‘Deadpool 2’ delivers fun twists with some uneven results

“Deadpool 2” has finally arrived to bring us another bloody, fourth-wall breaking adventure with everyone’s favorite Merc with the Mouth. After the surprise hit of 2016’s “Deadpool,” can its sequel continue the winning streak or will it be just as awful as Ryan Reynold’s decision to be in “Green Lantern?”

After a tragic event occurs in Wade Wilson’s life, he comes across a young mutant boy named Russell who is determined to take vengeance on the mutant orphanage where he was tortured. Things take a turn when Russell’s life is soon in jeopardy once the ruthless Cable comes from the future to take out the boy, who he has a personal vendetta with. After developing a relationship with the boy, Wilson must suit up to build a team and try to protect him, only to discover some dark truths down the line.

In many ways, “Deadpool 2” triumphs over its predecessor. While the first film’s storyline proved to be rather thin and predictable, the sequel takes more risks in both the narrative and comedy department. This leads to an intriguing premise that is unpredictable and has more layers to it for its characters.

While the level of character development isn’t done as well as some other superhero sequels, there is an attempt to make Deadpool’s character go through some interesting dilemmas. The fast-talking, pop-culture referencing smart aleck keeps those characteristics we have come to love from him, but as the situation escalates his typical way of “saving the day” is challenged. It allows for some genuinely compelling drama at times that never feels overly forced.

Even though the attempts at drama mostly work, the film still doesn’t hold back from the witty comedy and terrific action. The action sequences are better directed and the color palette looks more appropriate for this universe. The comedy similarly seems to hit more with many of the jokes, references and even the music adding to the film’s unpredictability.

Despite “Deadpool 2” being more entertaining and unpredictable than the first film, it is also a much more uneven film as a result. The structure and pacing can be messy at times, thanks to some rather annoying editing that makes certain transitions distracting. This results in some scenes going by way too fast in terms of picking up on what’s happening. Other scenes, particularly around the end, are dragged out way too long. This pacing issue doesn’t allow for some of the character motivations to feel fully formed.

While the film does its best, the balance of the dramatic moments with the comedic ones can be weak at times. With such extremes on both ends of the tonal spectrums, it can be hard to fully allow one feeling to completely sink in. Finally, while some technical aspects from the predecessor have been fixed, other aspects such as some of the sound editing and visual effects could have used some touching up.

Despite its problems, “Deadpool 2” delivers what it promises — a fun, mindless entertaining joyride that never feels insulting (except for the movies it mercilessly makes fun of). If you weren’t a huge fan of the first film, this movie isn’t likely to make you fall in love with Deadpool right away, but for everyone else, this makes for a high octane experience.