Deadpool 2 brings more of what you loved from the first and introduces some new characters that become just as entertaining.
The film opens as Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) tries to commit suicide by blowing himself to a million pieces. Why, might you ask? Well, Deadpool is happy to explain the events that led up to him being torn apart. After several successful missions all over the globe fighting bad guys and general cleanup of the streets, it seems that the carnage and mayhem have caught up to him, resulting in the death of the love of his life, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Blaming himself for her death, the unsuccessful attempt only leaves him with a figurative hole in his heart looking for a place to belong. During a training period for the X-Men, Wade meets Russel, (Julian Dennison) who is holding the orphanage he has been sent to hostage with his mutant ability of fiery fists. When Wade learns that the orphanage has mistreated him, he kills one of the staff members and they are both carted off to prison.
Wade shares a cell with Russel who begins to idolize Wade for standing up for him. Learning the ins and outs of mutant prison isn’t easy, especially with collars on that suppress mutant abilities. Meanwhile we meet Cable (Josh Brolin) who comes home to find his wife and child burned alive. He uses a device to travel back in time to stop Russel, who grows up to become the one who murders his family. Wade is caught in the middle of the battle. He doesn’t have many scruples when it comes to killing, but killing a kid is a no-no in his book. He takes it upon himself to stop Cable at all costs, even when Russel hears him say they aren’t friends and turns on him. Wade has finally found his purpose and that which will bring his heart closer to Vanessa, saving Russel.
Deadpool changed everything about superhero films, especially when it comes to Marvel characters released by Fox. Although they were one of the first studios to get on board with the X-Men films, their formulaic method started to become very tiring, showing steady decline in quality as the X-Men films continued, including the spinoffs and Fantastic Four films and subsequent attempts at a reboot. Instead of trying to capitalize on the widest possible of audiences and shoot for a PG-13 rating like they usually do, Ryan Reynolds fought hard for the over-the-top violence, gore, and excessive language that Deadpool fans know and love. With the overwhelming success of the first, Deadpool 2 of course follows the same structure and introduces another beloved character, Cable, to the mix.
What Deadpool 2 does right are all the same things from the first. The breaking of the fourth wall, the meta jokes talking about the Marvel and DC universes, and even himself, Ryan Reynolds. The action sequences are highly entertaining, hilarious, and extremely well done. The sequences are also paired perfectly with great music, providing some very funny visuals to music you wouldn’t think would match but totally does. What sends the sequel over the top from the first in terms of quality definitely is due to the introduction of Cable and Domino. Josh Brolin solidifies himself as another comic book character in this film playing the soldier from the future. With his high tech weaponry and bio-mechanical implants, his is a formidable foe and ally. Domino was one of my favorite parts of the film, and as Wade comments pertaining to her superpower of ‘luck’: “It’s certainly not very cinematic”. You might think so, but wow, do they come up with some very cool sequences that absolutely blew my mind.
Ryan Reynolds has proven his passion for the character, and is the perfect choice to play this character, as basically every character he’s played in comedies can attest to. It stands to reason if you aren’t a fan of Reynolds snarky, somewhat childish voice and demeanor then Deadpool isn’t for you. Another major problem I have with the film is the ending, which seems to be a massive plot hole if you think about it, and the after credits scene which turns the film into a paradox and thus could not possibly have happened. To avoid spoiler territory I won’t go into it here, but it does hamper my enjoyment of the film which would’ve otherwise been entirely positive.
Despite these nuances that would only apply to a film and science geek, Deadpool 2 knocks it out of the park in pretty much every way. It’s a solid sequel, in most ways outshining the first.
Video
Deadpool 2 is presented in 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 with HDR. This transfer looks amazing, with crystal clear quality and high detail that the 4k disc produces. The HDR also provides the most vivid colors and deepest darks, which is best utilized with all the red blood and gore.
There is a lot of CGI in the film, and this all looks great in 4k. The only scene I didn’t think looked that great was the scene of Wade with baby legs, but hey, the joke is what makes the scene, not the CG.
The Blu-Ray disc is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos and is one of the highlights of the disc. With the over-the-top action sequences, which are many, the sound will entirely immerse you in the action. The track provides a great balance between the surrounds and center channel, and despite all the explosions and gunshots, dialogue is able to be heard with crystal clarity. The soundtrack is another highlight of the film, with great song choices that are hilarious and go perfectly with each sequence.
Special Features
TONS of extras on this set. Not only does this set have four discs, the extended and theatrical versions in both 4k and Blu-Ray, there are ample extras to keep you occupied after you watch both versions of the film which include over 15 minutes of extra footage and new dialogue. Interestingly enough, this also includes song choices for some of the sequences.
Here’s what you’re going to see:
- Gag Reel
- Deleted/Extended Scenes
- Until Your Face Hurts: Alt Takes
- The Most Important X-Force Member
- Deadpool Family Values: Cast of Characters
- David Leitch Not Lynch: Directing DP2
- Deadpool’s Lips Are Sealed: Secrets and Easter Eggs
- Roll With the Punches: Action and Stunts
- The Deadpool Prison Experiment
- Chess With Omega Red
- Swole and Sexy
- 3 Minute Monologue
- Audio Commentary by Ryan Reynolds, David Leitch, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Theatrical Version only)
- Deadpool’s Fun Sack 2
Deadpool 2 is so refreshing, because it proves that Marvel characters can be in good hands in other studios. Will this always be the case? Of course not. But for the moment, 20th Century Fox earns my trust for future property as long as they can make films like this. The $@%!#& Cut contains so much material and goodies, it’s the obvious choice for fans of the film that want the best of the best.
