Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) is a PG-13 re-edit of the wildly popular Deadpool 2, tailored to a broader audience by toning down the original’s R-rated content. Directed by David Leitch and starring Ryan Reynolds as the wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero, Once Upon a Deadpool offers a unique twist on the original film with additional scenes and a framing device that pays homage to the classic The Princess Bride. This version retains the irreverent humor and action-packed sequences that fans love while making the film more accessible to younger audiences.
Plot Summary
Once Upon a Deadpool follows the same storyline as Deadpool 2, with some modifications to fit the PG-13 rating. The story centers around Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), as he grapples with personal loss and seeks to protect a young mutant named Russell (Julian Dennison) from the time-traveling soldier Cable (Josh Brolin).
The major difference in Once Upon a Deadpool lies in its new framing device: Deadpool kidnaps Fred Savage, reprising his role from The Princess Bride, and forces him to listen to the edited story of Deadpool 2 while tied up in a recreated bedroom set from the 1987 film. This addition brings a new layer of humor, as Deadpool and Savage engage in witty banter, with Savage representing the skeptical audience that Deadpool must win over.
Despite the toned-down violence and language, Once Upon a Deadpool retains much of the original film’s charm, blending action, comedy, and heart. The film also continues to explore themes of family, redemption, and self-acceptance, albeit in a more family-friendly package.
Critical Reception
Once Upon a Deadpool received mixed reviews from critics, with opinions divided on whether the PG-13 re-edit added value to the original film. Some praised the new framing device and the additional humor it brought, particularly the interactions between Deadpool and Fred Savage. These scenes were seen as a clever way to nod to the film’s younger audience while maintaining Deadpool’s signature meta-humor.
However, other critics felt that the edited version diluted the essence of what made Deadpool 2 so popular in the first place. The reduction in graphic content, while necessary for the PG-13 rating, was viewed by some as a compromise that lessened the impact of the film’s action and comedic timing. Additionally, the film’s appeal to fans of the original was questioned, as it offered little new content outside of the framing scenes.
Despite these criticisms, Once Upon a Deadpool was generally seen as a fun experiment that allowed a wider audience to experience the Deadpool universe. The film’s release during the holiday season, along with its charitable tie-in—$1 from every ticket sold was donated to the charity Fudge Cancer—also helped endear it to viewers.
Themes and Analysis
While Once Upon a Deadpool follows the same basic plot and themes as Deadpool 2, the PG-13 rating brings a different perspective to the material. The film’s themes of loss, family, and redemption are presented in a way that’s more suitable for younger audiences, though some of the emotional depth may be lost in translation due to the toned-down content.
The addition of Fred Savage as a narrative device adds an interesting layer to the film’s exploration of storytelling and audience engagement. By referencing The Princess Bride, the film plays with the idea of how stories are told and retold, and how different audiences might experience the same narrative differently based on their age or sensibilities.
Deadpool’s self-awareness and constant breaking of the fourth wall remain central to the film, allowing it to poke fun at itself, its audience, and even the superhero genre at large. This meta-commentary is a hallmark of the Deadpool franchise and is maintained in Once Upon a Deadpool, though in a slightly more restrained manner.
Where to Watch Once Upon a Deadpool Online
If you’re interested in watching Once Upon a Deadpool online, here are some streaming and rental options available in the United States:
1. Streaming Services
- Disney+: As of the latest updates, Once Upon a Deadpool is available for streaming on Disney+. Given that Disney now owns 20th Century Fox, this platform is a natural home for the Deadpool films, including this PG-13 version. Subscribers can enjoy the film as part of their Disney+ package.
- Hulu: The film is also available on Hulu, which, like Disney+, is part of the larger Disney media family. Hulu offers a diverse selection of films and TV shows, making it another convenient option for streaming Once Upon a Deadpool.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Video: Once Upon a Deadpool is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, with the option to purchase the film for about $9.99. Amazon provides flexibility in viewing, allowing you to watch on any device linked to your account.
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent or purchase the film on Google Play. Prices are comparable to other platforms, with rentals costing $3.99 and purchases starting at $9.99. It’s a convenient choice for streaming on Android devices or via YouTube.
- Apple iTunes: iTunes offers the film for rent or purchase, with rental costs at $3.99 and purchase prices around $9.99. The movie can be streamed on any Apple device, offering high-quality playback and convenience.
- Vudu: Vudu also provides rental and purchase options for Once Upon a Deadpool, with prices in line with other services. Vudu’s platform is compatible with most devices, making it a convenient choice for renting or buying the film.
Conclusion
Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) offers a family-friendly take on the beloved antihero while maintaining much of the humor and heart that made Deadpool 2 a hit. With its new framing device and PG-13 rating, the film opens up the Deadpool universe to a broader audience, making it accessible to younger viewers without losing its core identity.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Deadpool or new to the franchise, Once Upon a Deadpool provides an entertaining and more inclusive version of the story. With several streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to watch Once Upon a Deadpool online and enjoy this unique holiday offering.
