My biggest complaint with the Deadpool “superhero” movies is that they should never be viewed by children, even though kids are the ones who probably most want to see the films and would most appreciate the irreverent and juvenile humor they contain. It’s a paradox worthy of a comic book super-villain.
To allegedly address this issue, 20th Century Fox has re-released Deadpool 2 as a tamer, less offensive movie … but not really. With Once Upon a Deadpool they’ve added a new intro and narrative that has the naughty mutant reading the children’s version of the story to a kidnapped Fred Savage, and it is funny, but still not for kids.
You can read my review of the original film here:
You’ve been warned, this movie is every bit as offensive as it originally was.
If you are a fan, then you probably already own this movie on video, and you are likely to go see it in the theaters again to enjoy the new material – which is very funny. There is no getting around that fact, even if laughing at it is a guilty pleasure.
But let’s call this re-release what it is, a blatant attempt to milk more money out of fans and probably trick some gullible parents into bringing their kids to see something they shouldn’t. You’ve been warned, this movie is every bit as offensive as it originally was.
In the end, this re-release/money grab is ironically the type of thing that the Deadpool movies parody. Oh sure, it’s fun; but sitting through it again – especially during the holidays – made me feel even more guilty than the first time.
And if there is one thing that Deadpool 2 taught me, it is that we should do something better for kids in need. So, consider donating your movie ticket money to a local children’s charity; Kids Need to Read is a great one! You’ll feel much better about yourself!
And speaking of feeling better, if you do go to see Once Upon a Deadpool, make sure you stay though all of the credits and post-credit scenes for a touching tribute to the late, great Stan Lee (who had very little to do with Deadpool, but it’s still a nice tribute.)
