Deadpool 2 Movie Review
Nathan Swank
May 16th, 2018
The rude, crass, obnoxious stepchild in the Marvel Universe is back. Following a creatively humorous marketing campaign, DEADPOOL 2 ups the ante after the first installment, adding an “-er” to all its colorful adjectives. It’s bolder, bloodier, and more importantly, funnier.
If you are not familiar with the Deadpool character, he’s the guy that can’t die with a lot of snarky-vulgar-wink at the camera attitude. He hates bad guys but he’s not really a “good” guy. Ryan Reynolds has embraced and infused the title character with mean-spirited quick-wit, that is somehow adorably funny. Like a well-received comedy roastmaster, he’s the Don Rickles of superheroes.
Joining the cast this time around is Josh Brolin who can’t seem to get enough playing Marvel super baddies, jumping from Thanos from AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR to Deadpool’s time-traveling, partly mechanical nemesis Cable. An overweight youngster with flame throwing hands and a hot temper to boot, Julian Dennison (HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE) plays Russell, a focal point for the film’s attempt at a heart-filled plot. DEADPOOL 2 continues the running joke of the character’s unacceptable behavior to become an X-Men, encouraging him to create his own Mystery Men type crew named X-Force. Earning some of the film’s biggest laughs, this ragtag group has already garnered attention for another possible sequel. The standout being middle-aged, normal guy Peter, who immediately endears himself to the audience and Deadpool.
DEADPOOL 2 is so self-aware and self-deprecating through pop culture and suprerhero references that those unfamiliar with all the current superhero movies won’t be in on the joke. Deadpool is not afraid to break the fourth wall and tell you exactly what’s happening within each particular scene, in fact the film leans on that aspect. He’s a part of our world, suspending the fantasy of his world. That’s a satirical trick that doesn’t always work, but for DEADPOOL 2, it’s essential. Without the jokes, the movie doesn’t work. There in lies the film’s slight flaws, choosing a somewhat dramatic character arc through a few brief but distracting scenes where Deadpool, aka Wade, is hurting on the inside for someone he loves. Thankfully these visually and emotionally out of place moments are few and far between.
DEADPOOL 2 is a comedy first, and an action superhero film second. If you enjoyed the first DEADPOOL, there is no reason why you won’t like the sequel. In fact, if you’re like me, you might even like it a touch more than the original. The hard “R” rated language and meta, self-aware humor is a gimmick that can only stretch so far. Luckily, DEADPOOL 2 maximizes this potential that will surely appeal to a certain fan base more than others. Ending on a handful of laugh-out-loud high notes, you won’t want to skip the final credits.
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