Deadpool 2 is the superhero movie we need—and also much better than we deserve, considering how much money we decided to give to movies like Batman v. Superman and Justice League and, arguably, Avengers: Infinity War. This movie isn’t bloated with the need and desire to make every hero’s paycheck worth the money.
No—instead, Deadpool 2 is a near-perfect superhero movie. The franchise has already done its origin story—now it’s time for the sequel to step up to the plate. Deadpool 2 hits a home run.
Last time on Deadpool: Our favorite hero was battling to save his beloved. In the sequel, Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), is living happily as an international assassin and sexually progressive life partner to Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Reynolds is back and better than ever as the wise-cracking, fourth-wall breaking, crude and comedic anti-hero—and the movie needs it. Surprisingly, Deadpool 2 has very serious and emotionally impactful moments. The film lets these linger with the audience for an appropriate amount of time, but Deadpool is never far behind with a one-liner to bring it back to a lighter mood.
Both Deadpool and Deadpool 2 have fairly generic plots at their essence, yet both movies excel at making them feel fresh and energizing. The first movie is basically a run of the mill origin story made perfect by comedy, violence, and Ryan Reynolds. Deadpool 2 is your typical “hero is begrudgingly coerced into protecting a precocious and sassy child through their better nature” movie. Yet, this film is made perfect by comedy, violence, Ryan Reynolds, and practically everyone else in this movie—except T.J. Miller (enough said).
Truly, everyone shines in this movie. Reynolds is in his element: He is hilarious, self-referential, satirical, and genuine—but the supporting characters fill in all the gaps. The “precocious and sassy child” in Deadpool 2 is Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and he turns in a great performance as even more comic relief and as a character who acts the way a young adult would. Stefan Kapičić reprises his role as the voice of Colossus, one of the X-Men, along with Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead (joined by her character’s girlfriend Yukio [Shioli Kutsuna]).
The film introduces multiple new characters who seem along for the franchise ride ahead. Shining among them are Domino and Cable. Domino (Zazie Beetz) joins Deadpool in his new superhero team X-Force. She manages to crack wise at Deadpool himself, providing a welcome foil for the character in later scenes. Cable (Josh Brolin) is also a great part of the movie as the primary antagonist. Brolin—as one of the best underappreciated actors—turns in a great performance as the grizzled, silent, angry soldier from the future and as one of Deadpool’s comedic punching bags.
The movie itself is, even at just under two hours long, short and sweet. There are no slow moments in Deadpool 2—only a few breaks for the audience to take a breath and settle in for the next action set piece peppered with one-liners. There are a few scene transitions that feel a little rushed—as if the movie is trying a little too hard to get where it’s going. Fortunately, Deadpool 2 goes great places, and audiences will be too entertained by the next scene to dwell on any rushed movements.
Deadpool 2 is, as of its opening weekend, probably the best comedy in theaters right now and the best action movie in theaters right now. Some might make the case that it’s the best superhero movie in theaters right now, but this review is no place for an Avengers: Infinity War tirade. Regardless, Deadpool 2 is a fun, funny, and fantastic film that is likely cutting into Disney’s exorbitant profits—what more can you really ask for?
Also, stay ’til the scrolling credits begin.
Featured Image by 20th Century Fox
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