Deadpool (2016) REVIEW

Deadpool has certainly been the most anticipated film of 2016 so far and has smashed box office records, but did it deserve all of the hype? Or did we all just look forward to the novelty of a swearing superhero?

Directed by Tim Miller and starring Ryan Reynolds, rated a 15 in the UK and R in the US, Deadpool is no kid’s superhero movie. Bloody violence and X-rated jokes make this an entirely new superhero movie viewing experience. So Family Guy does Marvel maybe what you’re thinking, but you’d be wrong. The execution is perfect and still manages to captivate you and capture you in the serious story of cancer survivor, come mutant mercenary, Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool. The comedy aspect although prevalent throughout, doesn’t over shadow the main plot. Witty comebacks, creative insults and many, many instances of breaking the fourth wall makes for guaranteed belly laughs and an interesting viewing experience. Not forgetting the fast faced action and fight scenes ensuring you’re never short on adrenaline with gory violence that’s more suited to an instalment of Friday the 13^th than a Marvel movie. Finally the expertly weaved love story brings another, softer emotional aspect to this movie, making sure you don’t overload on testosterone.

Ryan Reynolds portrays the witty, charismatic and impulsive rouge that is Deadpool perfectly, a great casting decision. This movie really does deliver in giving a fresh spin on the superhero movie template that Marvel has had so much success with. Not taking itself too seriously yet still bringing the quality you expect from Marvel makes Deadpool a unique viewing experience. However this may not be a viewing experience enjoyed by all superhero fans, braking the fourth wall takes away the ability to immerse yourself within the story; much like if a pro wrestler reminded you halfway through the match that the outcome was already predetermined, the illusion is gone.

“Deadpool brings a fresh set of ideas to the superhero movie table along with a massive shot of adrenaline! Loved it!” – 4.8/5

By Johnathan Ramsay (Saturday Nights in)

Follow me on twitter @satnightsin

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Southpaw (2015) REVIEW

SPOILER ALERT: if you're yet to see the film some important plot points may be spoiled below!

Jake Gyllenhaal is pro boxer Billy Hope, undefeated light heavyweight champion of the world with a young family and all the success in the world. His wife Maureen worries for Billy's health as after each fight he seems to physically destroyed. A freak accident at a charity event between Billy and a cocky fighter gunning for his title causes his wife to be fatally shot. This event breaks Billy bringing his aggression and emotional issues to the forefront causing him to lose his title, his home and most importantly his child.

Director Antione Fuqua has really created something special in Southpaw. The film is as gritty as it comes, outlining the real issues that come with pro boxing, from match fixing, to the toll it takes on the body. Although the sporting spectacle creates an amazing atmosphere, Jake Gyllenhaal steals the show taking you on an emotional crash course with the downfall and spectacular rebirth of pro boxer Billy Hope.

Southpaw is simply a must see, it's breath taking and unique. Fuqua captures realism like no boxing film has done in the past paired with one of Gyllenhaal's best performances of his career. This film manages to drag the audience through every emotion with Billy Hope, admittedly most of the time you're trying to stop yourself from crying but this is only testament to how enthralling Gyllenhaal's performance is.

Stop what you're doing, go to the cinema and buy tickets to see Southpaw now. Simply Enthralling. 9/10!

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Ted 2 (2015) REVIEW

Saturday night out? We take a break from sitting on the sofa on a Saturday to see what Seth MacFarlane’s blockbuster talking teddy sequel has to offer.

The sequel follows everyone’s favourite foul mouthed talking teddy bear and his now lonely friend John (Mark Wahlberg). All is change in the universe of Ted with John now divorced and Ted marrying his girlfriend Tami-Lynn things seem to be looking up for Ted and not so much for his pal Johnny. Until Ted discovers that he isn’t recognised as a person by the state. Ted, John and amateur lawyer Samantha (Amanda Seyfried) go on the offensive to fight Ted’s case and prove that he is in fact human although this isn’t easy, with an old enemy looking to exploit Ted for his own gain the threesome realise that it isn’t going to be as easy as they thought.

Ted 2 brings all the laughs and humour you’ve came to love from Seth Macfarlane and replicates the excitement of the first instalment. Macfarlane’s brand of comedy really makes the film more than just another needless sequel, if you’re a fan of dirty, witty humour with an array of pop culture references then this is right up your street. This unique brand of comedy may not hit it off with everyone, I mean do you really want your grandmother seeing Mark Wahlberg covering in semen (Yes that is really a scene!)? Although Macfarlane’s brand of comedy is spot on some references may be lost of the average British viewer, faces like Tom Brady and jokes about Arizona State University seemed to hit a bum note in the Cinema but that’s bound to happen.

Upcoming star Amanda Seyfried that fellow Netflix fans will recognise from Daredevil only adds to the comedy and bounces off Mark Wahlberg creating a great atmosphere and chemistry much like Mila Kunis in the first instalment. It’s pretty easy to sum this film up, if you’re a fan of Seth Macfarlane, you’ll love it, and if not then maybe you won’t be feeling as much love but preventing belly laughs throughout will be difficult! It’s the best comedy at the big screen at the moment go and see it!

7.5/10 – Macfarlane makes lighting strike twice with the thunder buddies!

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