As a huge fan of the Deadpool character and having followed Ryan Reynolds’ career since his days in “Blade: Trinity,” I can’t help but feel excited about the prospect of him delivering a satisfying team-up film with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Having grown up reading the comics, I remember the dream of seeing these two iconic characters share the screen.
Ryan Reynolds has been a beloved Hollywood actor for almost two decades. He’s cultivated an endearing public image, excelled as a marketing guru and businessman, formed valuable connections with A-list celebrities that many dream of meeting – all while being married to Blake Lively.
However, the widespread acclaim that Ryan Reynolds frequently receives often sparks debates about the caliber of his filmography. Indeed, there have been some missteps along the way. But delving into every movie he’s starred in, from “Coming Soon” (2000) to “IF” (2004), I’ve encountered scenes you wouldn’t believe! Reynolds portrayed a god suffering from amnesia and married to Melissa McCarthy while pretending to be a TV writer; I watched him play a cherished school teacher battling terminal cancer in an ABC family film; I saw him swap places with Jason Bateman after using a magic fountain; I witnessed him as an author mourning his mother’s death, played by Julia Roberts, under the watchful gaze of his abusive father, Willem Dafoe.
Instead of drifting off topic, I’d like to emphasize that even in his less impressive films, Ryan Reynolds manages to make them more enjoyable just by being there. In essence, he’s not an actor known for perfectly blending into various roles like a chameleon. However, he has shown depth throughout his career with standout performances such as in the average film “The Captive” (2014), which premiered on DirecTV. Despite this, Reynolds remains captivating even during the low points of his filmography. And at his best, he’s an adaptable improviser and a powerful force that keeps you engaged. Whether he’s gleefully beheading villains or trying to break free from a coffin buried deep underground, Reynolds is always an engaging actor, even if the reasons for his appeal aren’t always clear-cut.
As a longtime fan of the Merc with a Mouth, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Ryan Reynolds bring Deadpool to life on the big screen in various adventures. Having recently seen his latest project, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” I find myself reminiscing about my favorite Deadpool movies and sharing my personal ranking below.
13. Life (2017)
1. I can’t help but be drawn to a skillfully made B-movie with an impressive ensemble cast, and Daniel Espinosa’s Life certainly falls into this category. Admittedly, it shares some similarities with the classic film Alien (1979). However, imitation isn’t a new concept, nor will it be the last. Post the success of Deadpool (2016), screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese joined forces once more with Ryan Reynolds for this sci-fi horror flick. This film follows the crew of an interstellar space station who encounter a rapidly developing lifeform on Mars, which they nickname Calvin. The actors, including Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, and Olga Dihovichnaya, portray scientists whose research into Calvin swiftly turns into a gruesome, bloody scenario that spirals out of control.
As a longtime fan of Reynolds’ work, I’ve always been drawn to his larger-than-life persona and charismatic screen presence. But in “Life,” I was taken aback by the unexpected turn his character took. Despite Reynolds being prominently featured in the promotional materials, Rory Adams met a tragic end early on in the film.
12. The Adam Project (2022)
While everyone has varying opinions about the wide array of Netflix films in terms of quality — whether they should be played theatrically and who the target audience is — The Adam Project is one of Netflix’s better original, non-award season-centric films. Shawn Levy’s second collaboration with Ryan Reynolds, following 2021’s Free Guy, further proved the two were a great match for each other’s sensibilities, balancing humor and heart. While Free Guy has a bigger canvas to play with, The Adam Project is what sold me on Levy handling Deadpool & Wolverine.
In “The Adam Project,” I, Adam Reed (Reynolds), am a time-traveling fighter pilot from the future who lands in 2022 and meets my 12-year-old self, Walker Scobell. My past self is grieving over the loss of my father, Louis (Ruffalo), and dealing with the strained relationship with my mother, Ellie (Garner). To save my wife Laura (Saldana) from a future dictator, Maya Sorian (Keener), who was once a colleague of Louis, I embark on a journey. The connection between Reynolds and Scobell adds an entertaining buddy dynamic to this sci-fi tale. While the action is thrilling, the film’s heart lies in its sincerity. Despite my usual sarcasm and self-deprecating humor, the most moving scene is when I interact with my mother, who doesn’t realize she’s talking to her future son. The emotional depth of this film truly shines through, making it a must-watch. And trust me, have some tissues ready for that ending.
