Summer blockbuster season was officially kicked off with the release of Avengers: Infinity War back in April, but Deadpool 2 heralds the official start of the term as far as the calendar is concerned. After two weeks of middling content for mainstream offerings with the likes of the Overboard remake with Anna Faris and Melissa McCarthy’s Life of the Party for Mother’s Day, we have our first bona fide May blockbuster movie, opening later in the month than is customary to avoid competition with Marvel Studios’ latest mega-hit. With an R rating, this one is extra special.
Fox’s inaugural Deadpool film is currently the highest grossing R-rated film of all time with a $783 million global haul, and Deadpool 2 has a chance at topping that. In the original, Tim Miller exhibited a satisfactory directorial debut, drawing on his background to deliver some solid action sequences, although much of the irreverent humor simply existed for the sake of it. With the sequel coming from David Leitch, the action looks to be the centerpiece once again. Deadpool 2 is currently tracking an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, narrowly beating the first’s 83%.
Considering Infinity War is sure to be the highest grossing film of 2018, it will be a notable feat when Deadpool 2 dethrones the behemoth, especially so considering its R rating. Deadline is reporting a projected $130-$150 million opening, so that goal is easily surmountable. Counter programming will also be available this week in the form of Paramount’s Book Club for the ladies and the older demographic, starring Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda, as well as Global Road’s Show Dogs for families and the younger set, starring Will Arnett alongside Ludacris as a CGI canine.
I will be reviewing Deadpool 2 this weekend. I am predicting the film to open with a strong $135 million domestic take, and I am expecting to award it a quality score of 8/10. What are your predictions? Let me know in the comments below, and check back on Friday for the full review.
Film Sentinel 
Leave a Reply