Deadpool 2: Silly Sequel is Surprisingly Dark, Relentlessly Juvenile

Rating: 4/10 (29 May 2018)

2 out of 5 stars (has some good moments, but is overall bad)
Deadpool 2 is the first disappointment of 2018. With a genius marketing campaign, hilarious trailers, and the prospect of seeing our favorite foul-mouthed antihero again, I was ready to dive head-on into this Pool. Sadly, Deadpool 2 is a needlessly darker and sophomoric outing that emphasizes violent action over clever wit, making for a film that will satisfy action junkies, but leave those who enjoyed the cleverness of its predecessor yearning for more.
The mess of a plot involves Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) mourning over the death of his girlfriend (Morena Baccarin), joining the X-Men, and attempting to save an annoying teenager (Julian Dennison) from, brace yourself, a cyborg from the future named Cable (Josh Brolin). Wade will sort of go on a journey to discover his inner hero and learn to move on from the death of his loved one, while still cracking jokes to the camera.
Deadpool 2 could have been a savage satire on how sequels always darken, but falls into that trap instead. While still charismatic, Ryan Reynolds isn't as likable here, overdoing Wade's depression in the opening act and attempting to make out-of-place statements on sexism, racism, and other topics Deadpool should not discuss. Brolin acts like he's in a completely different movie, but has good chemistry with Reynolds when onscreen with him. The plentiful action sequences are well-done yet sadly unmemorable, and Dennison alternates between unlikable and annoying rather than menacing. Lastly, the supposed emotional punch of an ending rings hollow. I came here to laugh hysterically, not think about character drama. It's a sad state of affairs that should hopefully be remedied with the upcoming 3rd installment.
Deadpool 2 has more than enough action, but the plot and tone meander without much logic, the characters aren't as endearing, and the writing is surprisingly juvenile rather than clever or witty. While it certainly isn't the worst X-Men film, Deadpool 2 is only slightly above X-Men Origins:Wolverine in terms of quality enjoyment. I am sad to report that, of the three films I've seen this week, Book Club was the funniest one, not this.
Rated R for Strong Violence And Language Throughout, Sexual References, And Brief Drug Material. Sorry, DP, but X is not gonna give this one to ya.