Review: 'Deadpool 2' is as hilarious, entertaining as original

SANDUSKY — I'm pretty sure I haven't laughed as hard — or as much — in the theater since I saw the first "Deadpool" in 2016. Or the last time I watched it on Blu-ray."Deadpool 2," which was released Friday, is hysterical.There was a packed house at the 7 p.m. show Thursday in Sandusky and it seemed the entire audience was in hysterics throughout the film — even as we listened to the orchestral choir's lyrics as the last credits rolled. I know I wasn't the only one who was laughing then and during the cartoon-y cast and primary crew credits.How do I give "Deadpool 2" its proper due without ruining it?Oh yeah: A Cary's Comics Craze no-spoiler review.At its heart, "DP2" – as I like to call it – is a love story. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), in the voice-overs at the beginning and the end, tells us it's a "family movie." And that's true to a certain extent as Wade Wilson struggles with finding out what the "f-word" — family — means.But don't consider this a family-friendly film.Parents and parental figures, that means don't be the cool Mom and Dad who bring your daughter or son to "Deadpool 2" because it's really not appropriate for young teens, much less tweens. Bringing anybody that young is decidedly not cool. So be the cool Mom and Dad and take this rated-R film to heart because there is plenty of bloodshed and filthy, filthy, foul language to which you shouldn't expose your children.Speaking of violence, do you remember how Deadpool's superpower is his healing ability?It's not just being foul-mouthed, loud, obnoxious and witty. Wilson is all that, but let's face it; that's why we can't help but love the idiot. There's a reason he's called the Merc with the Mouth.Back to the topic at hand: Deadpool's mutant healing ability. Let's just say the writers – including Reynolds, who co-wrote the screenplay – find as many ways as possible for Wilson to heal.Each of Deadpool's injuries is as creative and grotesque as the previous. Guess what? They're all so genius each situation will have you laughing. Even if you're grossed out.Be prepared to be bombarded as Deadpool and Co. make as many pop-culture references as possible. There isn't a franchise out there that is safe. None. "Deadpool 2" also parodies and/or pays homage to familiar films.These film industry references are bonkers-brilliant. One no-spoiler example, which those of you who have seen it will understand: Somehow "DP2" manages to combine parodies of Winnie the Pooh and "Basic Instinct" in the same scene – all while mixing in references to not one, but two, of the schticks from the original "Deadpool."Do you enjoy laughing at moments and lines that really shouldn't make you laugh? Do you like films that have a positive message or two – and may pull at your heartstrings – underneath all the mayhem and ridiculousness? Do you want to be thoroughly entertained and get a much needed break from real life? Do you enjoy getting your money's worth in the movie theater?Then you too will love "Deadpool 2."Grade: AReflector staff writer Cary Ashby shares his views, reviews, previews and interviews about the superhero industry and action-adventure genre on his Cary's Comics Craze blog, caryscomicscraze.blogspot.com. CCC originally ran as a twice-monthly column in the Reflector for nearly 10 years. Follow Ashby on Facebook at "Cary Ashby — reporter & comic book blogger" and on Twitter at @Cary_reporter.This promotional movie poster for "Deadpool 2" parodies the official poster for "Spider-Man: Homecoming" as Deadpool (played by Ryan Reynolds) relaxes outside of the X-Men's mansion. Ashby