DEADPOOL (****1/2)

(2016) For years now, it's been a recurring issue that whenever I'm late in getting around to seeing a film that's become such a blockbuster that everyone but God is talking about it, the hype has been so loud for so long, ultimately the film disappoints me.  That is, until Deadpool.  Fully living up to the hype that's just as insane as the film itself, Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as the funny, foul-mouthed and excessively violent former Special Forces operative who has been put through such hell that - now resurrected as Deadpool - he is, simply, a "superhero" that just doesn't give an "F" anymore.  Determined to hunt down the bastard who put him through the vast majority of his aforementioned hell, Deadpool kills a whole mess of people ... while, in between, the story of his past personal life and backstory are flawlessly worked into the narrative.  The cast is perfect, humor often dark and hilarious, and Ryan Reynolds the best thing to come to the superhero genre in decades.  Sadly, it seems that other studios are determined to now make their superhero films R-rated, trying to copy the formula of violence and language and twisted humor that made this film such a runaway hit with fans and critics.  What a mistake, as there is only one superhero that makes it works so deliriously well ... in one of the best, most satisfying films of the year. (rated R)