Flashback to February 2016, a time where comic book movies were in a strange place. Most of them took themselves too seriously, and Marvel had hit a bit of a lull with the disappointing results of "Avengers: Age of Ultron." This was also a time when the team-up of DC Comic's biggest heroes in "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice" seemed like a sure thing. Meanwhile, audiences were welcomed by "Deadpool", a fourth-wall breaking, quipping, Spider-Man looking superhero that was the last beacon of hope for Ryan Reynold's career.
Most importantly, it was the first mainstream R-rated comic book movie in nearly a decade, with the prevailing wisdom that such movies couldn't be made and be financial and critical successes. "Deadpool" more than bucked the trend, it destroyed it, as the film went on to become the highest grossing R-rated film of all time and was beloved by critics and audiences alike. Nearly two-and-a-half years later, the long-awaited sequel, "Deadpool 2", has finally arrived in theaters, hoping to capitalize on the successes of the first film.
"Deadpool 2" sees the return of Wade Wilson/ Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), who continues life being the "Merc with a Mouth" as a contract killing anti-hero. While assisting in a mission with X-Men allies Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), he encounters a troubled youth named Russell Collins/ Firefist (Julian Dennison), who is being hunted by futuristic time traveler Cable (Josh Brolin). With Cable after Russell due to his dooming visions of the future involving the fiery mutant, it's up to Deadpool to stop Cable and rescue Russell in order to alter the youth's future.
Needless to say, Ryan Reynolds remains born to play the "Merc with a Mouth", as his fourth wall breaking, foul-mouthed quips, and self-deprecating humor distinguishes the character as one of the most memorable in the Marvel canon. Even though we know what to expect from the character, Reynolds is also able to give Wilson enough humanity to make us empathize with him, something that even the Marvel Studios films tend to overlook in their sequels. His willingness to also make fun of his previous comic book movie sins also retain hilarity and pay big dividends in the film.
Josh Brolin's Cable may not be nearly as complex as Thanos, but he's still able to deliver a solid performance as the antagonistic and physically threatening nemesis. Zazie Beetz's Domino is also a welcome addition, as her comedic timing and screen presence make her a strong female hero that many will find relatable, and her star should undoubtedly rise to new heights after her turn in the film.
The action is definitely bigger this time around and has more CGI effects behind them. While still not a mega-budgeted comic book film despite the success of the first film, "Deadpool 2" has the thrilling action that although sometimes strains its budget, still flows nicely thanks to director David Leitch. Leitch previously helmed "John Wick" and "Atomic Blonde", and his star continues to rise as one of the best action directors in the business thanks to his capable direction.
While the humor definitely reeks of repeating itself and isn't nearly as fresh the second-go-around, "Deadpool 2" is still quite funny. Sure, it follows many of the same tropes of the same genre it expertly made fun of in the first film, but its willingness to level with the audience and call itself out on its own storytelling makes it one of the most honest film franchises around.
The unfortunate fate of the film suffers like many of its counterparts is a case of sequelitis. Not only do the filmmakers believe bigger is better, but the story is merely an afterthought and derivative of previous movie sequels.
This leads to the underdevelopment and downright unlikability of Julian Dennison's Russell/ Firefist, who comes across as a mutant with fiery powers doing an impersonation of Rebel Wilson, not the desired result when considering the character's troubled backstory.
"Deadpool 2" at times comes across as a cash-grabbing sequel it critiques, but as one of the few films willing to take risks with its R-rated thrills and jokes and isn't afraid to communicate with its audience, it works more often than not. It's clear Reynolds and company have love for the character and desire to continue on as the near antithesis of mega-budgeted films, but it the sequel can't help but follow the same tried and true path as other comic book movie sequels.
"Deadpool 2" may have its flaws, but its still a rousing good laugh and thrill ride that suffers the unfortunate fate of having to live up to the expectations of its groundbreaking predecessor, a fate even Deadpool himself could quip endlessly to his audience about.
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars. Pay matinée price.
"Deadpool 2" stars Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, TJ Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapičić, and Eddie Marsan. It is in theaters now.
