Deadpool 2 - 3 smiles

The question about a sequel is whether it will be good enough to avoid embarrassing everyone involved.  The original Deadpool was the first R-rated superhero movie full of snark and audacity that was a surprise box office hit. Fortunately for "Deadpool 2," star Ryan Reynolds and the creative team give us more of what made the first so enjoyable. It's funny, energetic and determined not to take itself seriously. There's a James Bond-like opening musical number (song courtesy of Celine Dion) complete with Deadpool-inspired fake credits that act as a commentary on the prologue. The story that evolves from there pits Deadpool against Cable (Josh Brolin), throws in some other Marvel characters (who become X Force) and gives our self-deprecating hero more insight into his belief system.

"Dead pool 2" sticks to the template established by Deadpool so the fourth wall isn't much of a barrier with the title character frequently addressing the audience. And there are a few cameos, including one that's so quick if you blink you miss him. (Hint" it's Brad Pitt.) Pay attention to the soundtrack because you'll see a fight scene choreographed to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5." Plus unusual uses for "(The Sun'll come Out) Tomorrow," "If I Could Turn Back Time." "In Your Eyes" and "All Out of Love." So....."Deadpool 2" is successful because you get what you expect. But if there's another Deadpool, the writers will need to come up with something new or it will be 'been there, seen that.'

Note: 2019 will see an X Force movie that will include Deadpool; (Ryan Reynolds), Cable (Josh Brolin), Domino (Zadie Beetz), Colossus (Stefan Kapicic), Teenage Negasonic Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Russell (Julian Dennison) and Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna). If you see "Deadpool 2," you know who these characters are.

Avengers: Infinity War - 3 1/2 smiles

"Avengers: Infinity War" loses a 1/2 star because it's part 1 of 2. And at an exhausting 150 minutes, you still have to wait until May, 2019 to see the conclusion. (Do I sound miffed?) This movie is overstuffed with plot, characters and a larger-than-life villain. Perhaps a villain to end all villains. After all, he snaps his fingers and half of the world's population dies. The story careens between New York, space, Wakanda and other locations and the battles are more brutal than we're used to. The overarching narrative is that uber-villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) is coming, and unless he's stopped, he will bring with him a universal apocalypse. His goal is to collect the six Infinity Stones. Once he gets them, he will have the power of a god and no living entity will be able to stop him. It's up to the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and other Marvel Comics Universe heroes to thwart him.

Much of the screen time is devoted to battles although there are a few moments, mostly early in the film, where we get some exposition and character interaction. The CGI is spectacular, if not overdone at times. If you're a fan, you've already seen "Avengers: Infinity War" at least once. If you're not a fan, I'm sure you don't understand what all the fuss is about.

Overboard - 2 smiles

I can't understand why movie studios think that remaking a mediocre movie will result in box office success. Like "Overboard." The original, a 1987 production starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, was mostly a failed comedy that worked mainly because of the charm of the leads. So you remake that movie, but you don't have Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Instead, you twist it so instead of the low-class working guy kidnapping the rich bitch white woman, this version gives us the working girl kidnapping the amnesiac rich asshole Mexican guy. Other than that, the new film proceeds pretty much the same way the old one did. Kate (Anna Faris) and Leonardo (Eugenio Derbez, a big star in Mexico), meet when she is called to clean the carpets of his yacht after a party. Following some 'cute' banter, the two argue and Leonardo pushes Kate overboard. Later, after falling off the yacht at sea and washing ashore with no memory, he is tricked by Kate into believing that they are married. She uses this as an opportunity to stay ahead of the bills while she studies for her upcoming RN tests. Leo, after some initial resistance, falls in love with hard-work, Kate's three daughters and, of course, Kate herself. Kate, meanwhile, can't bear to tell him the truth for fear she'll lose him.

Interestingly enough, Anna Faris is effective as Kate, a woman at her wits end in terms of taking care of her daughters, working two jobs and studying. It's easy to understand why Derbez is popular in Mexico, but these two lack chemistry. There's no sexual tension or romantic spark. And there's nothing to encourage us to accept the miraculous transformation Leo undergoes from self-centered jerk to hard-working, caring family man (other than wanting a happy ending). And director Rob Greenberg obvious use of the three young girls to manipulate an emotional audience response is unacceptable. The script is supposed to do this naturally. "Overboard" is a pale imitation of an original that want that great to begin with.

Life of the Party - 3 smiles

I liked "Life of the Party," starring Melissa McCarthy, more than I thought I would. I usually prefer my comedies without the usual 'shtick' that happens in her movies. And although this move has some slap stick, it has a lot of heart, telling the story of the deep bond between mother and daughter. The concept of an older person going back to college isn't new. (We've seen Rodney Dangerfield and Will Farrell do it before.) Forty something Deanna (McCarthy) is dumped by her husband for a blonde real estate agent. Suddenly homeless and not sure what to do with her life, Deanna decides to return to Decatur University and finish the last year of her archeology degree she suspended when she became pregnant with Maddie (Molly Gordon). Deanna lives in a dorm  with a quirky roommate while Maddie lives in a sorority house. Fortunately for Deanna, Maddie's sorority sisters adore her mom. Deanna finds herself enjoying the fringe benefits of college as much as the classes and she starts up a relationship with Jack (Luke Benward), a guy half her age, and develops a rivalry with a couple of campus 'queen bees.' And, while a whiz in her classes, her fear of public speaking results in her undoing for the oral presentation. "Life of the Party" consists of loosely connected sketches showing various aspects of a single mom exploring (and enjoying) a return to college life. And if some of the jokes fall flat, it's all harmless fun and a great way to spend a Friday afternoon at the movies.