Deadpool 2, at its core, is a film about family
In February 2016, Deadpool became an international sensation. Within weeks it became the highest-grossing R-rated movie worldwide. The character went from being practically unknown outside comic fandom to becoming a cultural icon.
Part of this was undoubtedly due to its unique and innovative marketing; because the studio was trying to promote an unfamiliar superhero, it needed to make sure people showed up. Needless to say, 20th Century Fox completely succeeded at that goal with some light-hearted ad placement, inventive publicity, and a distinctive angle on promoting the character.
The marketing department did a great job of piquing the audience’s interest and getting people out to watch.
But the film’s success would not have been nearly as impactful had it not been for its quality. It is because of the surprising accomplishments of Deadpool that its sequel, Deadpool 2 begins its run from a drastically different point. This second installation into the Deadpool franchise doesn’t have that uphill battle that the first one had.
There are already people in seats, the only way to keep them there is by giving them something entertaining to watch, and the team behind this movie achieves this in a wide variety of ways.
Deadpool 2 brings back what audiences were so attracted to in the first film without compromising originality and novelty. Ryan Reynolds is captivating as the title character.
His quick wit, meta-nature and unpredictability make it impossible to look away from the screen.
The characters presented in the first film return, but there are also several additions to the cast. Josh Brolin plays Cable, a beaten down mutant soldier from the future. The nature of his character is the complete opposite of Deadpool, and this juxtaposition of personalities make for some great banter and interaction. Zazie Beets plays Domino, a charming and carefree mutant with incredible luck. Lastly, perhaps the character with the most integral part of the plot of the entire film is Russell Collins, a short-tempered, aggressive and misunderstood kid played by Julian Dennison.
All of the new and recurring cast members did a fabulous job of bringing their characters to life and making them entertaining to watch.
Despite what you are told Deadpool 2 is NOT a movie for children, it is an R-rated movie for a reason. Do not be fooled solely because it focuses on a superhero, its over-the-top violence and adult language grants it its R rating deservingly.
Nevertheless, those who can get through the film’s violence and crudeness will likely find its themes and values are very human and relatable to most people. It is impressive how a film about a careless assassin who is constantly breaking the fourth wall to address the audience can be more than just a comedy or action film, but it is.
Deadpool 2 provides some surprisingly emotional moments and is drenched with themes of belonging and acceptance of others into your life. It speaks of second chances and doing the right thing despite it sometimes not being what you are driven to do.
There are also some elements of loss and pain, loneliness and self-defeat. These are things that most all of us have had to deal with, but then the film brings everything around by demonstrating how to pick yourself up, accept help and form bonds with others.
This was an extremely fun watch and though sometimes it does deal with some serious subjects, much if it is very light hearted. I feel like I will be watching Deadpool 2 multiple times because of this. Besides being a great superhero action comedy, Deadpool 2 is at its core a movie about family.