Review: Deadpool & Wolverine

For fans of the hallmark elements of Marvel’s DEADPOOL movies—endless crude humor and a torrent of violence—DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE provides an unending stream of entertainment.

Ryan Reynolds’s Deadpool, known as Wade Wilson, is a former mercenary whose powers of self-regeneration allow him to survive severe injuries, a fact established in 2016’s DEADPOOL. By the end of DEADPOOL 2 in 2018, Wade was quite content.

Then there’s Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, or Logan, introduced in 2000’s X-MEN. Known for his indestructible adamantium claws and his gruff demeanor, Wolverine died heroically in 2017’s LOGAN, despite his mutant immortality.

So how does DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE bring Wade back into action and resurrect Logan?

To understand, it helps to know some Marvel history. Deadpool and Wolverine originate from Marvel Comics, where characters such as the X-Men and the Avengers also reside. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began, Disney owned the rights to the Avengers, but 21st Century Fox held the rights to Deadpool, the X-Men, and others.

After LOGAN and DEADPOOL 2, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, bringing Deadpool and the X-Men into the same creative fold as the Avengers.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe encompasses multiple universes and timelines, themes explored in films like AVENGERS: ENDGAME, DOCTOR STRANGE: MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS, SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME, THE MARVELS, and the TV series LOKI.

Since the studio wants to keep the plot details of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE under wraps, only generalities can be shared. A universe needs saving, Deadpool ropes Wolverine into the mission, and as expected, Deadpool’s incessant chatter drives Wolverine to his limits. This forms the crux of a superhero buddy comedy enriched with R-rated humor and graphic violence. Parents bringing children to this film should be prepared for some detailed explanations afterward.

The pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine is ingenious, as both characters grapple with indestructibility and profound guilt. While Deadpool continually mocks Wolverine, Jackman portrays Wolverine’s unhappiness with sincerity. Reynolds balances genuine moments with his playful antics, fully diving into his role.

The film stays true to Wolverine’s backstory, and Jackman delivers his usual compelling performance.

Deadpool, aware of both real-world entities like Hugh Jackman and fictional entities within the Marvel universe, behaves as though he knows more than the other characters. This meta-awareness allows for humor without burdening other characters with Deadpool’s knowledge.

However, the film does have some narrative inconsistencies. For example, despite Deadpool’s desire to be part of a team, it’s not addressed that he already formed one by the end of DEADPOOL 2.

Supporting cast members deliver excellent performances, particularly Emma Corrin as a formidable supervillain and Matthew McFadyen as a bureaucratic adversary. Numerous surprise appearances from other actors add to the film’s appeal, and some have clearly prepared extensively for their roles.

For those seeking a mix of sharp wit, intense action, and mind-bending paradoxes, DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE will not disappoint. However, if post-viewing discussions about the multiverse and temporal quirks are on your agenda, be prepared for a lengthy conversation.

Source: Assignment X