Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
Deadpool 2
(20th Century Fox/Marvel Entertainment)
By Lucas Allen
The first “Deadpool” film, released in 2016, was certainly a surprise for everyone. It’s an R-rated superhero action/comedy that skewers the genre in a subversive manner while introducing a lovable but murderous anti-hero to the masses.
The sequel, “Deadpool 2,” ups the ante on every level thanks to the capable hands of John Wick and “Atomic Blonde” director David Leitch.
Now a full-time assassin, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) goes around the world completing different killing jobs while supporting his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). But some serious events lead him into the Xavier Mansion, where Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) wanted him to join the X-Men as a trainee. On their first mission, they tried helping a young mutant named Russell (Julian Dennison) who calls himself Firefist because of his ability to shoot flames out of his hands. One thing leads to another and both Wade and Russell end up in mutant prison.
Things escalate fast with the arrival of Cable (Josh Brolin), who travelled from the future on a personal mission to kill Russell. Suddenly feeling the need to do the right thing, the Merc with the Mouth soon puts together his own team, the X-Force. The new team includes Domino (Zazie Beetz) the mutant who uses luck as part of her ability, Bedlam (Terry Crews) who can control electricity, and an ordinary guy named Peter (Rob Delaney). But what new surprises come our hero’s way will certainly be surprising.
The first film did a good job of setting up the main character and the world around him that feels like a parody of X-Men movies. The sequel freely explores more of what was set up and ran with it. There are more jokes and references than ever including more roasting of Wolverine along with a good jabbing of DC movies. Fortunately, they don’t ruin the plot as it simply adds to the movie-going experience without being a distraction. No matter what comes out of the hero’s mouth, you can always expect a good chuckle along with explosive laughter.
The film also brings a little more serious tone, which seems like a risky attempt that may put off some fans of the earlier film. However, it works giving the Merc with the Mouth some heart and sympathy underneath his meaty exterior. Of course, it continues its comedic streamline while delivering some great, fast-paced action scenes. Plus, it comes with a soundtrack full of well-chosen songs including an original, “Ashes,” by Celine Dion, set against the main titles that spoof the James Bond titles. If you’ve seen “Avengers: Infinity War,” then you’ll agree that the song would’ve fitted that movie’s end titles very fittingly.
Reynolds continues to bring some charisma, genuine humor, and good acting to his character with amazing glee. He relishes his career reinvention after some past mistakes, which he pokes fun at with confidence. Brolin once again plays a comic book villain with a level of gravitas and nuance that makes him stand out of the pack. While not as intimidating as Thanos, Cable is still a great way for the actor to bring extra layers to an already memorable character.
“Deadpool 2” is exactly the kind of sequel you would expect during the summer movie season, and there’s more to it than that. It brings more of the action and comedy, while adding a little more heart and soul. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but why should it when you have a character who likes to crack jokes and break the fourth wall while punching the bad guys.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
