Former special ops agent, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), is now a mercenary, taking cases from local residents. Wade learns he has terminal cancer, causing him to consider what is the best course of action for him and his girlfriend, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin).

Having been approached by a mysterious man about a potential cure for his cancer, Wade decides to take the man up on his offer. After a procedure that can only be described as torture, Wade finds that his cancer gone. In fact, his body now has the ability to heal itself, making him nearly invincible.

Taking on the name Deadpool, Wade is now out for revenge on Ajax (Ed Skrein), the man who turned him into the monster he now is. Ajax has his own plans for Wade and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Disney essentially owns the superhero world these days. With the juggernaut that is Marvel’s Avengers, few can compete. For Deadpool, Fox steps in with an entirely new take on Marvel superhero movies.

Ryan Reynolds has already taken one spin as “the merc with the mouth” in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Ironically, he had very little to say in that film. With his own film, Wade never stops talking. One might even think that sarcasm is one of his special abilities, given the amount of time he spends taunting his enemies. (Think Tony Stark and ramp him up a few notches.) He also likes to break the fourth wall to address the audience. From the trailers, I was afraid this would become one of those gimmicks that grows old quickly. Thankfully, it is used sparingly enough that it just adds to the humor of the film. Reynolds even manages to get in a few digs at other superhero movies, including his own.

Visually, the film is excellently done. The action is fast and intense. Each of the mutants involved (Deadpool is part of the X-Men, after all.) are given ample opportunity to show off their abilities. While it is not being shown in 3D, the cinematography is certainly suited for a 3D film, most notably the opening credits. (Speaking of the opening credits, make sure you pay attention to the names that flash across the screen.)

Most of the dialogue is relevant to the story. There isn’t too much monologuing by any of the characters. There are a few times where the actors were obviously improvising, throwing lines back and for simply for a laugh. (I’m looking at you, Ryan and T.J. Miller.) Fortunately, they don’t overuse this gag, either. While this is technically an origin story, again, much different than in X-Men Origins, director Tim Miller doesn’t waste time getting to the action. You are immediately thrown into the action with the backstory provided in flashbacks. It is cohesive enough that you can follow both the present timeline and the story of how we got to this point.

Fox’s R-rated take on superheroes is a refreshing break from the impending onslaught. Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to the upcoming movies. Deadpool is different enough to keep interest high, so we don’t get Marvel overload. With plenty of swearing and nudity, this isn’t a comic book movie for kids. And, yes, Ryan Reynolds is completely naked in the film, for those looking to convince their dates to see yet another superhero movie.