From Comics To Screen…To Screen (2016)/Deadpool (2016)

In a Marvel Studios world, Tim Miller’s Deadpool proved that something edgy and, well, not directly related to the massive MCU, could be one of the most successful films in the Superhero genre. The script for Deadpool draws a lot of its strength from its mockery of thereof.  Frequently breaking the fourth wall, Deadpool often acts as the voice of an audience who have lived through the continuing Superhero boom. More impressive, the film version of the character goes beyond just this and his rampant pop culture references. Yes, Wade has been a comedic figure for a long time in the comics, but the film takes it even further by developing an ingenious balance not often present in four color. In the film, the hero’s journey takes us through tragedy, romance and even horror. The R-rating gave the filmmakers even more freedoms in this respect, allowing all the sex and violence the audience could want. I was never a big fan of the character but, through this balance, I love this movie. Though they probably weren’t aiming to make more than an entertaining film, they did something even better; They made an important one. Deadpool has opened the doors for not only more mature Superhero films, but ones that don’t follow convention in many other respects. I can’t imagine Logan would have turned out quite the same without the success of Deadpool, and considering how big Wolverine is, that’s saying something.

From Comics To Screen…To Screen is a feature length documentary on the making of the film, the title referencing Ryan Reynolds- Deadpool’s brief, bizarre appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. There are plenty of cool stories here, but I think the most interesting parts deal with the film’s action sequences. I guess they aren’t spoilers, but I’ll avoid specifics as it is genuinely surprising where practical and computer generated effects were used. I didn’t know it before seeing the documentary, but Deadpool has some of the most realistic CG I’ve ever seen. It is wonderful that there is an extensive document of the film’s production, with quite a bit of the interviews taking place during production, but I’ll warn you of where this feature suffers a bit. Even with the title referencing the failed launch of the character, the documentary is rather forgiving to those who slowed the film’s production for years. Though they do mention the leak of the test footage that helped create buzz, the chaos around it is glazed over. Honestly, this is a bit of a shame considering how entertaining and innovative the ad campaign was (yes, you can watch a lot of that material on the disc. Awesome). Sure, Fox isn’t going to bury themselves in their own feature, but I felt like the film’s success warranted a little more blunt commentary than we get here. In fact, the normality of the doc often feels wrong, considering the subject matter. Still, if you’re a fan of the film, it is well worth your time.

From Comics To Screen…To Screen is available on both versions of the Deadpool Blu-Ray.