Cinephile No. 718 “Deadpool 2”

"Breaking the Fourth Wall”

A Review of "Deadpool 2” by Nathan H. Box

Director: David Leitch, Writers: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin

Rating: 4 STARS, SHOWTIME

The Plot: Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable.

My Critique: Between the audience and the actors on screen, exists an invisible barrier often referred to as the fourth wall. The vast majority of films go to great lengths to respect the barrier between the two allowing what is happening on screen to occur as if no one was watching. Then, there are shows like Netflix’s “House of Cards,” where the lead actor often defies the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience. It is in these moments that we learn of the true intentions behind Frank Underwood’s actions. In “Deadpool 2,” we meet a hero continuing a theme born from the first film, which is to not only breaking the barrier between actor and audience, but using this space to comment on other films, the comic book industry, and anything else that comes to his mind. This simple tool, coupled with unparalleled comedic writing, gives us the funniest movie of the summer.

Though, “Deadpool 2” is not without its faults. A predictable Hollywood and comic book trope are used to motivate our hero; the death of someone he loves dearly. At times, the plot can feel haphazard and disjointed. For comic book devotees, the genesis for Cable and X-Force and their connection to the X-Men universe will feel thin. Yet, repeatedly, this film is saved by its comedic timing, brilliant dialogue, a soundtrack that also violates the fourth wall, and our hero’s search for a moral compass. Pulled together, this franchise once again serves as a breath of fresh air.

I, like lots of other audience members, suffer from comic book fatigue. I have been reading them my entire life. I can be found in a theater seat for each release. My Netflix queue is full of Marvel shows. My brain is overloaded with spandex, violence, and revenge. The only thing that keeps me coming back time and time again is an experience like “Deadpool 2.” So, leave the kids at home and head to your local cineplex. You can thank me later.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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