“Deadpool 2” is a lot like its predecessor. It’s very funny, but is at times shallow and carries its share of flaws.
The film sets off with Deadpool, AKA Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) now living a fairly comfortable life, working as a mercenary and living with his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Following a disastrous series of events, though, Wilson finds himself without the love of his life and in prison with only a young fire-powered mutant named Russell (Julian Dennison) as company.
Wilson’s problems only increase when a new foe named Cable (Josh Brolin) emerges. Cable soon reveals that his goal is to kill Russell, and Deadpool sets out to stop him.
As previously stated, I found this sequel to be quite funny, even more than the first film. The comedy, mainly from Deadpool’s references and quips, are relentless, and nearly all of it lands. From jabs at movies under the DC Comics banner to comedic pokes at the “X-Men” films, Deadpool really does it all.
This is, of course, made possible thanks to Reynolds’ great performance. The movie really shows off his brilliant comedic timing and his charisma makes Deadpool’s jokes work.
Credit also has to go to Brolin, who brings a great deadpan response to most of Deadpool’s humor. The interactions between the two characters are some of the best moments the film has to offer.
For all of its comedy, though, “Deadpool 2” doesn’t have as much to offer in depth. Deadpool does have a character arc in the film and it tries to be serious, but it always seems to be undercut by the humor that’s just around the corner.
As a result, it does become difficult to connect with “Deadpool 2” on any level more than just that of a comedy. Well, I should say that it’s more of an action-comedy, since there is action here and it is really well shot.
This film was directed by David Leitch, who has a lot of experience with stunt work and helmed last year’s “Atomic Blonde.” While I didn’t particularly love “Atomic Blonde,” the film did feature one of the best action sequences of 2017.
Leitch and his crew return with some more solid work this time around, with a couple great action set pieces that are quite engaging.
“Deadpool 2” is a feature that can keep an audience’s attention solidly for its two hour runtime. It provides the laughs and the thrills that one wants from this character.
However, the story did get a bit clunky in its second act and the film as a whole is a bit hollow since any attempts at emotional moments are downplayed by the humor. 3.5 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 