After surprising critical and box office adoration transformed Tim Miller’s risky and monumentally self-aware anti-hero comedy, Deadpool, into a record-breaking phenomenon, we all knew that the film’s immediately announced sequel would aim to be bigger, bolder and more outrageous than the original. And despite a changing of the guard, with Miller rumored to be stepping aside in favor of John Wick and Atomic Blonde director David Leitch because of a power struggle with leading star Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool 2 continues to push the envelope with more of the same vulgar, violent and over-the-top antics.

After opening with some wise cracks about Wolverine, the film immediately turns to Wade Wilson’s (Reynolds) recent selfish behavior and how it leads to an unfathomable tragedy. But rather than self-loathing like his natural instincts suggest, Wade attempts to find deeper meaning in things and finally begins to try and do what's right. However, as Deadpool quickly finds out, old habits are hard to break when he crosses paths with a mercenary from the future named Cable (Josh Brolin) who refuses to let Wade get in the way of his mission.

Deadpool 2 doubles down with its abrasive, juvenile humor and blood-filled violence. And while the overall effect doesn’t quite grab you like its predecessor, this sequel still aptly entertains and smoothly keeps the laughs coming in impressive style. Furthermore, as if heavier doses of this winning formula aren’t enough to put you all in, Deadpool 2 throws some unexpected curveballs that are a refreshing surprise. Yet, while a whole new collection of characters, both good and bad, help occupy the screen time, this is once again Ryan Reynolds’ spotlight and he cradles the opportunity to near perfection. Wade Wilson’s evolution marks a stark contrast to the last film, one that’s a welcome change and navigates the franchise down a clearer more resolute path. But as his character so conveniently points out more than once in the film, there are spells of lazy writing that linger throughout, and even a wide-growing hokiness that looms over Wade’s modest character transformation. However, the action is on point, the characters are wildly entertaining, and the story shifts down an unpredictable road, all of which make Deadpool 2 another successful superhero tale with an immensely bright future.