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Deadpool 2

8/10

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz, Julian Dennison, Karan Soni, T.J. Miller, Stefan Kapicic, Brianna Hildebrand, Eddie Marsan

Director: David Leitch

Fortunately, here Hollywood's implicit maxim 'If at first you succeed, then repeat the formula again and again, but bigger, louder and (with any luck) even better box-office' succeeds splendidly. Deadpool 2 is funnier and even more enjoyably foul-mouthed than the original, and, by not taking itself too seriously, comes across as hugely entertaining.

Cynical? Yes. Witty? Yes. Tasteless and more than just a tad cruel?

Definitely!

But also perfectly establishing the hilarious blend of cruel comedy, foul-mouthed action so enjoyably delivered by director David Leitch, screenwriters Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds, the latter also doubling one of the film's producers and, superbly, as eponymous hero Wade Wilson/Deadpool.

As the star Wade doubles as barman and costumed avenger - when not happily hugging his girlfriend (Baccarin) and even discussing having kids. Bliss ends when she is killed and more action kicks in when Wade sets out to save fire-starting young mutant Dennison from Brolin's would-be killer from the future Cable.

But the slam-bang way to the happy ending is splendidly decorated with wild action, daffy sequences and excellently created special effects that bring Deadpool and his barmy band of fellow mutant superheroes to life.

Alan Frank

USA 2018. UK Distributor: 20th Century Fox. Colour.
114 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 15.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 2, Violence/Horror 3, Drugs 3, Swearing 3.

Review date: 28 Sep 2018

DVD review