Deadpool 2 (2018) Review
8:00 PM
The Second Coming.
Deadpool was released just in time for Valentine's Day in 2016 and it was a fittingly romantic movie. Deadpool 2 is being released during the summer movie season (when dozens of families visit the cinema) and it is a family film - how appropriate! Of course, Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are both subversive examples of these genres, but I thought it was a clever idea to take a similar angle with the sequel. Despite being a family film, there are no references to Vin Diesel or the Fast and Furious films (totally a missed opportunity!) but there are plenty of other pop culture references. Deadpool 2 is just as, if not more, enjoyable as the first film.
From the outset, Deadpool 2 is packed to the brim with pop culture references. Some of these occasionally felt too blatant and shoe-horned into the script, but for the most part, each reference came at just the right moment. The film begins with a brutal and intentionally cruel jibe at Logan; something fans should be prepared for if the wound caused by Logan is still sensitive. The DCEU, MCU and Star Wars are all mocked and referenced - no modern-day cinematic universe is safe! In some ways, Deadpool 2 is the 2018 equivalent of Ready Player One; its references are in-line with 2018 pop culture. While this may lead to the film becoming dated quickly, for now, it felt very timely (it may even become nostalgic in the future). I especially enjoyed the references to Frozen - the song "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" is part of a running gag throughout the film and it is very effective; its finale use is hilarious.
The film marketed by the trailers is basically shown within the first 20 minutes; all of those cool action sequences are included in an extended montage as Deadpool narrates how he spent the last 6 weeks. This made for a very entertaining opening sequence; as soon as Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" started playing I was reassured that the following 120 minutes would be just as good. One of the most memorable things about 2016's Deadpool is the witty opening credits. Against all odds, Deadpool 2 outdoes them with its opening credits. Without spoiling anything, the opening credits are preceded by a shocking moment that impacts the film's characters and story. The opening credits really play on this with phrases such as "WTF" and "Did they really just do that?" replacing the names of talent and production companies. The opening credits also pay homage to those seen in a James Bond film; Celine Dion's original song for Deadpool 2 made so much more sense.
Like its predecessor, Deadpool 2's narrative is on a smaller scale in comparison to other superhero blockbusters. The film revolves around the desire for a family: both Wade (Reynolds) and Cable (Brolin) want to protect and create a family. The parallel between the villain and hero was a nice touch. The narrative is well written, exciting and coherent. There are some slower moments (too much time is spent in the prison) but there are a couple of twists that keep things interesting. Some may also argue that the film takes too long to end. However, this may have felt tedious because it was past 2am at the time of watching. The story has heart.
Deadpool 2 shares similarities with the John Wick films. Not only is it directed by one of John Wick's directors, Deadpool 2's narrative surrounds the anger, guilt, and revenge felt after losing something important. Leitch does not have a writing credit on the film so this plot similarity is likely just a coincidence but somebody was aware of it as it is referenced in the opening credits. The action in Deadpool 2 is good. However, it is never as stylistic or inventive as the action in John Wick, or Atomic Blonde (Leitch's other film). There is not one singular action sequence that stands out, there are many fun fights throughout. Either studio (Ryan Reynolds) meddling watered down Leitch's usually imaginative action sequences (after all, Atomic Blonde was not the biggest hit) or it is Chad Stahelski who brings the true style to John Wick. Nevertheless, Deadpool 2 includes plenty of satisfying, brutal, violent and entertaining action. Fans of Deadpool will not be disappointed, but fans of Leitch's previous work may be.
I can confidently say that Ryan Reynolds is at the peak of his career. He continues to prove that this role is perfect for him. Reynold's Wade/Deadpool has emotional, fierce, sentimental and kick-ass moments. If you look up 'career-defining performance' in the dictionary, you will find Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool; nobody could play the character better. As it should, Deadpool 2 further develops the character, adding details about Wade's parents, his relationship with Vanessa (Baccarin) and his paternal side. The character has countless laugh-out-loud lines and the fourth wall breaking never feels tiresome. Reynolds does an excellent job - he elevates a story with a small scope and turns it into a must-see blockbuster. Tim Miller exited this project due to unresolvable creative differences with Ryan Reynolds. It is clear that Reynolds had an even bigger presence behind the scenes, not only does he have a writing credit but Deadpool spends more time with his mask off in this film (something actors such as Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Downey Jr. have demanded in the past). Reynolds does not come off as egotistical, he comes off as someone who is thriving and in their element.
Cable's first scene had me worried. In fact, Cable's first half of scenes had me worried. Josh Brolin did not seem to be doing much with the character (other than a tough guy voice) and the villain's motivations were left a mystery to the audience. After a revelation in the third act, Cable reveals his intentions and they are easy to understand. The film could have possibly revealed this earlier on. Brolin looks great as Cable - his physique, styling and metal arm combine to make a villain who looks tough and threatening. There is a running joke throughout the film about Cable being racist which was pulled off well. In the space of a month, Brolin plays the villain in a Marvel superhero movie - Deadpool 2 certainly pokes fun at this. At times, Brolin's Cable sounded the same as Brolin's Thanos. For the most part, though, Brolin differentiates his performance enough so that both characters can exist in the same space...that space being the 2018 summer box office (Thanos is still the stronger performance and more memorable character).
