Why Deadpool 2 Is The Best X-Men Movie Yet

2. It Has A Strong Emotional Core

Mixed in with all the humour, action and spectacle of Deadpool 2 is something fans might not have been expecting - genuine pathos.

Whether it be the tragedy surrounding Wade's wife Vanessa, Cable's family or indeed the arc pertaining to Julian Dennison's Russell, the film captures the soap-opera spirit of the source material and makes it a focal point despite its own sense of humour. That in itself represents its own kind of achievement, but important to note as well is that it juggles both elements effortlessly throughout, providing the laughs that endeared audiences to Deadpool in the first film while reminding them of the pathos and tragedy inherent not just to Wade, but to the wider X-Men lore as well.

The film's key quartet of Deadpool, Vanessa, Cable and Russell all manage to impart a lasting impact in one way or another; with Wade and his wife, their journey revolves around finding a sense of belonging, freedom and family; with Cable and Russell, the two must reconcile their desire for revenge with the very essence of their character, and while the film strides dangerously close to an old cliché close to its finale, it's only pulverised by the yellow and black hue of Dopinder's taxi.

This isn't to say that Deadpool navigates its themes perfectly - of course not. What is commendable, however, is that the filmmakers understood that irreverence would only get the project so far. In actual fact, if you look at the sequel, it's those moments where it moves too closely to its predecessor where it stumbles. The first act, which serves little purpose other than to remind everyone that this is, y'know, a film about Deadpool, only ends up being the film's weakest - whereas its finale (which also packs the heaviest of emotional punches), is its strongest.