Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gory, profane, sexy superhero story great, but NOT for kids.
Parents Need to Know
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Deadpool
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 132 parent reviews
Parents say this film is not suitable for children due to its explicit content, including graphic violence, heavy use of strong language, and sexual themes, making it more appropriate for mature teens and adults. While many viewers found the humor entertaining and the overall execution commendable, there is a consensus that it does not belong in the realm of family-friendly movies.
- not suitable for kids
- explicit content
- heavy violence
- mature teens recommended
- strong language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 389 kid reviews
Kids say that while this movie is hilariously entertaining and features great comedic performances, it is filled with graphic violence, strong profanity, and explicit sexual content, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Many reviewers believe that due to its mature themes, it is best for teens aged 14 and up, although some suggest parental discretion and the option to skip certain scenes.
- inappropriate for kids
- extreme violence
- heavy swearing
- sexual content
- recommended for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DEADPOOL follows Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), who's already in costume as he tells viewers how he ended up becoming a masked vengeance seeker. Motor-mouth Wade explains that he's a former special forces soldier who used to moonlight as a private mercenary, doing things like threatening young stalkers for a living. Then he falls for Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), a former sex worker -- with a heart of gold -- who's just as wickedly funny as he is. When Wade's diagnosed with incurable metastatic cancer, he takes up a mysterious visitor's offer for a chance of survival via experimentation. Wade's sarcasm angers experimenter Ajax (Ed Skrein), who pushes the treatment into all-out torture. After escaping, Wade reinvents himself as Deadpool, with the goal of getting revenge and possibly winning back the woman he loves.
Is It Any Good?
If you thought this film might just be a smidge more violent than your standard Avengers or X-Men movie, know this: It's NOT for middle schoolers. Deadpool is full of adult language, sex/nudity and innuendo, and gore riddled with blood spatter, body parts, and gun battles. But for mature audiences who enjoy the Marvelverse, Deadpool is a fast-paced, entertaining origin story that winks enough at the genre without straying too far from the winning formula that even the credits acknowledge (starring "some idiot," "hot chick," "moody teen," "British villain," etc.).
For one thing, Reynolds was born to play this loud-mouthed, acid-tongued anti-hero with the ability to crush heads and crack up audiences in Marvel's decidedly adult action-comedy. With his action skills, athletic build, and well-honed comic timing, Reynolds was an ideal pick for the nonstop joker who breaks the fourth wall, makes lewd references to Wolverine, and wants nothing more than to regain his old life with his beloved Vanessa. Baccarin is equally well cast as Deadpool's tough, fiery, loving partner. And T.J. Miller is hilarious as Wade's only real friend, an arms dealer named Weasel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the amount of violence in Deadpool. How much is shown, and how is it different than the violence in other superhero movies? How does Deadpool's humor affect the impact of the blood and gore? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Why do you think the filmmakers decided to make Deadpool so much edgier than the typical superhero movie? Is there a risk in making this kind of movie inappropriate for younger comics fans?
How does the movie portray sex and romantic relationships? Are Wade and Vanessa in a healthy relationship? Does Vanessa's past matter to Wade? How about to audiences?
Is Wade/Deadpool a role model? How does he compare to other reluctant superheroes like Wolverine and Tony Stark?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 12, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : May 10, 2016
- Cast : Ryan Reynolds , Morena Baccarin , Gina Carano
- Director : Tim Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence and language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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