Bigger and better than it's predecessor.

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2018)

Going into Deadpool 2 I was very excited, yet tried to remain skeptical. The first film was a financial success and a massive hit with audiences, breaking all kinds of film records. Upon conclusion I was left wondering where else you could take the character of Deadpool, while also keeping up the humour and giving us a compelling story. If like me you had any of these worries then you can put your mind to rest, because this film is awesome.
Deadpool 2 builds upon everything that worked in its predecessor, while adding new elements to the film that helps to not make it feel repetitive. It's everything the sequel should be. Now it's up to Wade to protect a young mutant boy Russell from the almighty force known as Cable, a cybernetic soldier from the distant future. Despite the sizeable roster of characters and amount of story to tell, everything feels well balanced and runs at a smooth pace. All characters are well performed and have fun chemistry with each other, which is especially important when it comes to the bond between Wade and Russell which I think was handled well.
Ryan Reynolds is once again hilarious in the role of Wade Wilson. Maintaining the perfect amount of jokes that reference the universe he exists in, and of course breaking the fourth wall. For me, majority of the jokes were well placed and very funny. Though some just didn't make me laugh, it's not that the jokes themselves were bad, they just didn't land right for me. If you aren't familiar with the bigger Marvel universes at both FOX and Disney, you may be scratching your head a little with some of the self aware references. The same can be said for non-comic book readers. All in all the film is still hilarious, though may single particular members of the audience out with certain gags.
Joining the likes of Deadpool are X-force. A team of individuals recruited by Wade, who possess special abilities that may be of use to him on his mission. After watching the trailers I couldn't wait to see how things play out with the team, and without giving anything away I can tell you I was very surprised with the result, but at the same time, so happy. One of the standouts of the team is a character named Domino, who bends the power of pure luck to her advantage. This is something I really loved as we've never seen a superpower like this before, there are so many ways you can play around with that and it was refreshing to see.
Josh Brolin kills it as Cable. He's fierce and determined, while also easy to sympathise with as we're given a backstory fitting to his character, and also a plausible motive. Cable's scenes with Deadpool are brilliant as their opposite and diverse personalities are used to bounce off each other. I only wish he got more screen time as I also do with Domino, though I understand the decision as a balance between the characters has to be sustained, and of course this is still Deadpool's movie.
The action sequences are big and epic as they should be for a superhero movie, and the visual effects are top notch. The use of music is used perfectly and sometimes comedically which is a nice touch. I definitely feel this film bears a lot more emotion than the first, which to me is a plus, it not only adds another layer to this movie but to the character of Deadpool himself. Again the use of balance is done well here as Wade is portrayed as a wisecracking mercenary, though is able to convey emotion and has something to fight for. Family and love are central theme which becomes evident throughout the story and especially when paying attention to the relationship between Wade and Vanessa which is played out nicely.
Personally I enjoyed Deadpool 2 even more than the first film as it brings back all the good tropes of the first film and builds to it. It's hilarious and action packed yet remains light hearted at it's core. Don't be fooled though, it's deserving of it's R-rating for sure, and uses it to the best of it's ability! Go watch it.