By Frank Portillo
“Deadpool 2” does away with the one-note villain and opens up the universe that it takes place in by introducing the X-Force to mainstream audiences.
The sequel replaces the lackluster villain for a cast of morally complicated characters, which makes for a much more compelling second outing for Wade Wilson.
Newcomers Domino (Zazie Beetz) and Cable (Josh Brolin) are welcome additions to the Deadpool universe. Brolin, coming off his fantastic portrayal of Thanos in “Avengers: Infinity War,” plays the straight-man to Ryan Reynolds’ comedic Deadpool.
His inclusion in the film doesn’t feel forced as writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who return from the first film, craft an engaging story for him that drives the plot of the film.
Even his story, however, was not safe from Deadpool’s wisecracks as he comments on the lazy writing when the time-travel rules are set up.
Domino, whose superpower is luck, shows why it is such an awesome power to have. At one point in the film, she and Deadpool argue whether or not luck is a legitimate power and she definitely proves her point.
Beetz does a fantastic job playing the worry-free Domino. The “Atlanta” actress was a great choice for the role and fans will certainly fall in love with her.
With the integration of both Cable and Domino, fans will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming “X-Force” film, which is currently in production. The jokes about sustaining a film franchise with these characters is feasible.
Julian Dennison plays Firefist, the prey of Cable’s hunt. The character makes great points when he says that overweight people usually aren’t set out to be superheroes.
His rage is understandable, but so is Cable’s cause to murder him, which brings about an intriguing narrative.
Without having to worry about introducing the titular character to the audience, the writers expand the universe that he lives in while also muddling the timeline of the current X-Men films.
Jokes from the first movie return with different angles. This becomes clear as Deadpool explores the X-mansion commenting on the fact that only Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead seem to be there.
The filmmakers, however, include a surprising cameo that delivers a great punchline to the joke. Viewers and fans will realize how much love goes into this film. While Deadpool is working alongside the X-Force, his suit adopts the same color scheme as it did in the comics, which is grey and black as opposed to the traditional red and black suit.
The inclusion of Essex as an institution makes fans wonder whether or not Mr. Sinister will play a role as a future antagonist to the new team.
Cable’s daughter Summer was also name-dropped, leaving the possibility to visiting the character open. The funniest scene in the entire movie shows the X-Force finally jumping into action off of a plane as they attempt to intercept Cable from killing Firefist.
Without spoiling the scene, what transpires is surely unexpected and is so in tune with the tone of the character. It also includes a cameo from a certain A-list celebrity.
Peter (Rob Delaney), who doesn’t have any powers, joins the team after seeing it in an ad. Before jumping off the plane, he applies sunscreen on his face and discredits the danger that Cable presents compared to that of melanoma.
“Deadpool 2” features the best mid-credits scene of any superhero movie. Fans of comic book movies will love every second of it while casual movie goes probably won’t understand the references until further exploration.
There is one moment, however, that feels like it undermines the emotional tone of the rest of the movie.
“Deadpool 2” is rated R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material.