Deadpool 2 - A RM&T Review

Deadpool 2 is the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2016 film after it became a critical and commercial success, as many are now calling it one of the greatest comic book-based films of all time, as it captured everything that makes Deadpool so recognizable as a fan-favorite from the fourth-wall-breaking humor, the intense gory action, the pop culture references, and even capturing the essence of the titular character himself, all thanks to the writers, and of course, Ryan Reynolds for contributing to the production of the film and his portrayal of the character. But how does the sequel top what was already a great first film? I believe the answer to that is you take what was already established in the previous film and you crank up to eleven and that’s what Deadpool 2 did, as it gave a more comprehensive story while still delivering more of its signature humor, action, style, and insanity of the character!

The premise is as simple as it sounds: Deadpool forms his own team called the X-Force to save a mutant kid from a time-traveling mercenary named Cable. While the story has many tropes that we’ve seen in many, many films, the sequel surprisingly works well to its advantage since this is centered on a self-aware character, while also delivering new ideas into the mix, such as Deadpool going on his own emotional journey, and for once, there’s no main villain to deal with, just disagreements, which actually feels quite refreshing. For some, the humor can feel that its clashing with the emotional moments, but keep in mind that this is a Deadpool movie, so I believe its intentional. The writers from the previous film return, now with Ryan Reynolds joining the writing staff, as well as reprising his role as the Merc with a Mouth and as the film’s co-producer. David Leitch, known for his work on the John Wick films, taking the reigns of director after Tim Miller left to creative differences. It was smart picking Leitch as the new director as the action scenes look better shot and well-edited, as well as the choreography in the close hand-to-hand combat moments between Deadpool and Josh Brolin as Cable, who’s portrayed well in the film, showing the attitude as well as having an understandable motivation on his personal mission, plus his exchange of banter with Deadpool, especially from how very different and contrasting the two character are, makes it all the more interesting and funny. Characters from the first film return, including Deadpool’s best friend Weasel, his roommate Blind Al, his girlfriend Vanessa and taxi driver buddy Dopinder, now with more screen time. Aside from Cable, other new characters are introduced including a young mutant with the power of combustion named Russell, who’s scared after being tortured and alone, who becomes Deadpool’s objective of his emotional journey, who I feel has his funny, but kinda annoying moments, but not that much though. Then there’s also the X-Force including Domino, who possesses the ability of manipulating her own luck (who Deadpool says that’s not cinematic enough, but ironically, works well), who’s proven well to be a great character on her own and has good exchange of banter with Deadpool, so I look forward to seeing her again in Deadpool 3, and of course, that delightfully lovable big mustached fella, Peter!

Overall, the wait was worth it as the sequel delivered on what the audiences expected: more insane action, outrageous fourth-wall-breaking humor, pop culture references as well as nods to Marvel Comics (and DC Comics), and of course, more Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, all while giving a more flowing narrative than in the first film. This is an obvious must-watch for those who love this type of fun insanity in theaters, rentals, and definitely to own on Blu-Ray!

Story: 4 / 5

Characters: 4 / 5

Production: 4 / 5

Final Rating: 4 / 5