Let me begin by saying that Deadpool is not a superhero. More a black-hearted anti-hero with amazing regenerative powers thanks to a mutation experiment gone awry. Following on from the enormous success of Ryan Reynold’s first official outing as Deadpool in 2016, the eagerly anticipated comic book sequel is already the third highest-grossing film of this year behind ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Black Panther’. After failing to save his fiancée’s life in a killing spree by a target in Deadpool’s hit list, the masked mercenary meets unstable young mutant Russell at an orphanage labelled a ‘Mutant Reeducation Centre’. When Russell becomes the target of a cybernetic soldier from the future, it’s up to Deadpool and his ragtag gang of mutants and wannabe heroes to protect Russell and save the day.
Everyone loves a hero who will do just about anything to save everyone and anyone. If you haven’t met Deadpool yet, be prepared, as he isn’t exactly your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man more than he is a caped vigilante with honourable intentions. With his questionable moral compass and constant bad language, Deadpool is a solid example of Hollywood going badass and celebrating anti-hero archetypes in this endless stream of comic book reboots. In today’s increasing pressures for political correctness and fear of causing offence, Deadpool is a very refreshing change to the average Joe with an alter-ego and superhuman abilities who loves helping people. Insensitive in every possible way is this film that those without a wicked sense of humour should avoid it full stop. Forget its categorical label as a black comedy superhero film. I would say charcoal black at the very least. The criticism aimed towards the film’s ethnic stereotyping is misguided, as one of the key supporting characters of Indian origins has some of the funniest lines in the whole script.
One of the film’s strongest features is its fine balance between razor-sharp humour and the protagonist’s character development. In this sequel we see him take responsibility for a vulnerable teenager and do his utmost to protect him. I very much enjoyed watching Deadpool show his paternal instinct and become a more complete person, but not quite complete as he’s Deadpool. Sadly ‘Deadpool 2’ isn’t note perfect. For all it’s belly-aching hilarity and sardonic wit, the action sequences are so farfetched to the point of absurd that I didn’t enjoy them. Perhaps because every time the aptly named Domino (she’s lucky) seems to be in a genuinely life-threatening situation she effortlessly gets out of it without so much as a scratch. In comparison to the first film, ‘Deadpool 2’ felt a little predictable and over-imaginative. However, the dialogue is wickedly funny, the characters blend together well, and I laughed for nearly all of it. One thing I would like to see in the third film is a sparring match between Deadpool and Batman. That would be worth the ticket price alone.
HKFilmBlog 