NSFW Marvel Adventure Falls Short Compared to Endgame

It’s ironic that in Deadpool and Wolverine, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) desires to be part of another Marvel property—specifically, the Avengers. His latest adventure with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, however, does not measure up to the likes of “Endgame” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

This begs the question: Is “Deadpool and Wolverine” truly a good film, or are Marvel fans simply starved for anything better than “Doctor Strange 2” and “She-Hulk”? The response from Marvel fanatics, who applauded non-stop during the screening, suggests the latter.

Movies like “Endgame” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” thrived on nostalgia. In contrast, “Deadpool and Wolverine” attempts the same but fails to captivate. This film feels more like a meta novella trying to bridge Fox and Disney’s Marvel universes, rather than a true sequel to Deadpool’s previous outings.

A large part of this can be attributed to Ryan Reynolds’ extensive involvement in the project. Acting as producer, star, and co-writer, Reynolds’ passion for Deadpool is obvious. However, the character appears past its expiration date. The fourth-wall breaking jokes can only go so far, and even attempts at humor with Gen Z lingo fall flat. Moreover, the various sexual jokes seem like a forced reminder that Disney produced this movie.

Weak plotlines and uninspired filmmaking from Shawn Levy and his team result in one of 2024’s most disappointing movies. At one point, Deadpool jokes about a character entering the MCU at a “low point,” but this film does little to reverse that trend.

The problems start early. Wade Wilson reassures the audience that this movie won’t undo the emotional impact of “Logan”—one of the few promises the movie keeps. He also addresses the Disney-Fox merger but does so in an eye-rolling manner.

Living in Earth-10005, Wade’s world still includes friends like his former fiancée Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). He saved Vanessa and the X-Force using Cable’s time machine. But no good deed goes unpunished, and the Time Variance Authority is now after him. Mr. Paradox (an exaggerated performance by Matthew Macfadyen) wants to pull Wade out of his universe for a mission.

Wade’s search for a Wolverine to help him offers the film’s highest points and includes one of the few worthwhile cameos. Despite this, the plot remains less cohesive than even “The Marvels.” Written by five people, the script’s lack of unity is notable. It raises questions about whether the writers focused more on references to the Disney-Fox merger and the Marvel Cinematic Universe than on crafting a compelling story.

Although Wade’s main goal is to save his universe, both he and Wolverine wander aimlessly when not bickering or fighting. The film’s structure feels like a video game, with Wade and Wolverine encountering side characters along their journey. This repetitiveness could be forgiven if the jokes compensated for it, but most fall flat despite the best efforts from Reynolds and Jackman. The routine humor involving MCU jokes loses its appeal quickly for anyone not deeply attached to Marvel.

Shawn Levy’s direction doesn’t help either. None of his past work stands out, and this film’s Mad Max-like wasteland setting mostly looks like a soundstage. Aside from one extended take, there is no remarkable creativity in the cinematography.

Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool is growing tiresome. Six years after the last Deadpool movie, this character already feels overdone. His incessant Marvel lore commentary feels like an attempt to distract from the script’s shortcomings. While a clever strategy, anyone not emotionally invested in the MCU will see through it.

Conversely, Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine is generally positive. This version of Wolverine is grittier, and Jackman’s dramatic acting brings the film’s only emotional weight. However, the film’s focus on him squaring off with Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) or donning the classic yellow and blue suit seems less compelling than his dramatic contributions.

Emma Corrin’s portrayal of Cassandra Nova is unfortunate. Her performance—reminiscent of Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”—is terrifying yet underutilized. The character’s limited screen time undermines the impact of her role, echoing past Marvel missteps. Corrin’s character is too menacing for a film that mocks her psychic abilities, reducing her to a mere plot device.

Cameos and nostalgia are plentiful. Some unexpected appearances will surprise and delight fans. Yet, unlike “No Way Home,” which had a purpose behind its nostalgia, “Deadpool and Wolverine” shamelessly relies on it. The audience’s frequent applause for these cameos highlights a troubling trend in Marvel films, which are increasingly prioritizing fan service over solid storytelling.

In summary, while “Deadpool and Wolverine” offers some fun and benefits from the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, it ultimately falters as a film. The movie sets out to please fans with endless callbacks and references, but it does little to contribute creatively to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel fans may flock to theaters, but the film is unlikely to revitalize the struggling franchise. If Deadpool and Wolverine are considered “Marvel Jesus,” the future of the MCU appears uncertain.

Grade: C-

“Deadpool and Wolverine” will be released on July 26.

Source: ClutchPoints