Movie Review: “Deadpool 2” is bigger, louder, and funnier than its predecessor

Movie Review: “Deadpool 2” (R)

Right up front, let’s get this out of the way: “Deadpool 2” is a ton of irreverent fun, and it proudly wears its R-rating like a badge of honor. This sequel is bigger, louder, and funnier than the first film, and while it’s certainly not perfect, its manic energy, self-deprecating humor, and carefree attitude make it an obscenely pleasant, in-your-face alternative to the likes of the box-office juggernaut that is “Infinity War.”

In this sequel, Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool) is as smart-Alecy as ever, and at this point, he’s completely comfortable in his well respected superhero shoes. He’s happily in love with the girl of his dreams and living large amidst the hero community, having struck fear into the minds of criminals throughout the world. Sadly, though, a horrible incident sends the fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool on a much-needed journey of self discovery that finds this consummate smart-ass bonding with a young mutant (energetically played by an amusing Julian Dennsion of “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” fame), battling a time-traveling soldier called Cable (played by a steely Josh Brolin), and learning the dynamics of teamwork through his union with a collective of up-and-coming wannabe heroes he ultimately deems X-Force.

“Deadpool 2” is loaded with enough plot developments and pop culture references to fill five movies, let alone one, but its fearless sense of humor, ultra violence, and brutal antics give this chaotic and sometimes messy film a flavor that is wholly unique unto itself.  Translation: “Deadpool 2” doesn’t give a shit!

Director David Leitch  (“John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde”) steps in for a departing Tim Miller (sidenote: the original “Deadpool” helmer is currently on “Terminator” duty), and his involvement proves to be a pretty good fit. “Deadpool 2” doesn’t feature any of Leitch’s  trademark oners, and there are times when some of the hand-on-hand combat scenes are a bit on the muddled side, but this action stylist has plenty of energy to spare. He keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, and fittingly, he keeps “Deadpool 2” fluctuating from uproarious comedy to epic action movie to tragic drama in hyper-kinetic fashion. What’s more, you can feel Leitch’s genuine love for iconic action films of the past nearly every step of the way, for “Deadpool 2”  is every bit as much a love letter to “Terminator,” “Robocop,” and “Die Hard” as it is to the increasingly popular Marvel source material that inspired it.

Of course, holding “Deadpool 2” together is the motormouth freak of nature that is Ryan Reynolds, a charismatic performer whose love for this character knows no bounds. Reynolds worked tirelessly to bring this edgy Marvel property to the big screen, and that hard work continues. What’s really worth noting here, though, is that while Reynolds once again brings his manic spontaneity and keen sense of comic timing to the table, Deadpool as presented in this picture actually has a character arc. Some viewers might be pleasantly surprised to find that Wade Miller has plenty of heart to go along with that colorfully foul mouth of his, and that’s a testament to Reynolds’ talent and natural likability as an actor.

One of the big questions that remains is this: Given Disney’s pending acquisition of 20th Century Fox, might we see Deadpool pop up in future “Avengers” movies? That’s hard to say, especially when taking into consideration that Brolin (Thanos himself) plays two entirely different characters in both “Deadpool 2” and “Infinity War.” But then, Chris Evans played Johnny Storm and Captain America, so why the hell not?!

Whatever happens in that regard, fans of Ryan Reynolds and his take on Deadpool are likely to enjoy this second installment just as much, if not more, than the first film. From a supremely funny opening credits sequence (punctuated by a new awardworthy tune performed by an Oscar-winning diva) to themes of grief, anger, and family to the epic action set pieces to the clever use of dubstep and a haunting acoustic version of an ’80s pop classic to its nothing-is-off-limits brand of comedy to a post-credits stinger that is clearly Marvel’s most undeniably brilliant (and clever) stinger to date, the hilarious, self-effacing, action-packed “Deadpool 2” is a very fun time at the movies, provided you’re up to the very R-rated proceedings that await you as you enter the theater.

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