11. Detective Pikachu (2019)
The first thing you think of when you consider that famous yellow cutie that the Pokémon brand was built from probably isn’t Ryan Reynolds. His initial casting as Pikachu, for which he lent his voice and face via motion capture, was initially met with understandable confusion and a share of derision. But somehow, against all odds, it works. A gumshoe Pikachu with missing memories, teaming up with a failed Pokémon trainer, Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), and a cub reporter, Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton), to uncover a city-wide conspiracy is the kind of clever, special effects heavy take on the neo-noir that makes the film appealing for more than just Pokémon fans.
As a gamer, I’ve never been deeply immersed in the world of Pokémon, but I must admit that I found “Detective Pikachu” directed by Rob Letterman to be an intriguing blend of fantasy and mystery. Ryan Reynolds’ performance added a refreshing and soothing touch amidst a story set entirely within a complex fictional universe. Compared to other video game adaptations, this one stands out as one of the better ones. It avoids getting bogged down in intricate details, instead focusing on creating an enjoyable experience within the context of a humorous yet endearing concept. Interestingly enough, before Ryan Reynolds took on the role, Hugh Jackman was being considered by the studio to voice Pikachu – but he wasn’t quite ready to put on the yellow suit just yet.
10. Woman in Gold (2015)
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Simon Curtis’ biographical drama, “Woman in Gold,” stands out like a beacon amidst the cinematic landscape, particularly when compared to Ryan Reynolds’ usual roles. This film isn’t just a departure from the action-packed films we’re accustomed to seeing him in; it’s a breath of fresh air that breaks away from the norm.
Ever since then, the painting has evolved into a popular tourist spot and a representative emblem of Austrian heritage, a fact that its government denies, despite being built on the stolen artifacts from Jews during the Nazi era. Altmann and Schoenberg have not only challenged the Austrian administration but also brought Altmann’s case to the Supreme Court regarding what rightfully belonged to her. In the movie “Woman in Gold“, Reynolds portrays a character who serves as a foil to Mirren’s witty humor and smoldering anger about the life she lost. Interestingly, even while playing the stoic character, Reynolds demonstrates his emotional depth as Schoenberg grapples with his own Jewish heritage and recognizes Altmann’s struggle not just as a task, but as a bridge to connect him with a past and legacy he felt disconnected from. The film “Woman in Gold” is an extraordinary tale that highlights the significance of art beyond its aesthetic value; it represents identity, preservation, and keeping alive a culture on the verge of extinction.
9. Free Guy (2021)
1. Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds teamed up for the first time, producing an unexpected blockbuster hit during the summer season and recognizing original films. The story unfolds in the realm of a Massive Multiplayer Online game named Free City. Here, Reynolds plays Guy, a character devoid of player control who defies his programming to assist Millie Rusk (Jodie Comer), a game designer whose in-game persona, Molotov Girl, piques and captivates Guy’s affections. In the plot, Rusk’s code for her game creation, Life Itself, along with her collaborator Keys (Joe Kerry), was stolen by CEO Antwan Hovachelik (Taika Waititi). He intends to use this theft to construct Free City 2, which would essentially overwrite Guy – a character he believes is nothing more than a system error.
As a lifelong gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds like The Sims, Grand Theft Auto, and Fortnite, I can confidently say that Free Guy is a cinematic experience tailor-made for us gamers. The film’s fast-paced comedy may not always hit the mark, but Ryan Reynolds’ performance as an ordinary guy with a crush on a cooler video game avatar is nothing short of stellar.
8. Finder’s Fee (2001)
Have you heard that Jeff Probst, the current Survivor host, was once a filmmaker? It’s an intriguing fact I recently came across. He wrote and directed two films, with the first being about a group of friends, namely Tepper (Erik Palladino), Quigley (Ryan Reynolds), Fishman (Matthew Lillard), and Bolan (Dash Mihok). They all gather for their weekly poker night, following a unique tradition: each participant puts in a lottery ticket, and they don’t check the numbers until the game concludes.
On this specific night, as I was on my way home from a long gaming session, I stumbled upon a wallet outside my apartment building. To my surprise, it contained a lottery ticket worth a mind-blowing $6 million. Excitedly, I called the number listed inside, which belonged to Avery Phillips. He arrived shortly after and requested to stay and play a few rounds while a storm raged outside.
