A Razor-Sharp, Funny Sequel

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2018)

Ryan Reynolds' Merc With a Mouth is finally back in action. While not a perfect film, this sequel is incredibly entertaining and is probably guaranteed to please fans of its predecessor. This movie primarily centers around Deadpool forming a team of amateur superheroes known as the X-Force to stop Cable (Josh Brolin) from killing a mutant teenager named Russell. The R-rated action and humor moviegoers come to expect from this franchise is on full display here, with impressive action scenes that operate on a greater visual scale and with deeper interpersonal stakes than in the first movie. One skydiving sequence that occurs midway through the film is particularly memorable. Deadpool's fourth-wall-breaking, foul-mouthed dark sarcasm certainly doesn't disappoint in the movie. The film is loaded to the brim with meta jokes that take on everything from comic book movies to music to politics. Generally, the jokes on display here do feel fresher and funnier than the humorous lines in the original "Deadpool," which is greatly appreciated.
Reynolds is always great as Deadpool, nailing the part just like he was able to do in the original. Josh Brolin does a fantastic job playing Cable, giving him a unique sense of grit and depth absent from many other superhero-movie villains. In fact, the unique personification of Cable's own circumstances adds a layer of subtle sophistication that enhances audiences' perception of the narrative. The other new characters, from "ordinary" X-Force member Peter to Russell to Domino, are all quite strong. The movie is a bit too long and suffers from one overly generic action scene (the prison fight) and a moderately erratic third act, but it's an incredibly entertaining ride that will induce plenty of laughs and cheers from audiences. Just be sure to stay for the credits! 7.5/10