Red Mist: Review of Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2

Director: David Leitch

By Alex Watson

Deadpool proved that when played purely for laughs, that Marvel universe still had life in it. Deadpool 2 shows that this character is the funniest weapon in its arsenal. Again its storytelling does present certain flaws, but these are all happily overlooked. New director David Leitch (one of the two filmmakers who gave us John Wick) proves adept at finding a good balance between entertainment and violence. The marketing campaign alone deserved an Oscar and the finished product will have you ribs firmly tickled.

Still happily settling scores and making his usual brand of jokes, Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is living the good life with fiancee Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Soon afterward though, his life begins to get turned upside down and the emerge of vengeful future warrior Cable (Josh Brolin) doesn't help matters. There's also the matter of an angry abused teenager Russel (Julian Dennison) who has quite a temper and seems to like playing with fire.

With a blood splattering introduction soundtracked to Dolly Parton's 'Nine to Five', the tone is set immediately. Deadpool 2 has lost none of its original's black humour and still isn't afraid to poke fun at the X-Men universe. Though the tone does wander slightly from the path as Wade Wilson finds himself in a very difficult place emotionally (spoilers to be withheld) and spends the movie in limbo. During this movie, the notion of having a family is continually put forward and as a loner, Wade is not used to considering others. Cable has come from the future to avenge his own families murder and he proves to be a thunder busting nemesis. With his metallic arm and continually moody scowl, his motives remain wonderfully ambiguous (though there is a wonderful Thanos joke thrown in for good measure).

Russell on the surface appears to be little more than a minor sidekick. Cleverly, his importance to the story becomes more and more significant. Introducing himself in a blaze of fire, you can literally see the fury in his eyes. Abused by his carers and branded an abomination, Russell has more than just attitude problems. Wade proves to be the catalyst here again as an offhand comment will set this young man on the road to ruin. For a movie that prides itself on lower humour, the emotional core runs deep in this one. Our hero spends the movie pushing away any sense of family, but his gradual realization sets about some truly touching moments. Also, this picture finds room to introduce more vital players to the Deadpool saga such as the wonderfully sassy Domino (Zazie Beetz) who finds a way onto the team as she's 'lucky'- something she constantly proves despite Deadpool's gripes. Plus keep an eye out for a blink and you'll miss it cameo from an A-list star!

Deadpool 2 might be the funniest picture of the summer, but sometimes these laughs can distract from the story. As Deadpool mentions at one point "that's just lazy writing!" and in places, this is likely true. While Cable is a vast improvement over the poor villains of the first piece, you feel the story perhaps wastes too much time over his bickering with Deadpool. Several minor characters are written in for laughs only to be killed off minutes later. The comedic touch, for the most part, is gold, but certain jokes just feel too drawn out- the Basic Instinct sequences where Wade 'full shirt cock's it' is funny but ultimately ends up feeling like one of those overly long Family Guy gags. However, when you so richly rewarded for your time, these gripes feel meaningless in the long run.

Ryan Reynolds is clearly having the time of his life playing this character. Happy to mock his first outing as the silent variation of this character, Reynold is becoming the master of self-parody. Even when matched against big-budget veteran Brolin, Reynold's somehow always comes out on top. He also proves excellent at handling the movies tear jerker moments too. Josh Brolin is also a welcome addition as the grizzled Cable and skillfully has found his way into yet another Marvel franchise. Kiwi actor Julian Dennison steals the supporting honors though. So memorable in the hilarious 'Hunt for the Wilder People', Dennison transforms from being a moody teen a wounded tiger in short measure and slowly becomes the future villain everyone fears.

Deadpool 2 is likely to become Marvel's flagship for comedic gold in future. Stay tuned as well for possibly the most hilarious post-credit sequence yet.

The Iron Lady: Review of Atomic Blonde

Atomic Blonde

Director: David Leitch

By Alex Watson

There are few actresses on the planet better at kicking ass than Charlize Theron. Set against a thumping 80's soundtrack, Atomic Blonde is a gloriously pompous ride with a heroine to die for. Referred to as the female version of John Wick, director David Leitch (also John Wick's co-director) brings an effortless cool to proceedings. While the story might falter slightly during a lopsided third act, the entertainment factor never once goes below thrilling.

In 1989 Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) is a British MI6 agent sent to Berlin to investigate the murder of a British agent by KGB. In the last days before the Berlin Wall falls, the city is ripe with corruption and murder. Forced to work with dishevelled agent David Percival (James McAvoy), Broughton must work hard to get back a vital list of double agents that has gone missing. If KGB gets their hands on it, it will mean a cold war extension.

Despite its setting during the final days of the Cold War, Leitch doesn't overload the story with political themes. Atomic Blonde is a wonderfully straight forward story of revenge, Broughton is a cunning heroine from the very beginning. Secretly mourning the death of her lover and fellow agent. This trip is as much about getting square as it is neutralizing the threat. Watching her crawl out of a bathtub of ice cubes covered in bruises gives only a hint of what she is capable of. Jumping back and forth from an interrogation with her superior Eric Gray (Toby Jones) and shady CIA man Emmett Kurzfield (John Goodman), we learn quickly that she is an unreliable narrator. However, she is also a sleek and ruthless killer who can also put on the charm in a heartbeat. In short, this is one compelling lady who can break bones and hearts in equal measure.

Percival is an operative who brings his own set of problems. An MI6 golden boy gone wrong, he is a continually hungover liability with 'bad Sinead O'Connor hair'. His agenda is to simply make money and swimming between East and West Berlin has him frequently dodging bullets. Also on the horizon are French operative Delphine (Sofia Boutella), who takes a romantic interest in Lorraine. The first half of Leitch's movie is all about fine tuning, but his style is very fluid and stylish one and this benefits the movie greatly. Along with Lorraine's ruthless and sexy edge, the film glides along on rails. Set in a cold and frozen Berlin, the danger she faces is well portrayed. Any one of the allies she makes could double cross her in the blink of an eye. Berlin is a city where rules have long since departed and every man and women are for themselves. Leitch's set piece direction, in particular, shines brightly, especially during an ambitious 8 minute one take fight scene. A ferocious display of punches, kicks and bullets- Lorraine is like a caged animal released as she fights against a multitude of enemies. Leitch follows this up with a breathless car chase in reverse- this is an early candidate for scene of the year.

What holds back Atomic Blonde is its writing because although the story is free of any needlessly long explanations, there are also too many unanswered questions. Lorraine is a ballsy character but certain elements to her character are left unexplained, likewise Percival and his descent into black marketing. Writer Kurt Johnstad seems to go for a level of intelligence the movie just doesn't have and the frequent twists and turns become unbearable towards the end. While for the most part, this is a well-polished affair, there are still specks that need cleaning up. When you have been given a rip-roaring ride like Leitch's movie, such errors are easily forgiven.

Charlize Theron proves she is Hollywood's main lady when it comes to playing tough female leads. Her Lorraine has a wonderful sly touch to her and the sheer amount of layers Theron adds are astounding. Morally ambiguous from the get-go, Theron turns in a multi talented performance that is as sexy as it is cutthroat. Lorraine might not have the same strength as Furiosa but she is every bit as tough. McAvoy is able to match his A-list co-star with a sneaky and slimy performance as Percival. The Scottish actor keeps this character's intentions secret throughout and it's a supporting turn that is always evolving.

Atomic Blonde provides cinema with the best female heroine of 2017 and is a movie to just sit back and enjoy- just try not to ask too many questions.