Deadpool 2 is directed by David Leitch. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin.
Following the events of the first film, Wade “Deadpool” Wilson suffers a tragic loss, and his reckless actions land him in a mutant prison alongside Firefist, a young mutant who has taken abuse from his captors and holds a grudge. Events are further complicated by the arrival of Cable, a time traveler from the future who has his own reasons for hunting down Firefist, resulting in deadly battles. What are Cable’s motives, and are things all that they seem?
2016’s Deadpool film, directed by Tim Miller, was a pleasant surprise, becoming one of the highest grossing R-rated films of all time with its politically incorrect humor and over-the-top violent action. When a film achieves this level of success, a sequel is inevitable (and in fact, a sequel was teased in the original film’s end-credits scene). But does Deadpool 2 live up to the action-comedy qualities of the original film, or is a cheap cash-in sequel?
Fear not, fans of God’s Perfect Idiot; Deadpool 2 doesn’t disappoint.
While this cinephile didn’t quite find the sequel to be as funny as the original and not every single joke hitting the mark, the film is a marked improvement from the first in terms of more memorable villains and unexpected plot twists. Overall, I’d say I liked the second film equally as well as the first, though each film does certain things better than the other.
Ryan Reynolds has found his career-defining role in the form of Wade “Deadpool” Wilson, the wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking superhero who has audiences laughing their asses off all over again. This is the guy who will spare no expense at amusing you, with no subject too taboo or politically incorrect. If you have even the slightest inkling of a sense of humor, you’ll laugh frequently at his remarks and actions in the film. If you’re easily offended, though, stay home.
One of the biggest weaknesses of the (otherwise excellent) first film was a bland and unmemorable villain in the form of Ajax/Francis, though this is remedied here with the arrival of Josh Brolin’s Cable. The backstory isn’t the most original thing you’ll ever see on the big screen, but Brolin brings the character to life and makes him sympathetic and interesting. You’ll see the character take some unexpected turns over the course of the film, and even see him cross path with at least one villain you probably weren’t expecting. Still, throughout it all, Brolin’s Cable remains the most interesting person in the film apart from the Merc with a Mouth. This is Brolin’s second film appearance in 2018 as a Marvel villain, the first being Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.
Much of the supporting cast returns from the first film, along with some new faces as well. Everyone’s perfectly cast, even if the primary emphasis of the film remains elsewhere (and perhaps rightfully so). This is Deadpool’s movie first and foremost, but I’m glad to see the supporting cast/characters don’t get the shaft, either.
The tone of the movie is more-or-less what you’ll be expecting if you saw the first tone. Nothing is too taboo or politically incorrect, although I’d argue the first movie had more offensive/risque scenes than the second installment. As with the first movie, I strongly recommend leaving the kids at home; it earns the R rating in more ways than one. Expect a higher body count and considerably more blood than you’d find in the PG-13 fare of the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Die-hard comic fans will appreciate all the references and cameos, many of which come in the form of the character’s infamous fourth wall breaks, but there’s more than enough to get laughs out of any moviegoer who isn’t offended by the nature of the content.
The movie does try to throw a few too many new characters into the mix, and in a rare move for a superhero comedy, there’s almost a bit too much plot at times, and a few sections drag on longer than they need to. However, fans of the character and laugh-out-loud comedy aren’t going to be bored with what unfolds on screen.
Deadpool 2 is a strong sequel that, thankfully, isn’t a mere retread of the first movie. Even if a few elements are a bit overblown and drawn out, the Merc with a Mouth is back with a vengeance here, doing what he does best, still portrayed brilliantly by Ryan Reynolds. The film earns its R rating, so leave the kids at home, and stay home with them if you’re easily offended. If you’re anyone else, though, it comes strongly recommended.
Note to moviegoers: The film includes a number of mid-credits scenes, but not a post-credits scene (unless you’re watching the director’s cut on a home format).
Rating: Three out of four stars.
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