A Geeky Guy’s Movie Guide to Deadpool 2 (2018)

hanshotfirst (76)in #movie-review • 7 years ago

Here is probably the only thing most people who clicked on this need to know: if you enjoyed Deadpool you must see Deadpool 2 ASAP.

For several months leading up to the release of Deadpool 2, I kept hearing rumors that test audiences had major problems with the movie. Some were saying that the creators had lost their minds and taken the merc with a mouth down the completely wrong path.

Even though this made me a bit nervous, I still had to see Deadpool 2 on opening day (in a high quality Dolby theater). I honestly think that those reports of Deadpool's failure were either an elaborate hoax, flat out lies, or the ravings of a crazy person.

Deadpool 2 was freaking awesome!

I loved the first movie. I was blown away by how entertaining yet incredibly wrong it was. It was so wrong in fact that I have vowed never to watch it in the same room with my son... ever. Even when he's 30, I would not feel comfortable watching that level of wrong with someone whose diapers I used to change.

I'm still not sure if I like Deadpool 2 better than the original or I merely like it differently from the original. Although I truly enjoyed his origin story mixed in with a little "romance", having to tell it slowed down the first movie a little bit. Deadpool 2 does not have that handicap. It is basically action or jokes for the entire 2 hours (including 5 hilarious after the credit scenes).

Another dilemma I am having is what I would classify this movie as. Obviously it is a comic book movie. However, I am not sure if it is an action movie or a comedy? Right now I am leaning toward comedy. Although it is filled with impressive action sequences, there are at least six jokes I can think of that are still making me laugh the day after seeing the movie. In fact, I am cracking up writing this right now. Therefore, I would argue this is a comedy that happens to fill time between jokes with incredible, over the top, violent action sequences.

After watching this movie, I kept comparing it to another recent comic book movie that really surprised me: The Lego Batman Movie. Please don't misunderstand this. The Deadpool series is NOT for children. Heck I don't even think it is for many adults. The reason I was reminded of The Lego Batman Movie is that it was not required for either one of them to be a good movie. The writers could have thrown together a lazy and cliche story, sat back, and counted their money. Instead, both actually came up with a clever story and paid very close attention to detail.

Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (who collaborated on the highly underrated Zombieland) did not miss a single opportunity to slide in a well timed joke about the Marvel or D.C. universe. The team also included many inside jokes and Easter eggs for fans of the comic. Although they did not thoroughly flesh out the character of Cable, they took enough time to explain his motivations.

No. Cable's motivation is not to sweep DP off his feet.

Perhaps my favorite detail was the perfect use of songs. If you check out the soundtrack, you may find some very surprising artists (Dolly Parton? Cher? Air Supply? A-ha?). Trust me. These songs are used in the most clever ways possible. Not to be outdone, the original songs written for the movie are BRILLIANT! Although some of them are hard to decipher during the actual movie, if you stay for the credits, you will be able to truly enjoy them for their comic genius.

It wasn't just the songs that were surprising. I was shocked at how moving some parts of the story were. We all know I am a complete wuss who is not afraid to cry at insurance commercials, but even I was amazed that I found myself tearing up at a few scenes. This was more proof that these writers actually wanted to create something more than just a mindless action movie. They clearly put maximum effort into this.

The story, humor, music, and characters are all impressive. But what about the action? First of all, there is plenty of it. Without having to spend too much time on an origin story, they are able to jump right in with the action and do not have to break from it for very long. The special effects are acceptable... but they are not spectacular. For some reason, I do not think the CGI characters in this movie are as good as the ones in the Disney produced Marvel or Star Wars franchises. There is also one scene involving the X-Jet landing that looks absolutely terrible. It looked like low quality television special effects rather than those for a blockbuster movie. Even with these flaws, the action did its job. It was plentiful and exciting.

This is how I transitioned from action to my new favorite character. I'm clever.

Before I wrap this up, I would never forgive myself if I did not mention my favorite new character. No it is not Cable (although Josh Brolin was perfectly cast in this role). Although Cable is very cool and I can't wait to see what he does next, Domino was simply amazing. Even though I do not recall seeing Zazie Beetz in any other movies, I will never forget her portrayal of Domino in this one. Not only is she funny, she holds her own in her action scenes. She did not quite upstage the star as was the case with the women in Black Panther, but she was a close second.

Regardless of the fact that there were some plot holes and some characters did things that made no sense, the laughs, action and heart made up for these minor blemishes. That being said, after you see this movie, please try to explain to me why she just didn't stop the freaking truck right away? Why was there a chase? Because I don't want to spoil anything, I won't say anything more about the scene. Trust me. You will know it when you see it.

By the way, the post credit scenes are a must see!

Some are saying there are five post credit scenes. I see it as one that is broken up into five sections. Either way, they are hilarious! After the five are complete, I would recommend sticking around to listen to he lyrics of the original songs. They are masterpieces of juvenile humor.

Possible yet very tiny spoiler below.

The song and video Take on Me by A-ha plays a pretty important role in this movie. If you are too young to remember the video, it was considered quite groundbreaking when it was created. It is one of the most memorable and iconic videos of the early MTV era (you know when MTV was about music and videos). If you have never seen it, you should watch it before the movie. Being familiar with it will make the movie better.

Geeky Guy's Movie Guide

Number of times I fell asleep: 0 (It's kind of hard to sleep with so many people laughing.)
Number of eye rolls: 0 (1 major one. Stop the truck!)
Number of face palms: 3 (Some things were so wrong, in the best way, that I just had to hide my face)
Number of times I checked steemit: 0
Can my kids see it: No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
Number of times I will watch it: At least one more time in the theater and I will buy the DVD
Full price/Matinee/Rental/Free/Not worth the time: Full price in Dolby if possible.

Images 1, 2, 3

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