In February 2016, the original Deadpool blew away both box office and critical expectations. Though one of the lesser-known comic book characters to the general public, audiences ate it up, appreciating the film’s wise-cracking antihero, its self-aware referentiality, and some cartoonishly over-the-top violence. Though the film has since seen its share of detractors, it still mostly holds up as one of the more distinguishable superhero entries.
As a result of its flowering success, a sequel was of course inevitable. And now, finally, Deadpool 2 has emerged, and though with a different director behind the scene (Tim Miller was replaced by David Leitch of John Wick), it is still mostly faithful to the spirit of the original.
Self-Aware Superhero Film
Deadpool 2 begins some time after the events of the first Deadpool. Wade Wilson is currently juggling his days as the masked superhero along with his more stable life alongside the beautiful Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). After an unfortunate incident, though, Wade decides to join the X-Men. While there (and wondering, once again, why the only two X-Men he ever sees are Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Colossus), he is told about a troubled young boy named Russell Collins (Julian Dennison), whose powers are the ability to generate fire from his fists. Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) provides Wade with a chance at redemption, which is to help Russell at all costs, both from outside forces, and eventually, from himself.
This outside threat to Russell soon presents itself: the mysterious, high-tech wielding Cable (Josh Brolin), who recently has traveled from the future, is now hunting down the boy in the hopes of preventing a future incident. Wade is at first hesitant to help, but eventually commits, forming the X-Force as a means to stop Cable.
Deadpool 2, though longer than its predecessor by almost 20 minutes, does at times feel rushed, having trouble finding an adequate flow between its many plot turns. It will start to head in one direction, only to abruptly steer into another. For example, it at one point seemed to be a film about redemption, then a prison story, and later a team-building film. Whereas the original was simply an origin story, the sequel has trouble deciding what type of film it wants to be. It doesn’t help matters that multiple additional characters end up feeling underdeveloped as a result.
What helps to excuse the somewhat haphazard structure of Deadpool 2, though, is its consistently wacky and self-aware tone. If you enjoyed the multiple references and fourth wall breaks of the first one, prepare for even more this time around, and here they come faster than you will even be able to register them. Ryan Reynolds, who also co-wrote the film, is back, and he’s not missing a beat.
Among the many references in the film are discussions of other entries in the superhero genre, including, not surprisingly, the recent Avengers: Infinity War, references to classic ’80s films, including Star Wars and Terminator, an intro directly inspired by James Bond, and much more (multiple watches are probably necessary to pick up on everything).
In addition to this, there are several pokes at the film itself, such as its attempt to explain a plot-hole being seen as “lazy writing.” Its self-aware references do eventually get tiring, but, above all, there is a sense amongst the writers Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Reynolds that, though with dedication behind it, this is not something you should take too seriously. This is a film where turning your brain off is not only warranted but encouraged.
High-Energy Action
David Leitch, known as one of the co-directors of the first John Wick and also as the director of last year’s spy thriller Atomic Blonde, here manages to bring his trademark action flourishes to the screen. Amongst the film’s many action scenes, some of the best includes a chaotic prison fight, a rather hilarious parachuting scene that leads to a lengthy car chase, and the climactic battle, which really brings together the team dynamics that had been hinted at earlier.
Despite an occasional questionable moment of under-realized CGI, the action is mostly easy to follow, in addition to being inventively bloody (you’ll see what I mean). Surprise cameos and unexpected sudden deaths add even more to the experience.
The original Deadpool was occasionally shoddy during some of its action due to its lower budget, yet here Leitch uses the full range of his tools to deliver a high-energy experience. And here, unlike in the prior film, they saved the best for last.
A Film About Family
Josh Brolin, hot off the recent Avengers: Infinity War, in which he played the villain Thanos, here manages to be distinctive enough as the fiery Cable. The character’s story and background might be derivative (as is pointed out multiple times), but Brolin is an unwavering presence, managing to stand as a cold juxtaposition to the more zany antics of Reynolds‘ Deadpool.
Another welcome addition to the franchise is Zazie Beetz as Domino, whose power is to use luck to her advantage. Though often made fun of by Deadpool (how is luck a power?!), her enthusiasm makes her easily the standout of the newly formed X-Force. By the conclusion, the sense is felt that the newly-formed team is somehow cogent despite only being introduced a short time before.
Julian Dennison, who was wonderful in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, was handpicked by Reynolds to play the role of Russell Collins. Here, his character is somewhat similar to the one he played in that film, but much darker as well, as a boy with a haunted past that also happens to have strong mutant powers. His motivations are really what set the film on its course, even more so than the addition of Cable. I could easily see Dennison not only having a future with the Deadpool franchise, but hopefully move on to have an even wider Hollywood career.
As mentioned earlier, though, there is also the sense that some of the many characters of the film are unfortunately underutilized. Though this is sometimes dealt with and referenced in a clever manner, there are a few, such as Morena Baccarin‘s Vanessa, that don’t have as much impact as they potentially could have had. It’s occasionally off-putting, but with future films on the way, this will hopefully change.
Final Takeaway: Deadpool 2
To conclude, Deadpool 2 equals its predecessor in nearly every way. Though struggling with its attempts to find its footing and at times feeling rushed, its overall sense of exuberance and self-aware nonsensicality is still evident throughout, showcasing both David Leitch‘s talent to direct action and Reynolds’ commitment to his character.
Much as the film pokes fun at Reynolds’ failed attempts at bringing a comic book character to life in the past, the sense is provided here that the Deadpool franchise has really become his major career achievement. I know I speak for many fans when I say this: more please!
Are you a fan of the Deadpool franchise? Has the film’s self-referentiality gotten old at this point? Let us know in the comments below!
Deadpool 2 was released in the United States on May 10, 2018 and the United Kingdom on May 15, 2018. For all international release dates, see here.
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