COLUMN: 5 Reasons 'Deadpool' Is Charming Audiences Nationwide

— -- "Deadpool" basically "killed it (pun intended)" at the box office this weekend, taking in around $150 million, setting records for biggest opening for a February movie and biggest R-rated opening ever.

But experts and critics have been calling the Ryan Reynolds flick a game changer for some time now, so the grand opening shouldn't be that big of a surprise. In fact, "Deadpool" is one of the realest superhero movies in years and appeals to a new audience given the R rating.

Now, this is not saying that superhero movies are at all realistic, just that the elements of "Deadpool" are a lot more relatable than say an "X-Men" or an "Avengers," which are both a little more outlandish. Like, why don't they just call in the Avengers every time the world is at risk during all the spin-off movies, including "Thor" and "Ant-Man"?

So, here are 5 reasons the movie did so well this weekend:

SPOILERS AHEAD - you've been warned

1 - It's Beyond Irreverent

Nothing is off limits in this movie. The studio 20th Century Fox even gets picked on as Reynolds' character pokes fun at the fact only two "X-Men" appear in this kind of spin-off flick. Deadpool first appeared in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which is also made fun of here since it was panned by critics. He then jokes that the studio couldn't afford anymore stars.

Reynolds, himself, is the butt of numerous jokes, including being People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive and his past failure as Green Lantern. Hugh Jackman and his iconic run as Wolverine is also comic relief, Reynolds doing his best Australian impression, often while breaking the fourth wall and speaking to the audience.

2 - A Modern Romance

Morena Baccarin plays Vanessa, Deadpool's love interest and it's the most unique love story in a superhero film to date. The two are both broken with a rough backstory. Plus, they don't have that whole "will they, won't they" arc that we often see. In fact, they hook up first, then the love comes later, a true modern day "Notebook." The duo's back and forth is also pretty amazing, basically that couple that you "love" to hate and wish you could be as cool as.

They are sarcastic to the bone, but when push comes to shove, the two are there for each other in the most important ways.

3 - T.J. Miller

As the "best friend" character, Miller is also one-of-a-kind in this type of genre. He's got Deadpool's back ... but only to a point.

At the end, Pool is off to fight the bad guy in one final showdown and Miller's Weasel says, "I'd go with you, but I don't really want to" and he doesn't. Isn't that what all sidekicks want to say, but can't seem to. Why should they risk their life for the hero just 'cause he needs them? It's unrealistic and this movie makes sure to hammer home that point.

He also holds nothing back after Reynolds good looks are taken away early in the film. His jokes about Deadpool's appearance are sure to remind all the college "bros" out there of their classic fraternity days.

4 - Stan Lee's Cameo

Wow. Stan Lee is 93 years old and his cameo here is nothing short of extraordinary. He's not a fake Hugh Hefner or a high school teacher like in other Marvel flicks. Lee is a strip club DJ. It's the perfect surprise for those who are die-hard Marvel fans.

And for those who are not Marvel fans, well, they probably missed the old man in the club that kind of felt miscast.

5 - It's Rated R

This is not new obviously, but it sinks in more when you see the whole movie. It's an adult comic movie, possibly the first of its kind! The jokes and the character are also something Reynolds was born to play. It's basically "Van Wilder" in a red suit.

The jokes all come at appropriate times where during a normal superhero film you'd probably be asking yourself," Come on, did the screenwriters even think about whether this could happen?" Well, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and the rest of the writers did and decided to let you know they did! It's glorious. It's everything you are thinking and usually talk about after the movie is over.

Opinions expressed in this column are those of the author alone.

The characters appearing in “Deadpool” are owned by Marvel Entertainment, a division of Disney, the parent company of ABC News.