Movie Review

Deadpool turns superheroics into awesomely profane free-for-all

When it comes to offensive material in movies, the line keeps getting pushed further and further out. Gross-out gags, profanity for profanity’s sake, and ultra-violence are the norm in certain genres, but the majority of the time those elements only seem to be there to cover up storytelling or filmmaking deficiencies.

Not so in Deadpool, which manages to maintain its wit and charm despite being offensive as hell. Ryan Reynolds stars as the titular anti-superhero — real name: Wade Wilson — a mercenary who’s subjected to a torturous experiment that allows him to develop supernatural healing powers, at the expense of having his entire body look like melted cheese.

The film, helmed by first-time feature director Tim Miller, jumps back and forth in time. It trails Deadpool as he tries to hunt Ajax (Ed Skrein), who inflicted much of the pain on him, while also showing earlier, happier times with girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Bridging both worlds is a friendship with Weasel (T.J. Miller), the bartender at the bar full of rogues which Wade/Deadpool frequents.

What is a constant throughout, though, is a stream of never-ending jokes. It starts in the title sequence, which eschews actual names for insults for everybody from Miller to Reynolds, and Wade/Deadpool carries it on, as his sense of humor and mouth have no off buttons. Not all the jokes land, but the vast majority of them do, leaving the audience bludgeoned by an avalanche of comedy.

That theme transfers over to the film’s multiple violent scenes. What Miller and his team, which includes the writers of Zombieland, understand is how to keep the balance between being too inane and too serious. It could be that Deadpool cracks wise even while carrying out his dastardly deeds, or that the bloodshed is gratuitous without being off-putting. But somehow the filmmakers found a way to appeal to a broad audience without treating us like we’re idiots.

They also provide a ton of fan service, referencing both real and movie world events. Deadpool is related to the X-Men universe, with two characters — Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead — making appearances here. Jokes made at the expense of Deadpool’s ill-fated appearance in a previous X-Men film and of Reynolds’ own checkered superhero past are among the funniest in the whole movie.

The biggest reason for the film’s success is the inherent charisma of Reynolds — his good looks don't even figure into the equation. He utilizes multiple funny approaches, including “breaking the fourth wall” (i.e., talking directly to the audience), making it next to impossible to be disgusted by anything he does, even when he does distasteful things. It was Reynolds’ passion for the project that led to its finally seeing the light of day, and he appears to be relishing every second of it.

After a month and a half of stinkers, Deadpool is finally the first movie of 2016 worth paying money to see in the theaters. It’s an equal-opportunity offender, and it’s completely awesome.

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Ryan Reynolds is a wise-cracking anti-superhero in Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool

Photo by Joe Lederer

Ryan Reynolds is a wise-cracking anti-superhero in Deadpool.

LIGHTS FANTASTIC

The ultimate guide to San Antonio Christmas lights in 2025

The Light Park

The Light Park/ Facebook

Drive through The Light Park on the Southwest Side or Selma.

Lighting up your home for the holidays is one thing. Lighting up an entire park, ranch, or town square is another. From synchronized Christmas light shows to giant glowing Santas and gingerbread men, San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country are packed with places to see holiday lights in 2025. Here's our guide to where to ooh and aah all season.

Coca-Cola Classic Christmas
Toyota Field, the home of San Antonio FC soccer, has been transformed into a sprawling holiday scene with immersive Christmas light trails, ski dancing, snow slides, ice skating, crafts, and festive music and refreshments. Holiday revelers are encouraged to reserve a time to visit the venue. Tickets range $21-$37.
5186 David Edwards Dr.

The Jones Christmas Ranch
The Jones family's light display became a viral sensation when it appeared on the ABC show The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2019. Since then, the family bought a 32-acre former private school property and turned it into a massive drive-through extravaganza. The ranch now features four million-plus holiday lights. It is open from 6–10 pm, Sundays-Thursday, and 6–11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, through December 20. The compound will also be open from 6 pm-midnight, December 21 and 22, and 6–9 pm December 24 and 25. Admission: $35 weekdays, $40 Friday/Saturday per vehicle, $75 season pass.
43360 I-10 W., Boerne

Leon Valley
The lawns between the Leon Valley Public Library, the city's conference and community center, and Poppy's Coffee House are transformed at night into a glowing holiday landscape, complete with an illuminated tunnel walkway, a Christmas tree, and photo opportunities. Admission is free and open to the public.
6427 Evers Rd.

Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas will return to San Antonio in November. Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas

Lights Alive
Head out to Alamo Ranch to stroll a mile-long trail of synchronized Christmas lights that winds up in a winter wonderland. Locals can enjoy a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree light show, illuminated, singing dinosaur displays, refreshments, holiday shopping, ornament-making, a kids' play area, escape rooms, and photos with Santa. Gates open 6 pm daily; Lights Alive continues through January 3. Admission starts at $36.95.
5931 Roft Rd.

