SPOILER FREE

Many, many years ago, back in that ancient time of 2009, an X-Men film was released. That film was called X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and was supposed to spawn a new branch from the main FOX Universe. It did not go to plan. Ryan Reynolds’ first turn as Deadpool in particular came under intense scrutiny, not because his performance was awful, but because the character was absolutely nothing like he was supposed to be. From that point, Reynolds embarked on a quest for redemption, a chance to don the red and black, fourth wall breaking character once more, one that unfortunately had to stumble over a few hurdles (Green Lantern, R.I.P.D.) to finally come to fruition. But when it did, Deadpool was awesome, the actor nailing it (no pun intended) with his portrayal as the Merc with a Mouth, finally put to screen in a way that felt true to the comics. It was a critical and commercial success, so a sequel was inevitable. The question is, did Deadpool 2 fire on all cylinders?

After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfil his dream of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavour – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover.

Imagine if that was the real plot? It isn’t, just a funny synopsis the writers came up with, but a lot of the key story elements are included in there, metaphorically speaking. My problem is, I can’t give you a basic plot summary, because I’d have to go straight into spoilers. What I can say is that the story revolves around Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) trying to protect a volatile young mutant, Russell (Julian Dennison) from being killed by future cyborg Cable (Thanos… Oh, I mean, Josh Brolin). I won’t reveal too much more, other than that Deadpool ends up assembling X-Force, but more on that later. As with the first film, Deadpool sails by on broad, privates-centered, sweary humour, but somehow makes it work equally as well, if not better than in its predecessor, in what is arguably a better, certainly funnier film.

Director David Leitch brings a style unique to the first film, that still captures the heart and zippiness of Deadpool in a true and hilarious way. Everything is done with a knowing wink, as it should be, and particularly in the action scenes he directs, Leitch shines. A criticism I would make is that the film is quite tonally inconstant at times, partly because it attempts to do the unthinkable and actually try and develop Wade Wilson beyond our expectations, something I’ll praise, but which comes at a price with the tone. However, this is an energetically directed film, one which is better made than the first for sure. As well as Leitch’s zany, unceasing style, there is also an awesome soundtrack with some brilliant songs, and the visual effects are actually great considering this movie only had a third of Infinity War’s budget. Overall, very well made.

Let’s move on to the script. The dialogue, once again, is fantastic and hilarious. Reynolds’ passion comes through in every reference or snappy line he says, and the character interactions in this film are really entertaining. The problem with the screenplay is that, whilst there’s a stronger narrative than in the first Deadpool, the story is too simple and contains too many characters. Many of the funnier actors don’t get enough screen time, although I’m happy that they decided to put more impetus on interesting characters like Cable… mainly just Cable. Nobody, bar him and the Merc, are really given a strong three act story arc. Fortunately, there are enough jokes and funny quips to gloss quickly over this. A simpler story isn’t so much of a problem either, for the same reason; it’s a platform for jokes, which are fortunately hilarious.

Time to assess the characters. Once again, Reynolds’ Deadpool steals the show. Like RDJ with Iron Man, he’s the perfect match between character and actor, one who steals every scene he’s in, and owns this film with Pop Culture references, which I adore. I also really appreciate that he’s given more of an arc in this movie – something which helps give what we’re watching more meaning. A brilliant, comedic performance. You get a whole collection of returnees from the first film with him: Blind Al, still blind and on cocaine, Vanessa, used in a much more interesting way than in the first film, and well acted by Morena Baccarin, and T.J. Miller’s deadpan Weasel, who is also there. Dopinder also steals scenes, although perhaps we’re given a bit of an overdose with him. Everyone gets hilarious lines, have great characterisations, and make excellent foil for the Pool.

The new characters are also mainly brilliant. Josh Brolin brings a gruffness to the role of Cable that only Josh Brolin could provide, and provides us with some of the most purposefully quotable lines in comic book film for the second time in under a month. He is a great contrast to Deadpool, one which the movie benefits from. Domino, portrayed by Zazie Beets, is also a welcome addition to the roster, bringing an unforced charisma and convenient luckiness. Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead return, and are once again fantastic, if underused in favour of new characters. The Kiwi actor does an…ok job with Russell, although he isn’t given enough development to justify his important role in the film. I won’t go into X-Force too much in this spoiler-free review, but what this film does with them is hilarious. It’s all great, except for one fatal flaw; there is no villain. There are villains I should say, but nobody truly sticks out as that sole threat the heroes are trying to defeat, and that sometimes make the story feel a little aimless. Quick, tell some more jokes to cover it up, or maybe throw in a funny cameo!

One last note for the spoiler free section: this is not a film for the kids. From the start, it is very violent, very sweary, and there are more crude references than Cerebro could even pick up on. This works though, because Deadpool thrives on dark humour. I’ll say it now; I lost it with laughter on three separate occasions. This may be a guilty pleasure, but its one that has fun whilst being one, and that must surely be enough to avoid Deadpool’s naughty list?