MINOR SPOILERS
Deadpool assembles X-Force, a team of one-dimensional red-shirts. This is far from a critique as the inclusion of Zeitgeist (Bill Skarsgard), Shatterstar (Lewis Tan), Bedlam (Terry Crews), The Vanisher and Peter (Rob Delaney) is a deliberate satirical choice by the writers. Reese, Wernick, and Reynolds are making a commentary about the cardboard characters that most superhero teams include that are destined to die (e.g. Slipknot in Suicide Squad). Those excited to see everyman Peter inaction may be disappointed but Deadpool's jokes and comments to him are very funny. Any more characters would have been unnecessary for a story with such a small scope. Zazzie Beetz's Domino is the only member of the X-Force to survive and I loved her! The writers use the 'Mary Sue' trope so well - Domino's superpower is that she is lucky and she, therefore, has no trouble getting whatever she wants. The use of the entire X-Force team within the narrative illustrates how tuned in and sharp-witted the writers are.
Julian Dennison's Russell is not just a repeat of Brianna Hildebrand's Negasonic Teenage Warhead from the first film. Dennison brings attitude to the character, but in a way that is likable. It is nice to see Dennison transition from a small film like Hunt for the Wilderpeople to Deadpool 2...it does not get much bigger than this. Russell is very crucial to the film's twists and I liked the direction they took the character.
As for the actors reprising their roles, they were all underused but still did a good job. Negasonic Teenage Warhead is surprisingly barely in the film; she really took a back-seat this time around. Morena Baccarin's Vanessa continues to have electrifying chemistry with Wade Wilson, solidifying their position as one of the best couples in a superhero film. Baccarin's performance is very strong. Stefan Kapicic voices Colossus well - his character helped elicit numerous hints about Deadpool's sexuality. Karan Soni is great as Dopinder. The character becomes more than just a taxi driver in this film; it is great to see writers give a more substantial role to a fan favourite. Finally, T.J. Miller delivers more of the same as Weasel - it's unfortunate that I can only think of The Emoji Movie when I hear his voice.
As a public service announcement, there is not an end credit scene at the very end of the credits. However, the mid-credit scenes are all very fun. Fans will roar when they see what the Deadpool 2 team have up their sleeves for the stingers. They're funny. They're clever. They're necessary. I do worry the end credits undo some of the film's most significant moments though.
Deadpool 2 is a satisfying sequel. Instead of simply riding the coat-tail of the first film, the writers have come up with an engaging new story to tell. Reassuringly, this sequel is not a carbon copy of the first either. The writers have not become lazy; the jokes are still funny, the pop culture references are effective and the fourth wall breaking is not overused. Deadpool 2 is ultimately a pastiche of everything it is referencing, it would be ignorant to say the film is original. Ryan Reynolds continues to lead a great cast with some terrific additions - Brolin impresses more in Infinity War but his Cable is certainly not a disappointment. Deadpool 2 is as good as the first film: good action, good comedy, and good twists. 2018 has so far been an impressive year for the superhero genre and Deadpool 2 continues that winning streak. The only thing I want from a third installment? A Blake Lively cameo.
Deadpool 2 shares similarities with the John Wick films. Not only is it directed by one of John Wick's directors, Deadpool 2's narrative surrounds the anger, guilt, and revenge felt after losing something important. Leitch does not have a writing credit on the film so this plot similarity is likely just a coincidence but somebody was aware of it as it is referenced in the opening credits. The action in Deadpool 2 is good. However, it is never as stylistic or inventive as the action in John Wick, or Atomic Blonde (Leitch's other film). There is not one singular action sequence that stands out, there are many fun fights throughout. Either studio (Ryan Reynolds) meddling watered down Leitch's usually imaginative action sequences (after all, Atomic Blonde was not the biggest hit) or it is Chad Stahelski who brings the true style to John Wick. Nevertheless, Deadpool 2 includes plenty of satisfying, brutal, violent and entertaining action. Fans of Deadpool will not be disappointed, but fans of Leitch's previous work may be.
I can confidently say that Ryan Reynolds is at the peak of his career. He continues to prove that this role is perfect for him. Reynold's Wade/Deadpool has emotional, fierce, sentimental and kick-ass moments. If you look up 'career-defining performance' in the dictionary, you will find Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool; nobody could play the character better. As it should, Deadpool 2 further develops the character, adding details about Wade's parents, his relationship with Vanessa (Baccarin) and his paternal side. The character has countless laugh-out-loud lines and the fourth wall breaking never feels tiresome. Reynolds does an excellent job - he elevates a story with a small scope and turns it into a must-see blockbuster. Tim Miller exited this project due to unresolvable creative differences with Ryan Reynolds. It is clear that Reynolds had an even bigger presence behind the scenes, not only does he have a writing credit but Deadpool spends more time with his mask off in this film (something actors such as Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Downey Jr. have demanded in the past). Reynolds does not come off as egotistical, he comes off as someone who is thriving and in their element.
