Deadpool 2

Truthfully, I was always pretty worried about a follow up to the insane success the first Deadpool experienced. 

It was so fresh at the time, but it was also a film that had multiple years to gestate before actually getting the green-light. There was time to really think out a lot of the gags, direction, one-liners etc. 

As soon as a couple days after seeing it I figured a sequel could never live up to the hype, especially with one being planned so quickly. "They'll rush it" was a thought I had often. 

Luckily, Reynolds' passion for this character seemingly knows no limits and they brought in a ton of value-added elements this second time around that make it less Deadpool-centric than the first, wisely understanding that sometimes his whole shtick gets a little tiresome.

Surprisingly, and pleasantly, Deadpool 2 is every bit as strong as its predecessor and even better in some ways. With all the new characters comes a lot more fun to be had and having one of my new-favorite directors, David Leitch, on board (John Wick and Atomic Blonde) means that the action is a noticeable step-up from the previous film too. Not to mention the marketing campaign that has been one of the most entertaining to watch in recent years; complete with Celine Dion (how Reynolds manages this, I have no idea) and being nearly outright-deceiving (in a good way). Sure it all ends up being a big joke -- or adds to the jokes in the film -- but a lot more films could put more effort into the innovation of their marketing. And clearly it's paid off for this film. 

Hey haven't I seen you in some other summer movie?

Deadpool 2, like its predecessor, is insanely funny. It's hard to catch all the jokes the first time around and, other than an obnoxious scream/yell-laughing movie patron next to me, I was able to enjoy and laugh at many of the jokes. Oddly, there was something off in a few comedic aspects of this film and I think it comes down to timing. I can't quite put a finger on it, but where the first film seemed to really have a rhythm once Wade gets going, Deadpool 2 can never fully capture that while still coming tantalizingly close. It's not enough to hinder the movie at all, just something I noticed and perhaps it stems from the fact that Deadpool is a character that, despite how much I love him, does become exhaustive in large doses. The sequel understands this to a certain degree, but there's still no escaping that the "freshness" from the first film that allowed for the entire movie to center on him is slightly deflowered here (his words, not mine?). Even still though, Deadpool 2 gets some kudos for being innovative with its humor in really only the way Deadpool can. Several unexpected gags and bits continue to drive laughs throughout and I don't think there were really any jokes that fell flat (at least not to the obnoxious "HA HA HOOOOMG!" girl sitting near us). 

Cue Celine Dion!!

Possibly what surprised me the most about Deadpool 2 was its emotional heft. The first film had an unexpectedly strong love story and these films aren't afraid to go darker in order to drive home the point that Wade Wilson can still feel things. I wasn't on the verge of tears or anything, but there are well-earned heartfelt moments that certainly make Deadpool, behind all the quips and humor, much more human and real. Not to mention, you throw a little Celine Dion on anything and it adds emotion (still have no idea how she became attached!!). 

Where Deadpool 2 soars is with the added cast members and their interactions with our titular hero. Given how outstanding Brolin was as Thanos, it's no surprise that Cable make a little less impact, but is still no less intriguing and fun to watch and gets some of the best action beats of the film. Some of the previous low-budget X-men are back too, all continuing to add humor and fun to the proceedings despite feeling a tad underused this time around. I'd say it's Zazie Beetz as Domino though who steals the show (at least as much as you can from Deadpool). She brings the same swagger that I've adored from her on Atlanta and slides so smoothly into the role you can almost envision her getting a spin-off film of her own. Her deadpan humor is also a nice offset to most of the other gratuitous and fast-paced humor flying around so she stands out even more. 

Maximum Effort!

By the time our film wraps up (and goes through some hilarious mid-credits scenes), you're left wanting more Deadpool and, perhaps more importantly, more X-Force. What Reynolds' has been able to do with this character is nothing short of an astounding business case study and within two films he's not only certified Deadpool as a highly-bankable character, but he's on his way to creating his own "naughty" cinematic universe. With Deadpool 2 you get more of the same, which is what fans wanted, plus a lot of value-added elements that actually go a long way to add value either by being an awesome character or participating in some gag. If the quality of future installments, whatever they may be, can achieve the same zany blend of action and humor, then we could be in for quite an awesome new series on our hands. 

CONS

• Feels a little too long by about 10 mins
• Slight timing issue with jokes this time around. Doesn't hinder the film much but the delivery feels off
• The "freshness" of Deadpool is worn off and he's a character that's best in small doses despite how much I may enjoy him
• Some wonky CGI here and there

PRO

• Reynolds completely owns the role and the amount of dedication he's shown to the character is admirable. A lot of this is his brainchild and he should be proud
• Kudos to a fun and innovative marketing campaign that featured some awesome and slightly deceiving trailers
• Funny as hell. My theater seemed to be in stitches and there were some downright hilarious gags
• Strong action throughout. I wouldn't mind seeing Leitch get attached to this franchise (or seeing John Wick make a hilarious cameo for that matter!)
• Great music choice, one again
• Continues to be surprisingly heartfelt and the emotional moments are well earned
• How the eff did they get Celine Dion for a song?!
• Rest of the cast does superb. Brolin is having a career-defining summer and Beetz made such a strong first impression, you immediately want more of her
• Fun, very R-rated, hilarious. Yet another amazing superhero film for 2018. And it's not even June yet

Rath's Review Score | 8.5/10