Deadpool 2: Super Duper $@%!#& Cut + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 4.0/5

Note: This review contains plenty of SPOILERS on the plot, so reader’s beware.

The first Deadpool came out of nowhere and not only did it stand out amongst the plethora of superhero movies, but was a juggernaut at the box office amassing $783 million worldwide off of a $58 million budget. Personally, while I did like the first movie, I did find the humor did not hold up quite as well upon repeat viewing and the plot was rather thin.

Now there’s Deadpool 2 and although I don’t know how it will hold up, will certainly re-watch in a few months, and while the movie didn’t do as much business at the box office (making a measly $734 million worldwide), found the sequel was actually slightly better than its predecessor with a better heart at its core and a bit more dynamic with the story.

The plot finds our scarred and sarcastic superhero, Wade Wilson/Deadpool (RYAN REYNOLDS) kicking ass and killing as usual but his antics attract the unwanted attentions of bad guys and his beloved Vanessa (MONICA BACCARIN) gets caught in the crossfire and is killed. In a nice twist, the film does avoid becoming a standard revenge film as Deadpool does manage to take his vengeance, and instead delves into his internal angst, unable to even kill himself.

Eventually he receives solace with the help of Colossus (voiced by STEFAN KAPICIC) and Ellie Phimister a.k.a. Negasonic Teenage Warhead (BRIANNA HILDEBRAND) as they make him an “X-Men Trainee”, and are deployed to defuse a boy named Russell a.k.a. Firefist (JULIAN DENNISON), a resident of a facility for mutants headed by a child predator (EDDIE MARSON). As a an act to protect this boy, Deadpool does kill one of the orderlies but in doing so, he and Russell are sent to what is called the “Ice Box” prison located deep in the mountains.

Meanwhile, we do finally meet Cable (JOSH BROLIN) a man from the future coming to the present in order to murder Russell as he would later grow up to become a monster who would eventually kill Cable’s wife and daughter. However, Wade does what he can to protect Russell with an epic fight with Cable though eventually escapes, leaving Russell behind… who makes a new friend at the prison… in the form of, well, I won’t spoil this part of the movie.

Eventually Deadpool realizes he needs to form his own team, known as X-Force, comprised of Shatterstar (LEWIS TAN), Zeitgeist (BILL SARSGAARD), Bedlam (TERRY CREWS), Domino (ZAZIE BEETZ) and… Peter (ROB DELANEY). I think anyone can predict the joke following an epic jump out of a military plane. In any case, the “X-Force” attempts a mission to rescue Russell from a convoy running into Cable still intent on revenge.

I won’t go any further in the plot, only to say amongst Deadpool’s sarcastic remarks and quips, he does have some good character moments and does what he can to get through to Russell in the hopes of averting the boy’s dark future.

As I said, I really was entertained by Deadpool 2, laughing at just about every joke, the spoofing or mocking of other comic book movies (with many jabs at DC) and it further shows the character and material is well within Ryan Reynolds’ wheelhouse and he’s easily in his element, more so than in anything he had done beyond this franchise (mostly not of his doing, of course).

Josh Brolin marks his second foray into Marvel, one is the MCU and the other is the Fox-Marvel Universe and I thoroughly enjoyed his Cable and not being familiar with the character, or any Marvel character in general as I grew up reading Batman (plus those in the family), Superman and Spawn, so I can’t speak to how close he resembles the character, though even the movie pokes fun at the Internet complaints he wasn’t tall enough. But how he plays the role here, he really brought some great motivation, hell I’d say better motivation compared to Thanos in The Avengers: Infinity War.

Deadpool 2 also sees the introduction to the character Domino portrayed by Zazie Beetz, who herself is set to be in DC’s Elseworld’s-esque Joker film next year, and while I do like the actress and her look, the character gets very little development, being overshadowed by Deadpool himself and Cable, but hopefully she does get more character than just having the superpower of “luck”, which was indeed a funny gag in the eventual X-Force feature film.

David Leitch takes over directing duties after Tim Miller parted ways due the boilerplate “creative differences” and it would seem Leitch was the perfect choice given his contribution to John Wick and really not a beat was skipped as this is as bloody as ever, though the sexual aspects were dramatically toned down. Considering on the surface the script is a bit haphazardly put together with no real central villain to speak of (Marsan’s headmaster isn’t and that secret Marvel villain is more of an obstacle), but he keeps the pacing up rather well.

All in all, I must admit, I kind of am looking forward to X-Force which I wouldn’t have said only a few days ago, especially with Drew Goddard (currently) at the helm, though wouldn’t have minded Leitch taking the reins. But I digress, Deadpool 2 is well worth a rental as I did find it slightly better than the first movie and, will find out in a few months, have good replay value.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.75/5

This release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover and inside is the redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Audio Commentary – Director David Leitch, Co-Writer/Actor Ryan Reynolds & Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wenick (Theatrical Version Only). The trio are fairly jovial while also providing the necessary behind-the-scenes stories and bits of trivia.

Deleted/Extended Scenes (2:36; HD) – Only two scenes here and nothing of special importance.

Gag Reel (3:11; HD) – Filled with plenty of on-set hijinks and line flubs.

Deadpool Family Values: Cast of Characters (15:09; HD) – This featurette breaks down the characters that comprise the “family” with Colossus, Cable and Domino and within the comedy, a good heart at its core.

David Leitch Not Lynch: Directing DP2 (11:39; HD) looks at the director’s approach to making this sequel.

Deadpool’s Lips are Sealed: Secrets and Easter Eggs (12:52; HD) goes through the amount of things they had to do to keep the script secret like sides colored in red and later shredded, code names, etc.

Until Your Face Hurts: Alt Takes (9:25; HD) goes into the challenges of writing the sequel.

Roll with the Punches: Action and Stunts (6:57; HD) takes viewers behind the scenes on how the action and stunt work scenes were shot.

The Deadpool Prison Experiment (11:28; HD) looks at the “Ice Box” prison which was prominently featured in the second act, and goes into the design of this prison.

The Most Important X-Force Member (2:21; HD) profiles the character “Peter”.

Chess with Omega Red (1:16; HD) is a side character barely noticed in the prison sequence and his mutant powers.

Swole and Sexy (2:12; HD) is a featurette on Josh Brolin and Ryan Reynolds.

3-Minute Monologue (2:14; HD) is Josh Brolin in the make-up chair opining.

Deadpool’s Fun Sack 2 comprises of Videos (35:22; HD) which include teasers and trailers and Stills (2:23; HD).

VIDEO – 4.5/5

AUDIO – 4.75/5

OVERALL – 4.25/5

Overall, Deadpool 2 for me actually was slightly better than the first film even when this sequel didn’t technically have a central villain. Ryan Reynolds continues to be in his element and the addition of Josh Brolin as Cable was great, though Zazie Beetz, while fun, was underdeveloped. The Blu-ray release offers up excellent video/audio transfers and a good array of bonus features.