Movie Review: “Deadpool 2”

The merc with a mouth is back. After the phenomenal success of “Deadpool”, it’s no surprise that “Deadpool 2” was one of the most anticipated movies this year. So, does the movie manage to live up to the colossal expectations? We-ell, yes and no. While the movie delivers more of the crazy comedy and fourth wall breaking as its predecessor, and also adds in some great action set pieces; the sheer uniqueness and audacity of the original hasn’t been recreated. It’s more of the same – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’ll still be a juggernaut at the box office for sure (you’ll see what I did there).

“Deadpool 2” is, as the protagonist puts it, a family film. Although it sounds crazy, the movie actually does have a lot of heartfelt moments. To sum up the plot, Deadpool has to try and stop Cable, a soldier from the future, from trying to kill a young, troubled mutant. Throw in returning characters like Dopinder, Weasel, Blind Al and the budget members of the X-Men mansion; and a bunch of new characters like Domino and Peter joining the “X-Force” into the mix, and you got the ingredients for a fun outing (I know this is really skimming the top and leaving you with more questions than answers, but I don’t want to give away anything remotely close to a spoiler).

The movie is definitely fun, but if you are not up to speed on your comic book movies, or don’t enjoy the brand of adult humour that Deadpool provides, then maybe this plate of chimichangas isn’t for you. But for those of you who enjoy it, the movie provides loads and loads of laugh out loud moments, pop culture and movie references, cameos and easter eggs which would be caught by casual viewers, as well as those which would take even eagle-eyed fans repeat viewings. The action sequences continue to take advantage of the ‘R’ rating, and John Wick co-director David Leitch stages some impressive action pieces, which I felt was lacking in the first part. But there is a certain been-there-done-that feel that I couldn’t shake off. If you are expecting a completely brand-new experience and the sort of novelty that the first movie had, you are likely to be a bit disappointed.

From an acting front, there is nothing to complain about. The returning actors fit into their characters like nothing has changed – and Ryan Reynolds is pitch perfect as the motor-mouthed, quick-witted superhero. Of the new cast, Josh Brolin is very good as Cable, but it was Zazie Beetz as Domino who really impressed me. Julian Dennison as Russell Collins, the young mutant Deadpool must protect, also makes a mark.

I would definitely recommend “Deadpool 2” – there is a lot to like here, but don’t go expecting something absolutely path-breaking like the first movie. It guarantees a lot of laughs and a fun experience.

P.S.: Needless to say, but don’t forget to stay for the mid-end credits scene. It’s an absolute hoot!

P.P.S.: I was pleasantly surprised that there were no cuts, and just a few words muted when I saw the movie here. I was expecting a silent movie to be released – thank God that’s not the case.