadpool’s antics already or this movie is your introduction to his particular flavor of madness, this film will not disappoint. There has already been a surprise showing to fans, and it has been met with rave reviews. Its sure to be a raunchy, R-rated, blood bath of moral greyness and inappropriate quips between gunfire, but if you ever feel lost just remember:
When it comes to Deadpool, expect the unexpected, embrace the insanity, and chimi the changa.