The Light Park
There are two local Light Park drive-thru Christmas venues – the Retama Park parking lot in Selma and the parking lot of Wolff Stadium. Each offers a festive experience with a DJ and seasonal drinks and snacks. Gates are open 5:30–10 pm, Sundays-Thursdays; and 5:30-11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays. Vehicle admission starts at $39.99.
1 Retama Pkwy., Selma, and 5757 U.S. Hwy. 90 W., San Antonio

Museum Reach River of Lights
The Museum Reach stretch of the River Walk becomes a glowing waterway with illuminated wreaths on light poles, Christmas lights in trees, and animated light displays. Stroll to the Brooklyn Avenue river lock and dam to find a brilliant Christmas tree synchronized to favorite carols. Don't miss the December 13 celebration, featuring 100,000 pounds of snow, free photos with Santa, slides, musical performances, food trucks, and local vendors.
550 Brooklyn Ave.

Museum Reach holiday lights The Christmas tree at Museum Reach is synchronized with holiday carols.Photo courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority.

Old West Christmas Light Fest
Enchanted Springs Ranch near Boerne is turned into a shiny, sparkling Old West town, where guests can enjoy a musical light show, ride mechanical bulls, grab some grub, and even greet Santa's longhorns. Tickets start at $27.42. The light festival is open 5–10 pm Fridays-Sundays through December 14, and December 19-23.
242 Texas Hwy. 46 W., Unit C, Boerne

Pearl
The buzzy shopping and dining destination takes on an extra dimension during the holiday season, with an array of static and twinkling Christmas lights strung across the venue and along the Museum Reach section of the River Walk. The Pearl Christmas tree can be found near Local Coffee and Cured. While gawking at all the glitter, visitors can also check out the new Pearl Ice Rink, where $20 covers one hour of skate time and rental skates.
303 Pearl Pkwy.

San Antonio Botanical Garden
The Mahncke Park garden plays host to Illuminate, an immersive showcase of handcrafted lanterns, glowing trails, and vibrant scenes. Special events, such as an Ugly Christmas Sweater Night, keep the fun going through January 11. Admission is $23-$31 for adults; $18-$24 for children ages 3-12, and free for infants ages 0-2.
555 Funston Plc.

San Antonio Botanical Garden Illuminate The heavens come down to rest at Illuminate. Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden.

San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo is hosting Zoo Lights, involving miles of Christmas lights, holiday music, seasonal refreshments, fun activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and bright, decorated displays around the zoo during the holiday season. New Zoo Lights realms this year include The Enchanted Tree, Lights on the Lawn, and the Cathedral Tunnel, the latter of which has twinkling lights to guide the way past the snake pathway near the zoo entrance. Event entry is included in zoo admission.
3903 N. St. Mary's St.

Santa's Ranch
One of the oldest drive-thru Christmas villages in the San Antonio area, this tradition has attracted thousands of merrymakers for more than 20 years. The installation offers three million Christmas lights, animated Christmas displays, and wintry refreshments like hot chocolate and kettle corn. Gates are open 6–10 pm Sundays-Thursdays, and 6–11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $37 per vehicle, with season passes available. Santa's Ranch is open through January 4.
9561 I-35 N., New Braunfels

Travis Park, Alamo Plaza, and Houston Street
Stroll through the heart of downtown San Antonio to find brightly lit Christmas trees and other holiday displays at Travis Park, 300 E. Travis St., and at Alamo Plaza. Despite ongoing construction around the Alamo, you can view the recently renovated cenotaph, or even donate a minimum of $10 to the Remember the Alamo Foundation and buy a "Light of Tribute" in honor or memory of a loved one. In between Travis Park and Alamo Plaza lies a stretch of East Houston Street where the exteriors of restaurants, bars, and other businesses are illuminated in creative ways. Holidays on Houston also offers special activities and shopping opportunities along the corridor through the holiday season.

The entire University of the Incarnate Word campus is lit up for Christmas.Photo courtesy of the University of the Incarnate Word

University of the Incarnate Word
Light the Way is an annual tradition at the Alamo Heights-area university, where visitors can drive or walk the campus and gaze upon the 1 million-plus Christmas lights, which will stay up through January 6. Admission is free.
4301 Broadway St.

Westover Field of Lights
The Westover Sports Complex in the far West San Antonio subdivision of Westover Hills is illuminated with more than 350,000 Christmas lights. Visitors can also enjoy food and drinks, photos with famed holiday characters, and kids' activities. The attraction is open Friday-Sunday nights through December 20. Admission is free, but online tickets must be reserved.
9340 Westover Hills Blvd.

Windcrest
This Northeast Side suburb has long had a reputation for hosting one of the more popular holiday community-wide lighting events. Nowadays, the community has even more lighting events for residents and visitors to enjoy. The city first illuminated its "Dedication Tree" on Crestway Drive and "Candy Cane Lane" on Windway Drive in November. The main Windcrest Christmas Light-Up begins at 4:30 pm on December 6 at City Hall, where the Christmas tree will be lit, and attendees can visit with Santa Claus and enjoy festive entertainment and refreshments. Guests can also get a map to the homes of residents who are competing in various categories. The creatively decorated homes and businesses are lit up across Windcrest through New Year's Eve.
8601 Midcrown Dr.

holiday lights san antonio new braunfels boerne selma leon valley windcrest christmas events christmas light displays

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