‘Deadpool 2’ Delivers on Its Promises

Having never so much as owned a Marvel or DC comic book, I don’t typically feel like I have a right to opine on their filmic adaptations. The Deadpool franchise however, by virtue of being the Deadpool franchise, at least gives me some stuff my self-important yet (I think?) sensitive-to-humour ass (arse? Nope, still too weird) can work with. This second attempt at breathing fresh anti-hero air into the otherwise overwhelmingly moralistic superhero landscape is successful on all counts and is just SO MUCH FUN.

Sure, Deadpool 2 is trying sooo hard to be subversive, piling on the crude jokes ad infinitum, but if you’re there for a good time and don’t take yourself too seriously, you can expect a healthy belly laugh every few minutes — more than most recent Hollywood comedies can boast by a landslide. The jokes are crude, yes, but they are also brave, tackling tricky topics with minimal offense caused. Above all, there are still surprises to be found in this particular Marvel movie, both within the dialogue and within the plot. In the battle for most pleasantly shocking superhero flick, Deadpool 2 is a strong contender alongside Infinity War’s rather radical narrative choices, Black Panther’s progressiveness and Wonder Woman’s female (!!!!!!!!!!) protagonist.

Deadpool’s signature self-awareness and breaking of the fourth wall add densely layered interest to a film so intent on not being “just another superhero movie.” It may roll some eyes, but overall its satisfying balance of action, humour and Hollywoodian schmaltz make for solid blockbusting entertainment. The diversity in casting isn’t bad either despite being headed by a white man (is anyone really objecting to Ryan Reynolds, though?). That said, I think I speak for all of us when I say the people want, nay, demand a Domino spin-off starring Zazie Beetz. @ producers?

8/10