7. Smokin’ Aces (2006)
1. Joe Carnahan’s acclaimed action-thriller narrates a chaotic and disturbingly psychotic storyline about FBI agent pursuit of Buddy “Aces” Israel, a former magician turned gangster-informant, who is hiding in a Lake Tahoe hotel with a million-dollar bounty on his head. Agents Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds) and Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta) shield Aces, awaiting bail bondsman Jack Dupree (Ben Affleck) and attorney Rip Reed (Jason Bateman) to rescue him. However, extraction is no simple task, as a motley crew of assassins including neo-Nazi brothers Chris Pine, Kevin Durand, and Maury Sterling, a Spanish mercenary Nestor Carbonell, a Hungarian disguise-expert hitman Tommy Flanagan, and a lethal duo of contract killers Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson all converge in an attempt to capture Aces for mob boss Primo Sparazza (Joseph Ruskin).
As I dove headfirst into the pulsating world of “Smokin’ Aces,” it was clear that chaos reigned supreme, yet in a delightfully engaging way. This cinematic universe was brimming with an impressive roster of well-known faces and captivating characters. The plot was a labyrinth of surprises, shocking revelations, and untimely demises, all skillfully orchestrated around Reynolds’ resilient character, Messner.
6. Definitely, Maybe (2008)
In contrast to his more recent action-packed roles, Ryan Reynolds shone in the romantic comedies of the 2000s. This period included films like “Buying the Cow” (2002) and “The Proposal” (2009), which helped establish him as a leading man. Among these, “Definitely, Maybe” (2006), directed by Adam Brooks, stands out. It’s a unique romantic comedy with a narrative structure similar to “How I Met Your Mother,” but with fewer distractions and a more conclusive ending.
During the process of getting divorced, political consultant Will Hayes (Reynolds) shares with his daughter Maya (Breslin) the story of how he met her mother, in an attempt to help him reconnect with his wife and save their marriage. To tell this story, Will recounts the significant relationships from his past, altering the names of the women involved, leaving it up to Maya to identify which woman was her mother. As Will describes the development and impact of these relationships over a twenty-year span, he unexpectedly finds himself falling in love once more. Reynolds displays a raw vulnerability throughout this film, moving away from his usual sarcastic persona. He skillfully portrays both a loving father and a romantic who must reconcile his personal desires with the pull of his heart. The movie “Definitely, Maybe” offers an engaging journey into love and relationships that is well worth experiencing.
5. Just Friends (2005)
And on the subject of Ryan Reynolds’ rom-coms, Roger Kumble’s Just Friends (2005) is his funniest. In this Christmas-set movie, music producer Chris Brander (Reynolds) returns to his hometown for the holidays and reconnects with his teenage crush Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart), who once, very publicly, friend-zoned him. Reynolds’ acerbic humor is out in full force here, and he plays up Chris’ never-ending series of frustrations and embarrassments well. Chris struggles to win Jamie’s affection, while another former classmate, Dusty Dinkleman (Chris Klein), also vies for her heart. Chris’ plans are further complicated by the arrival of chaotic, chronically drunk pop star Samantha James (Anna Faris), who he had a previous relationship with.
1. Despite Reynolds’ excellent performance, it’s Farris who truly shines, making you laugh out loud and stealing every scene she appears in. The concept of a Samantha James spinoff seems like one of the most regrettable missed opportunities in 2000s cinema. Although the movie provides plenty of humor, it must be acknowledged that some jokes, particularly the excessive use of a homophobic slur, have not aged gracefully. Nevertheless, despite its flaws, Just Friends remains a film with a good-hearted message that isn’t shy about challenging the notion that guys feel entitled to anything from the woman they’re interested in, even when it ends happily.
4. Waiting… (2005)
1. “Rob McKittrick’s cult comedy, which humorously depicts the struggles of working in the food service industry, has gained nearly mythical status for those who have served customers. It’s a DVD that gets passed among friends. When a coworker has a tough day, it’s often referred to as a comfort. And for me, it was my introduction to Ryan Reynolds and his unique sense of humor.”
At Shenaniganz restaurant during a typical workday, the film “Waiting…” portrays the amusing chaos and mishaps. The employees deal with unrequited crushes, irritating customers, and the monotony of their jobs in various ways. Some even go as far as tampering with food (and more, as depicted in the movie). This story is about a generation that has lost their way, counting down the hours only until the next shift. After working there for four years, Dean (Justin Long) ponders accepting an assistant manager position while regretting his decision to abandon college after seeing his former classmate quickly land a job post-graduation. Alongside his colleague Monty (Reynolds), Dean introduces the new employee Mitch (John Francis Daley) to the intricacies of the service industry. Simultaneously, Monty fends off the affections of his two co-workers, Serena (Anna Farris) and Natasha (Vanessa Lengies).
