When Deadpool first premiered in 2016, it was an undeniably original movie, unlike the quintessential superhero films of the past.  This monumental movie is not only absurdly funny, but also contained gore that would suit a Mortal Kombat game.

What made it even more of an accomplishment was that it was a part of the X-Men film series.  Originally, the X-Men movies were known for their bland aesthetics and toning-down of the more silly aspects of their source material.  That was until Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds lobbied for the fourth-wall breaking “Merc with a Mouth” film for years.  When it finally arrived, not only did it become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, it also poked fun at the very genre that its existence was predicated on.

How do you follow up a smash hit like Deadpool? You raise the stakes. Deadpool 2 meets the standards set by its predecessor, but in many aspects, succeeds them.  It may not be as bitingly original or uniquely funny as the first one, but it makes up for it with a stronger thematic core, a better-utilized and more interesting supporting cast, and a greater ingenuity in its action scenes.

Deadpool 2 picks up where the first film left off. Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, continues his work as a mercenary, but on his first mission as an X-Man trainee, he encounters the young Russell Collins, performed by Julian Dennison.

Russell Collins, a teenage mutant with fiery abilities, was living at an abusive orphanage.  When Russell becomes the target of the seemingly villainous Cable, who is played by Josh Brolin, Deadpool must assemble the X-Force to protect him.

Deadpool 2 is very much a family film. Don’t think for a second that this means the film is for all ages.  Rather, family is at the core of the film.  A lot of this cannot be explained without spoiling the movie, but rest assured, Deadpool 2 has more going on in terms of heart than its predecessor.

“I definitely wouldn’t go see Deadpool 2 with my younger silblings, but it was a great movie to watch with my friends,” said junior Tyler Greenberg.

Josh Brolin’s performance as Cable is simply fantastic. You may know him better as the man behind the mocap for Thanos in the Marvel cinematic universe.   Cable has an extremely convoluted and confusing backstory in the comics, so the simplification of it for the films is appreciated.

The fights between Deadpool and Cable are superior to those of Deadpool and Ajax in the first film.  The locations of these fights, a prison and a convoy, allow for more creativity in them, with the cramped quarters allowing for some truly brutal moments.

Another notable appearance is that of Brianna Hildebrand during her role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead. This young X-Man with explosive abilities is revealed as a pivotal character in the fighting scenes.  When Negasonic Teenage Warhead and her girlfriend Yukio, played by Shioli Kutsuna, step up to the fight, the X-Force becomes an indestructible team.

Because of these two characters, Deadpool 2 features some of the first on-screen LGBT representation in a superhero film.

One of the film’s highlights is Colossus, performed by Stefan Kapicic.  This big guy is involved in some of the film’s best moments and is always the one who cracks some of the funniest jokes.

A special mention should also be given to Tyler Bates and his soundtrack. Deadpool 2 has a score that explicitly fits this film and its character. Celine Dion’s “Ashes” and the horns of Diplo’s “Welcome to the Party” give an extra push to the film’s final blowout.

At points, the film does feel like it could’ve been even better than it already is. Some of the action scenes feel a bit lacking and that the creators did not make use of their full potential.

For instance, one fight in a prison could have been the perfect opportunity to cram in as many X-Men villains as possible as easter eggs to die-hard fans.  Despite this fact, this scene, along with the rest of the movie, lack the classic X-Men characters that we all adore.

Deadpool 2 makes up for this by packing in as much violence, swearing, and intense camera work as it can to make the fight more interesting.

“The movie was super funny because all of the jokes were revelant to now,” said junior Audri Wong.

While the scenes involving Colossus and the other X-Men can be described as fist-pumping awesomeness, the Firefist climax ends up being genuinely emotional and heart-wrenching, which is something one may not expect from a Deadpool movie.

“Deadpool 2 lived up to my expectations. The promos for the movie were hilarious and made me even more eager to see it,” said freshman Sari Hartstein.

Deadpool 2 may not have the same sense of originality as Deadpool, but it makes up for this by exceeding its predecessor in heart, action, and stakes.