In February 2016, I watched Deadpool, a different kind of superhero flick that completely subverted my expectations and proved to be one heck of a good time at the movies. Obviously I have a lot of expectations going into this much-hyped sequel, so can it possibly live up to the hype?
Novelty No More
First let me start off by saying that Deadpool 2 is a hilarious film. The meta jokes, the endless snarkiness – it was funny the first time around and it’s still funny two years later. But it was also fresh, and it’s not fresh anymore. This sequel offers plenty of the same comedy and wisecracks, but does it break new ground? Nope. And maybe that’s not a bad thing, but there’s nothing groundbreaking here (look at Captain America – The Winter Soldier – a sequel that explored new possibilities and was infinitely better than its predecessor).
Moreover, it doesn’t help that Deadpool has to follow in the footsteps of Black Panther, and Infinity War – two superhero blockbusters that were far from ordinary. It might be an unfair comparison, but the timing is unfortunate. Thankfully, Ryan Reynolds is still fully committed to the title role – he’s brilliant every step of the way.
A Lucky Addition
Deadpool 2 does have one secret weapon through: a new character in the form of Domino (played by Zazie Beetz). Backed by a unique ability (she can manipulate luck), the mutant is an undoubted highlight of the film. Beets is insanely charismatic and a ton of fun to watch on screen. In fact, I’m secretly hoping Domino gets her own spinoff soon. On the bright side, we’ll probably see her again in the upcoming X-Force movie (which already has a writer/director in place). The team dynamics are on point, and I can certainly see why FOX is so eager to get them their own franchise (starring Deadpool of course). Fresh off his turn in Infinity War, James Brolin stars as the “baddie” Cable, and he brings a genuine sense of menace that drives the film’s momentum. This must be Brolin’s lucky year!
Deadly Digs
Blind Al: Can you speak up? It’s hard to hear you with that pity dick in your mouth.
Cable: I got two charges. One to get me here, one to get me home.
Wade: Well, that’s just lazy writing.
Wade: You know what we need to do? We need to build a fucking team. We need ’em tough, morally flexible, and young enough so they can carry this franchise 10-12 years.
Wade: With this collar on, my superpower is just unbridled cancer. Give me a bow and arrow and I’m basically Hawkeye.
Wade: Sorry I’m late. There was a bunch of handicapable children stuck in a tree. I had to…
Vanessa: Uh-uh.
Wade: You’re right. I was fighting a caped badass, but then we discovered that his mom is named Martha, too.
Dopinder: Do you remember the movie, Interview with a Vampire?
Wade: I don’t want to.
Wade: George Michael was right. I’m never going to dance again.
Wade: Big CGI fight coming up!
Conclusion
It’s not revolutionary in any way, but it’s still a highly amusing watch thanks to the usual wittiness.