As a child of the 90s and early 2000s, I can vividly recall the excitement of discovering new comedians and indie films that felt raw, authentic, and spoke to my generation’s experiences. Movies like “Waiting” with its all-star cast of David Koechner, Luis Guzman, Dane Cook, and Andy Milonakis were a refreshing departure from the polished studio comedies of the time.
3. Deadpool (2016)
In 2016, Tim Miller’s Deadpool brought a new and exhilarating feeling to theaters. For over a decade, we had been accustomed to righteous heroes with unwavering moral codes and inspiring monologues. But then came Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, who broke free from these conventions with his foul-mouthed, self-aware persona. Though it followed the typical origin story formula, Deadpool added a twist by blending Wilson’s past and present, as he pursued the man responsible for turning him into a monster, Ajax (Ed Skrein). Despite its modest budget limitations, which were even acknowledged by Deadpool himself, the film had an indie vibe to it. This was largely due to the passion project status of the production, with Reynolds having spent over a decade trying to bring this film to life.
1. In an ideal timing for superhero movies, as they expanded into bigger, grittier narratives that some viewers found hard to follow, the film Deadpool stood out. It not only rejuvenated Ryan Reynolds’s career after a string of studio flops but seemed like the culmination of his acting journey. Reynolds’s comedic timing and growth as an actor on indie projects in the early to mid-2010s were crucial in bringing Deadpool to life, with his blend of crude humor and heart perfectly executed. Although not a traditional romantic comedy, Deadpool’s relationship with Vanessa (played by Morena Baccarin) provides the emotional core of the story, making Wade Wilson’s efforts to win her back even more compelling. Just as the pineapple olive pizza that Wade orders at the beginning is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, Deadpool offers a satisfying mix of humor and emotion that truly hits the spot.
2. Deadpool 2 (2019)
There’s been ongoing discussion among audiences about whether Deadpool or Deadpool 2 is superior. Both films represent significant milestones in Ryan Reynolds’ career for various reasons, but the nod goes to Deadpool 2. Directed by David Leitch, this film delves into themes of loss and empathy. Despite its violent and gruesome nature, these themes are not contradictory; they add depth and nuance to a story about a profane anti-hero.
After the tragic murder of Vanessa, I, Deadpool, plunged into a deep, self-destructive sorrow. The challenge was, self-destruction isn’t easy when you’ve got a healing factor and can’t die. In my quest to save an abused mutant kid named Russell (Julian Dennison), I crossed paths with the time-traveling mutant, Cable (Josh Brolin), who wanted Russell dead for his future actions. Alongside Domino, a mutant with powers over luck (Zazie Beetz), I found a purpose to live again and carved out my unique legacy. Although it wasn’t the life the X-Men, represented by Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), had in mind for me, it suited my complex moral compass, comedic fourth-wall breaks, and metaknowledge. Ryan Reynolds brings a certain swagger to Deadpool 2, a confidence that shines even through the mask. After some missteps in the comic book world – Blade: Trinity (2004), Green Lantern (2011) and R.I.P.D. (2013) – Deadpool feels like Reynolds establishing a lasting career legacy.
1. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
In the third installment of Deadpool, Reynolds brings Deadpool’s long-desired team-up to life: Deadpool and Wolverine. Following his retirement from the role after Logan (2017), Hugh Jackman reappears as a new version of Wolverine, donning the iconic yellow suit. Shawn Levy’s movie gives Deadpool some creative freedom within MCU frameworks, particularly the TVA. However, most of the film takes place in the familiar worlds of the initial two Deadpool films and The Void, a multiverse disposal site presented in the Loki series on Disney+.
In the unexpectedly restrained “Deadpool & Wolverine” film, Deadpool and Wolverine have ample time to develop their violent friendship. Ryan Reynolds’ performance is full of non-stop energy and humor, shattering the fourth wall at every turn while leaving no joke untold or drop of blood unspilled. The six-year hiatus between this installment and the last seems to have fueled Reynolds with an abundance of pent-up creativity that bursts onto the screen. However, Reynolds’ most effective weapon is his ability to pause the jokes and reveal the wounded, searching soul within Wade Wilson. Both men inflict pain as a way to cope with their own hurt, and only by joining forces can they begin to heal.
Notable Mentions: Mississippi Grind (2015), The Amityville Horror (2005 remake), The Voices (2014 film), Buried (2010 release)
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2024-07-29 22:56