Nutshell: Dopinder and the gang are back for more fourth-wall breaking hijinks, and I couldn’t be happier. Not because the story is good (it is) or that the actors are more than down to clown (they are), but because 2 might possibly be better than the first one. Yeah, I’m truthin’ here. Grade: A… Aww hell, let’s go with A+

“You’re welcome, Canada.”

Story: It’s just a boy in a red suit, standing in front of a girl.  Asking her to love him.  And while Wade Wilson and his squeeze Vanessa are gearing up to celebrate an anniversary…well, shit goes down.  Doesn’t it always?  This time, said shit brings a time-travelling cyborg that will stop at nothing to…well, just go see the movie, dammit.

Genre I’d put it in: Holy Shitballs Sequels

Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the “Merc with a Mouth” comics, the second film in Marvel’s Deadpool franchise.  At least I hope it’s a franchise.  It’s a franchise, right?

Gotta say: Okay, so we’re gonna do a spoiler-free review here.  Who’s the grade-A nimwit that decided that? Oh.  Okay.  Let’s go then.

When news of a Deadpool sequel hit town, I couldn’t wait.  Sure, it came hard on the heels of the original film (actually, while Deadpool was still in theaters), but I wanted more of the incredible fusion of Ryan Reynolds with writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. But what I didn’t expect was that the sequel would be even more incredibly ‘Pool than the first one.  Yep. It’s dirtier, goofier, bloodier (definitely bloodier – DEFINITELY) and more action-tastic than the first film.  I’m just as surprised as you are.

Reynolds, Reese and Wernick weren’t content to rest on their laurels and phone it in.  They suited up and made a truly crazy-bonkers sequel that’ll have you bargaining with your bladder to stay in the theater. (Take it from a professional; you’ll want the small drink.) Plus, you don’t want to miss anything.  Especially a few split-second…oh yeah.  No spoilers.  But trust me, keep your eyes on the screen, not your frakkin’ phone.  Thank me later.

While I loved what director Tim Miller did for Pool, the gear-switch to David Leitch for this sequel worked out perfectly.  Why?  Leitch is an incredible stuntman, so the incredible stunts in 2 look flawless. They weren’t, of course. (The film is dedicated to Joi Harris.) But onscreen things look amazing. Crisp-as-hell cinematography, editing that keeps things electric, and lots of details in setting and costumes.  Yes, the FX are top-notch. From gory-gory-hallelujah to broad strokes like Xavier’s school, the CGI here looks good, and the practical effects are hilariously over-the-top.  Thank god.

And that soundtrack.  Okay, I’ll get a bit spoiler-y with the titles of the songs, but invisotext should help those folks who don’t want to know.  However, these songs are so perfect I can’t help but spill. One taste, you spoiler-averse folks?  Fine; this might just be the best use of Air Supply’s oeuvre that I’ve ever seen. Then there’s…*activates invisotex*

• 9 to 5
• Bangarang
• In Your Eyes
• Thunderstruck
• Take On Me (Unplugged)
• Only Time
• We Belong
• And a whole lot more, including the much hyped Ashes, by Celine Dion.

Oh, and score-wise, this may be the very first soundtrack with a Parental Advisory sticker.

Performances?  Reynolds nails it, as usual.  His rapport with Zazie Beets’ Domino is just as good as with Brianna Hildebrand’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the first film (and here too.) Brolin’s grizzled intensity plays well with Deadpools complete lack of giving a fuck, and I’m really hoping Wade and Cable get to team up again soon. I want to say so much more (so much), but let’s just keep it at “everyone’s freakin’ fantastic”, ‘kay? I may trot a spoiler-laden dissection out later, but for now?  Whoever cast this movie deserves a medal. Or an Oscar.  Why don’t they give out casting Oscars?  2 also deserves recognition for topping the original’s opening credits. Yeah you heard me.

And that’s all I’ll say about 2 for now. For those of you wondering if things are tied up by the end of the film? Well, yes and no. There’s a fantastic end-credits scene that’ll have you screaming “AGAIN! AGAIN!”, but otherwise if Marvel decides to call things a day, it’s a nice end point.  Though with a film as good as 2, you’ll want more.  I want more.  GIVE US MORE, REYNOLDS.

Oh, and IMAX would be great for this film, though not necessary (sorry, studio folks.) Because things come at you so quickly, and the plot/dialogue/performances are so incredible you won’t care how you’re seeing it, just that you’re there.

#Protip: If, like me, you’re hoping for moar Pool?  We may be in luck.  Maybe. Ryan Reynolds has hinted at a threequel during his D2 premier shenanigans.  Cross the fingers on those tiny, tiny hands y’all!