The sequel to smash R-rated hit Deadpool is out in theaters now. Following the events of the original film, Deadpool 2 takes Wade Wilson on the path to becoming a proper superhero. No killing, no super violence, and perhaps most impossible, no vulgarity. Deadpool must work together with the last remnants of the X-Men and time traveler Cable to save a young mutant from getting the taste of his first kill, becoming an all powerful villain of the future in the process.

Deadpool 2 is a 2018 superhero film, it is produced by Kinberg Genre and distributed by 20th Century FOX. It is currently in theaters now.

Deadpool and his unique band of “heroes”.

Editor’s Note: This review contains near complete to complete spoilers for the theatrical cut of Deadpool 2.

Deadpool was the R-rated superhero film that could. Many thought that due to it’s R rating it was taking a high risk to be a success, and coming off of a moderately successful video game things weren’t looking too good for the Merc with a Mouth. However, not only was Deadpool a critical & financial success, nearly matching Batman vs Superman in it’s final box office performance, but it also was a universally acclaimed film. And now Deadpool 2 is continuing the success of the original film, at least critically.

Thanos, I mean Josh Brolin as Cable in Deadpool 2.

THE GOOD: From the start of the film we get the idea of Deadpool wanting to change who he is as a person, a storyline carried over from the first film. He wants to settle down with his fiancee Vanessa and start a family. In typical Deadpool fashion, however things don’t go as planned and Vanessa is gunned down. After a failed suicide attempt Colossus once again attempts to persuade him to join the X-Men, this time succeeding. Deadpool tries to stick to the program doing things the X-Men way, but after learning of the kids of the Mutant Reeducation Center being abused he kills one of the workers, forcing Colossus to have him arrested.

Domino was one of Deadpool 2’s comedic highlights.

Character building is often a struggle in sequel superhero films, but in Deadpool 2 the Wade Wilson character growth is loud and clear. It was previously established that Deadpool wanted to settle down and start a family with Vanessa, but after her passing this change is further expanded upon by Deadpool wanting to change from just being a super violent killing machine and taking villains down in a more traditional Batman like sense. We still see Deadpool continuing to struggle with the good guy act like the final act of the previous film, but in the sequel he’s much more upfront and serious about it, minus the aforementioned kill. The vulgar comedy is back, but it never gets too repetitive or annoying to the point where that’s the only memorable quality of Deadpool’s character (something some fans often overlook).

Everyone of the key characters receives solid character building and decent enough screen time.

One of the best things about Deadpool 2 is the father/son like relationship of Russel and Wade. We learn that Russell will grow to become a powerful villain in the future upon having killed the Headmaster and eventually kills Cable’s family sparking the series of events in the main story. However, Deadpool takes it upon himself to turn Russell into a hero having known about abuse and abandonment himself. Throughout the first act of the film the two spend a majority of the time getting to know each other and slowly bonding, Deadpool remains cold to Russell in the prison in an effort to not draw any attention aimed at himself towards Russell. Cable soon attacks the prison and Deadpool goes out of his way to protect the boy. Midway through the battle Collins overhears Deadpool pretending to not care for him and ends up partnering with Juggernaut. In the third act, Deadpool de-powers himself after failing to talk down Russell, Cable fires a round and Deadpool sacrifices himself for Collins who is moved by the sacrifice causing a change of heart. Cable, also having been moved by Deadpool’s sacrifice, goes back in time and has Deadpool unknowingly use the coin he took from him earlier as a shield for his bullet which keeps him alive.

Deadpool 2 is full of more heart than most superhero films, which is ironic given it’s R rating.

THE BAD: The raunchy comedy can get extremely dark, including some mild racism (which Deadpool himself alludes to).

Deadpool 2 continues to reshape the superhero genre.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Deadpool 2 is a rare sequel & superhero sequel that succeeds the original at all points, as well as expanding on the characters, tone, story, and direction told from an R-rated point of view. With no mercy in sight from it’s targets at the butt of it’s jokes the hilarious sequel will keep the Deadpool franchise thriving with fans begging for more, as long as FOX can continue to make it better than the latest efforts. Otaku Dome gives Deadpool 2 a 90 out of 100.