"Maximum Effort" Catchphrase significance?

I've seen the Deadpool movie, but don't have any knowledge of or experience with any of the comics.

What I noticed is that the film appears to set "Maximum effort" up as a catchphrase of sorts. I can recall at least three instances where the phrase was used:

At the start of the film, where Deadpool says it shortly before dropping off an overpass and through the sunroof of a moving car.
Towards the end of the film, where upon realizing that he has no firearms Deadpool says something to the effect of "we'll just have to do this the old-fashioned way, with two swords and maximum effort".
Even further towards the end of the film, when he's struggling to throw/detach the O2 deprivation chamber.

What's not clear to me after watching the film is if the catchphrase is being played straight, meant to be taken ironically/as a lampshade whenever Deadpool does something that's only possible because the plot requires it, or a reference to an inside joke that only people who have read the comics will get. Which is it?

Best Answer

To me, "maximum effort" was a powerful motif that tells the audience more about the psyche of Deadpool -- a man who allows his life to oscillate, too predictably, between moments of extreme danger and safety.

Deadpool, who is, for reasons unknown to the ignorant, non-comic-book-reading masses, too messed up to try hard everyday and improve his life, is satisfied with putting in low effort until it leads him into dangerous situations where he and his loved ones are threatened. It's very relatable -- the idea that Deadpool has the ability to consciously choose to put in low effort and maximum effort at will -- because most everyone in the world has struggled with discipline.

However, what Deadpool lacks in discipline, he makes up for in passion -- he loves his girlfriend, he loves having sex, and he loves being extraordinarily violent. He would flirt with the line between childhood and adulthood only if he were sure he would be having sex with it by the end of the night. In short, he likes to have fun. That's why the film seems so good to teenagers, who struggle with Deadpool's issues on a smaller scale. That's also why it was slightly triggering.

Anyway, "maximum effort" is an indication that Wade Wilson is more than just a superhero. He's also ridiculously, unapologetically human.