Once Upon a Deadpool

In a world where the boundaries of reality are pushed to absurdity, Deadpool's (Ryan Reynolds) antics take a drastic turn in the form of "Once Upon a Deadpool." A fresh spin on the 2018 film "Deadpool 2," this film is not a sequel but rather an alternate take, wrapped in a delectable package inspired by classic fairy tales. As the story begins, we see Deadpool, once again, in a world where he's become a household name, or rather, a name that people love to hate. However, he's in a bit of a pickle, having been kidnapped by a group of mercenaries led by the notorious Cable (Josh Brolin). Their plan is to force the reluctant hero to sit through a family-friendly retelling of his latest adventure, which, according to Cable, "will make children cry" and make "grown men want to pull their hair out." In a clever twist, Cable reveals that the protagonist of this "tale," Deadpool, is being "read to" by none other than himself. But not just any version of Deadpool; this one is a younger, less experienced version of the merc with a mouth. He is forced to relive the events of "Deadpool 2" through a series of flashbacks, narrated by the older, wiser Deadpool, whose irreverent banter provides the narrative voice of the story. As the story within the story unfolds, we witness the origin of the film's titular character, Wade Wilson (Deadpool), a former special forces operative turned mercenary, turned anti-hero. The narrative takes us back to a time when Wade was just another ordinary guy with a penchant for sarcasm, working as a test subject for a military experiment designed to cure cancer. The plot twists as we delve into Wade's transformation into Deadpool, and his subsequent partnership with Vanisher (Ed Skrein) and Colossus (Stefan Kapičić). Together, the unlikely trio must confront the villainous Cable, a time-traveling mutant hell-bent on killing a young mutant boy named Russell Collins (Julian Dennison). Throughout the film, Deadpool frequently interrupts the narrative voice, breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience. This adds to the playful, self-aware atmosphere, allowing viewers to engage with the story in unique and humorous ways. It's this kind of irreverence that has become a hallmark of the Deadpool franchise – poking fun at conventions and pushing the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in mainstream cinema. One of the standout aspects of "Once Upon a Deadpool" is its clever integration of fairy tale tropes, à la "The Princess Bride." Deadpool frequently interrupts the story to address the audience directly, referencing classic fairy tales and referencing the idea that "this is not a story for children." As a nod to the inspiration behind this film, the narrative employs elements of traditional fairy tales, such as the presence of "the villain" and "the hero's quest," all the while subverting expectations with Deadpool's signature brand of humor. A key plot point in the film revolves around the character of Cable, whose true intentions for kidnapping Deadpool aren't just about coercing the hero into watching a PG-13 rendition of "Deadpool 2." Cable is determined to protect the young mutant, Russell, from the villainous plans of a cybernetic organism known as the Reavers. In a heart-wrenching twist, we learn that Cable's actions stem from a desire to avert a horrific tragedy in the future and that his methods may not always be morally justifiable, but they come from a place of love and dedication to the mutant cause. Throughout this film's rendition of "Deadpool 2," we encounter a range of colorful characters, each with their own distinct personality. There's Weasel (T.J. Miller), Wade's friend and informant, who frequently provides comic relief with his off-color humor and wry observations. Then there's Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), a rebellious teenager with pyrokinetic abilities who has an undeniable chemistry with Deadpool. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Cable's backstory and his motivations for seeking redemption. His complicated relationship with Wade is woven throughout the narrative, showcasing a depth and nuance to the characters that makes their interactions all the more engaging. In a bold move, the film incorporates a few key changes, making it distinct from the original "Deadpool 2" narrative. While still maintaining its trademark wit and humor, "Once Upon a Deadpool" offers a fresh perspective on the events of the original story, making it a worthy spin-off that expands the world of Deadpool. Ultimately, "Once Upon a Deadpool" proves to be a wild, unpredictable ride, full of twists and turns that defy conventions and delight audiences. With its self-aware humor and willingness to push boundaries, this film cements the Deadpool franchise's place as a unique force in the world of cinema – unafraid to challenge and subvert expectations in equal measure. By infusing a PG-13 spin on the original story with the magic of classic fairy tales, the result is a cinematic experience that's equal parts irreverent, playful, and, above all, entertaining.