By Gerrit Goodwin/campus news editor

Marvel’s Deadpool, the first rated-R venture in the franchise, breaks away from studs in Spandex and traditional hero archetypes and explores its darker, more humorous nature. 

It’s nice to see from the beginning that the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. When the opening credits roll, they point out the overused hero clichés that will be portrayed in the movie, such as “hot chick,” “British villain” and “comic relief” instead of the typical headliners.

The plot revolves around Wade Wilson, a mercenary turned into the titular anti-hero Deadpool and his quest for vengeance. The humor stays true to its comic book roots with Ryan Reynold’s character poking fun at previous superhero installments and occasionally breaking the fourth wall to address the audience or comment on events in the film.

With more adult humor and brutality than one may be accustomed to in a Marvel movie, Deadpool is a breath of fresh air in a franchise that has thus far dealt with good-natured heroes saving the world and getting the girls.

Surprisingly, despite the nudity, crude humor and gore, the film is still engaging enough to be taken seriously at pivotal moments, blending laughter and melodrama well.

While this isn’t the superhero movie to take the kids or mom and dad to go see, it’s still a unique and entertaining addition to the Marvel universe that is worth seeing.