DEADPOOL 2
Wadeing in again
released 17 september (Download out now) 2018 | 15 | blu-ray (4K/standard)/dVd/ download Director david leitch Cast ryan reynolds, Josh brolin, Zazie beetz, Julian dennison
Deadpool 2 opens with a shot of a Wolverine music box and a reference to the closing scenes of Logan. It sums up this bloated sequel. Although sporadically funny, too often it feels neutered and smug. It’s anarchic, but in a corporately sanctioned, franchise friendly way. It’s become the very thing that the first film lampooned.
When tragedy strikes, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) sets out to find a new path in life. He determines to focus his efforts on protecting a fiery young mutant named Russell (Julian Dennison), a decision that puts him at odds with surly cyborg from the future Cable (Josh Brolin). If Deadpool is to stand a chance of defeating him he’s going to need backup, so he forms new superteam X-Force – with variable results.
Dennison is superb and hilarious throughout, and Reynolds’ Deadpool is as entertainingly foul-mouthed as ever, but it’s not until X-Force show up for their brief moment of glory that the film properly kicks into gear. It’s undeniably bigger and more visually impressive than Tim Miller’s original, but also far less funny, and when the movie unwisely tries for some genuine emotional heft, it’s impossible to buy into – you’re just waiting for the next “shocking” line to undercut the emotion. Deadpool 2 isn’t awful – it’s not a Kick-Ass 2 or Kingsman: The Golden Circle. It is, however, safe rather than subversive, and quite dull.
Extras The Super Duper Extended Edition adds an additional 15 minutes, weaving in numerous alternate and extended takes, as well as a few new scenes. For the most part it’s disposable stuff – different insults from Weasel (TJ Miller) or questions for Cable about the future – it’s fun and interesting for fans, but it doesn’t really add much to the film. Elsewhere, the extra run time means that scenes like the fight in the Tokyo bathhouse now feel a bit baggier. That said, Cable’s arrival and the protracted dialogue between the three hicks is funnier precisely because of its drawn-out nature, while the already infamous Baby Hitler scene is genuinely hilarious, and far sweeter than you might imagine.
The second disc contains the theatrical cut; a commentary from Ryan Reynolds, David Leitch, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick; two deleted scenes; a gag reel; and 10 featurettes. These cover lots of topics, but follow the same basic formula: lots of clips from the film and a few talking-head moments. Subjects covered are filming the Ice Box scenes; the many hidden Easter eggs (though in reality, most of this featurette is cast and crew talking about how tight security was while filming); how the cast got into shape; alternative takes (mainly about the hi-larious culture of bants on set); the characters; action and stunts, and so on. Some of this is, at least, enjoyably weird – Josh Brolin monologuing in the make-up chair, for instance.
Look closely at the hicks during Cable’s arrival, and you may spot that one of them is Matt Damon wearing a lot of make-up.
When the movie tries for emotion, it’s impossible to buy into