In short… yes. Deadpool 2 is awesome fun, violence and quips, with some fantastic character interactions. It might not be perfect, but Deadpool 2 is the perfect escapism and popcorn viewing, and in my opinion, much funnier, perhaps even better, than its predecessor. X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a thing of the past. Now then, pump the hate breaks Thanos, there are Spoilers coming at you like Fast and Furious sequels.

WARINING! SPOILERS ARE HURTLING TOWARDS YOU LIKE THE JUGGERNAUT

Deadpool 2 is many things; everything Green Lantern wasn’t, a shrine to the late Wolverine, a tragic love story. But above all, it is funny. I mentioned in the spoiler free section that there are three scenes in this film that made me laugh hard. They were the parachute sequence, beautifully orchestrated to Thunderstruck by AC/DC, where almost everyone in X-Force (including Brad Pitt – Vanisher) is swept down to agonizing, violent deaths – even the awesome Peter. The other two are the hysterical, somehow both wrong and hilarious tiny-legs walking scene, and of course, Deadpool’s death, so fitting, funny, and encapsulating of everything that makes Deadpool… well… Deadpool. What do these scenes all have in common? They channelled dark humour. Of course Deadpool gains some laughs when he’s wisecracking about the DCEU or some other piece of Pop Culture, but ultimately, it is this visual, violent, painfully wrong humour which works best.

This draws me on to some thoughts I have about the first act of Deadpool 2. Overall, I enjoyed it; I liked the Celine Dion Bond-Style opening credits, the action sequences (the most violent in the film) against ninjas and the like. I even admired, from a critical standpoint, that the screenwriters chose to kill off Vanessa, because it propelled the story into motion and led to some excellent emotional scenes in some kind of ‘dream world’. My problem is that, in contrast with the second and third acts, it just felt flat. When Deadpool is allowed to start interacting with Cable and Domino, and is given leg room to start making darker, more close to the knuckle wisecracks, when ultimately he isn’t so burdened by the set up of his love interest’s death, that’s when the character really hits the highest points. As much as I like having that emotional arc with Vanessa, Deadpool’s character doesn’t require this, and works much better just playing off of other characters. A good example of this is Francis in the first movie; arguably not a great villain, but still a character interaction that gave Deadpool depth without having to too radically switch tones like in the Vanessa scenes.

Now we’ve got that over with, let’s address the elephant in the room, and not just because of his size; Juggernaut. I liked the way they used Juggernaut in this film; two of the best scenes – the prisoner transport fight sequence and the final attempt to try and subdue Russell – feature him in them. He feels much truer to the comics version than Vinnie Jones’… memorable turn in The Last Stand, and was used just right. Plus I love the character. I still miss the Stan Lee cameo, but this was a welcome interjection.

Whilst we’re on the subject of those aforementioned Juggernaut scenes, let’s discuss the action. When Cable comes for Russell during the transit, it was the point at which I finally made my mind up that I loved this film; from the X-Force fall failure, to the action, brilliantly choreographed and filled with great jokes. Before that, I loved the prison sequence as well. Any scene with both Cable and Deadpool in it is elevated enormously, because they contradict each other to the best possible effect. That coupled with some awesome stunts and punching make the prison scene instantly engaging and watchable. I sort of wish that Cable had been played as the villain for the entirety of this film, because he makes quite a compelling antagonist – just ask what’s left of the MCU after Infinity War. Instead, we’re given a bizarre mix of some creepy preacher and somehow, Russell in a way. It doesn’t work as well. The second act, when Cable is the villain, is definitely the best.

Finally, let’s address the end credits scenes; wonderful. It’s scene like Deadpool going back in time to save Peter, and then kill the X-Men Origins Deadpool, that make this franchise so unique. To cap it all off, he even goes outside the FOX Universe to kill Ryan Reynolds as he accepted the Green Lantern script. Perhaps that’s a subtle clue about Universe hopping; could you imagine if Deadpool used the device to travel to the MCU? I’d definitely pay to see a Drax, Korg and Pool movie in future. No? Only me?

Anyway, in conclusion, Deadpool 2 is once again another welcome relief from high stakes, CGI packed, super serious (mainly DC for that one) Superhero movies, embracing the spirit of its predecessor. From Deadpool wheeling around the X-Mansion on Charles’ chair, to a vibrant, quippy job application montage, Deadpool 2 is full of heart, irreverent humour, and just that special something. A film I’ll definitely be seeing again next weekend.

Thanks for reading, if you managed to struggle to this ‘Last Stand’ (excuse the pun). The Sun’s getting real low now, it’s over. If you enjoyed my review, or managed to glean any sort of insight from it, I’d appreciate you liking this article, or even following my site. It’s free – you can do no wrong.