Cable's first scene had me worried. In fact, Cable's first half of scenes had me worried. Josh Brolin did not seem to be doing much with the character (other than a tough guy voice) and the villain's motivations were left a mystery to the audience. After a revelation in the third act, Cable reveals his intentions and they are easy to understand. The film could have possibly revealed this earlier on. Brolin looks great as Cable - his physique, styling and metal arm combine to make a villain who looks tough and threatening. There is a running joke throughout the film about Cable being racist which was pulled off well. In the space of a month, Brolin plays the villain in a Marvel superhero movie - Deadpool 2 certainly pokes fun at this. At times, Brolin's Cable sounded the same as Brolin's Thanos. For the most part, though, Brolin differentiates his performance enough so that both characters can exist in the same space...that space being the 2018 summer box office (Thanos is still the stronger performance and more memorable character).
MINOR SPOILERS
Deadpool assembles X-Force, a team of one-dimensional red-shirts. This is far from a critique as the inclusion of Zeitgeist (Bill Skarsgard), Shatterstar (Lewis Tan), Bedlam (Terry Crews), The Vanisher and Peter (Rob Delaney) is a deliberate satirical choice by the writers. Reese, Wernick, and Reynolds are making a commentary about the cardboard characters that most superhero teams include that are destined to die (e.g. Slipknot in Suicide Squad). Those excited to see everyman Peter inaction may be disappointed but Deadpool's jokes and comments to him are very funny. Any more characters would have been unnecessary for a story with such a small scope. Zazzie Beetz's Domino is the only member of the X-Force to survive and I loved her! The writers use the 'Mary Sue' trope so well - Domino's superpower is that she is lucky and she, therefore, has no trouble getting whatever she wants. The use of the entire X-Force team within the narrative illustrates how tuned in and sharp-witted the writers are.
Julian Dennison's Russell is not just a repeat of Brianna Hildebrand's Negasonic Teenage Warhead from the first film. Dennison brings attitude to the character, but in a way that is likable. It is nice to see Dennison transition from a small film like Hunt for the Wilderpeople to Deadpool 2...it does not get much bigger than this. Russell is very crucial to the film's twists and I liked the direction they took the character.
As for the actors reprising their roles, they were all underused but still did a good job. Negasonic Teenage Warhead is surprisingly barely in the film; she really took a back-seat this time around. Morena Baccarin's Vanessa continues to have electrifying chemistry with Wade Wilson, solidifying their position as one of the best couples in a superhero film. Baccarin's performance is very strong. Stefan Kapicic voices Colossus well - his character helped elicit numerous hints about Deadpool's sexuality. Karan Soni is great as Dopinder. The character becomes more than just a taxi driver in this film; it is great to see writers give a more substantial role to a fan favourite. Finally, T.J. Miller delivers more of the same as Weasel - it's unfortunate that I can only think of The Emoji Movie when I hear his voice.
As a public service announcement, there is not an end credit scene at the very end of the credits. However, the mid-credit scenes are all very fun. Fans will roar when they see what the Deadpool 2 team have up their sleeves for the stingers. They're funny. They're clever. They're necessary. I do worry the end credits undo some of the film's most significant moments though.
Deadpool 2 is a satisfying sequel. Instead of simply riding the coat-tail of the first film, the writers have come up with an engaging new story to tell. Reassuringly, this sequel is not a carbon copy of the first either. The writers have not become lazy; the jokes are still funny, the pop culture references are effective and the fourth wall breaking is not overused. Deadpool 2 is ultimately a pastiche of everything it is referencing, it would be ignorant to say the film is original. Ryan Reynolds continues to lead a great cast with some terrific additions - Brolin impresses more in Infinity War but his Cable is certainly not a disappointment. Deadpool 2 is as good as the first film: good action, good comedy, and good twists. 2018 has so far been an impressive year for the superhero genre and Deadpool 2 continues that winning streak. The only thing I want from a third installment? A Blake Lively cameo.
78
/100
What did you think of DEADPOOL 2? What was your favourite reference? - COMMENT BELOW
5 comments
deadpool 2 review IMDB. I was able to see Deadpool 2 at an advance screening. Deadpool shook things up and delivered offbeat fun when diehard fans were looking for something new from the genre. I thought it was a surprisingly well-rounded movie that perfectly encapsulated its hero and lovingly poked fun at both itself and other genre tropes. It was among my favourite movies of 2016.
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When it comes to bringing the laughs, I think Deadpool 2 is just as funny as the original entry. There's even more meta jokes, the same gleefully dirty spirit carries over and some unexpected payoffs left me cackling. They build upon some of the previous memorable bits (I admire Ryan for being so willing to relentlessly skewer his filmography) without it going stale. Luckily, they didn't ruin the movie by putting all the funny bits in the trailer and there's plenty to enjoy. They weren't afraid to push the envelope with the humour and stick around past the finale for a truly epic bit that rolls during the credits.
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ReplyDeleteI loved this movie more than Infinity War! Normally, I'm an Avengers fan above all else--but they're really going to have to make Avengers 4 spectacular (as in all the good guys come back and stay back) to get my forgiveness for the Infinity War ending.
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