Deadpool (2016)

Quick fourth wall check: yes, this review knows it’s a review, and yes, Deadpool would want me to point that out. Strip out the jokes and you get the most standard origin story in comic book history, with a villain named Ajax whose whole personality is a dramatic coat. Luckily you can’t strip out the jokes. Ryan Reynolds talks like his mouth has its own power source, and the movie lets him roast the studio, the X-Men and his own career while henchmen go flying off a highway. Morena Baccarin is the secret weapon, matching him line for line, so the love story actually works. The fights are scrappy because the money wasn’t there, and that’s part of the charm: a reported $58 million turned into $782.8 million worldwide. A 7.8 because the voice is perfect and the plot is on autopilot. $28.96 says you hear ’Angel of the Morning’ somewhere this year and picture a frozen car crash.

What works: Ryan Reynolds’ nonstop jokes, the opening credits gag, and Morena Baccarin keeping up with him line for line.

What doesn’t: Under the jokes it’s a plain revenge origin story, and Ajax is a forgettable villain with nothing going on.

Who it’s for: Grown-ups who like their superhero movies rude, self-aware and allergic to taking anything seriously.