“Deadpool & Wolverine”: A Hilarious and Nostalgic Ride with a Few Bumps
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 7/10
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is a bold addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), seamlessly blending humor, action, and nostalgia into a unique narrative mix that attempts to expand the MCU's boundaries while paying homage to previous superhero films. The movie follows Deadpool's peaceful existence, which comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal, Wolverine, to complete the mission and save his world from an existential threat.
The story starts with Deadpool's ostensibly tranquil existence being upended by the arrival of the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an interdimensional bureaucracy tasked with safeguarding the multiverse. The TVA enlists Deadpool to help thwart an existential threat, setting off a host of chaotic events that push the narrative into uncharted territories. Forced to team up with Wolverine, Deadpool finds an unlikely ally in the gruff but heroic mutant. Their partnership is as unpredictable as it is entertaining, offering a roller-coaster dynamic that balances tension and hilarity to keep viewers engaged while advancing the complex plotline.
I think we can universally agree that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were born to play Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, and to put them both together is the smartest decision ever made. As a Deadpool fan, I only want to see Deadpool 3, but adding Wolverine into the franchise is not on my bingo card and I am grateful that they did. The film’s strongest and most standout feature is its on-screen chemistry. Reynolds continues to excel as Deadpool, with his hallmark wit, fourth-wall-breaking commentary, and unmatched antic fervor that only Ryan can pull off. Meanwhile, Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine---contrary to Deadpool--- as this strong, serious, and heroic figure added a layer of gravitas that effectively anchors the film’s most outrageous moments. The combination of both characters creates a synergy that elevates every scene they share.
It’s evident that Reynolds and Jackman share adoration for their roles, and their mutual enjoyment in playing these characters translates to a palpable relationship on-screen that is undeniable. The banters are sharp, witty, and consistently hilarious, making it one of the film’s most significant strengths. Even with their humor that touches on contemporary issues, featuring playful jabs at Disney, the MCU, “woke” culture, and even 20th Century Fox, offer rich viewing experiences that will resonate with a wide audience.
In the true nature of the MCU, “Deadpool & Wolverine” excels in its use of cameos, featuring appearances from various beloved characters and celebrities that add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the film. These surprises may shoehorned in for a fan service, but most of these characters play significance that allows the film to enhance both the plot and character development. The film’s cameo-filled narrative ensures that it will be remembered not just by new-generation audiences, but also by those who have been longtime followers of the superhero genre, especially the FOX CU.
Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
The action sequences are also meticulously choreographed and dynamically filmed, showcasing the physical prowess of both Deadpool and Wolverine. There’s a fight scene that takes place inside the car, and it is both hilarious and violent. Each punch, slash, and explosions are captured in stunning detail, making every fight scene a visual feast. This top level of craftsmanship in the action sequences is a testament to the film’s commitment to providing top-notch entertainment and staying true to its core.
The surprising aspect of the movie is its heartfelt tribute to the Fox Cinematic Universe (FCU), acknowledging its considerable impact on the superhero genre that has come before us. The incorporation of the numerous Easter eggs and nods to previous films added a layer of fun and excitement, creating a sense of continuity that resonates deeply with long-time fans. This homage is evident from the opening credits to the end-credit scenes, ensuring that viewers who have been following the superhero franchise feel both seen and appreciated. The end credit is something that everyone can really enjoy.
However, on the negative side of the coin, the film’s ambition to outdo its predecessors brings forth its own set of challenges. While the narrative backdrop provided by the TVA can be intriguing, it often feels overly complex and somewhat abstract to comprehend to the point the film was being constraint into this tiny box that has no other rooms to explore. This complexity can sometimes dilute the emotional resonance that characterized the earlier “Deadpool” films. Although the narrative expands the MCU’s scope, it occasionally sacrifices the depth of the film, leading to a grander scale but with less impactful stakes. Despite its many strengths, “Deadpool & Wolverine” suffers from a heavy weak story structure, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed and less cohesive than its predecessors. The writing, while capturing the essence of the main characters, sometimes comes across as constrained and overly reliant on the humor and hyper-violent tropes that were already established in the first two films. This reliance on humor and character charisma means other narrative elements could have been more fully explored, resulting in certain scenes and characters lacking the emotional punch that made the first two films so compelling.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” may be undeniably bigger in scope, but is bigger the better? I don’t think so. This increase in stake does not necessarily equate to a heightened or deeper engagement. The TVA storyline which is intended to elevate the narrative often feels cumbersome and underdeveloped. The first two installments of Deadpool managed to blend the film’s zaniness with more personal and emotional resonate stakes. This 3rd installment, while grander in ambition and budget, sometimes feels detached from the personal elements that made the first two films so engaging and ambitious.
One of the film’s most delightful additions is its soundtrack. Featuring hits from NSNYC, Madonna, and Avril Lavigne, the music serves as a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s. The good thing is that these songs are not just a background element; they also somehow incorporate them into the narrative, enhancing both comedic and entertaining moments. The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, creating a seamless blend of music and actions that allows the movie to amplify its viewing experience.
In the true spirit of the Deadpool franchise, “Deadpool & Wolverine” cements itself as one of the funniest and goofiest in the MCU. The film retains its signature raunchy, rowdy, and over-the-top hilarious tone that aligns perfectly with its characters. The unstoppable humor and hyper-violence are the trademarks of the franchise that fans have come to expect and are delivered with an ace. The third installment stays true to its core, proving that even in a larger, multiverse-spanning narrative, Deadpool’s unique brand of humor remains intact. The film’s ability to combine hyper-violent scenes with comedic moments is a testament to its well-executed direction, even if the overarching storyline sometimes feels secondary to the antics of its characters.
While the film may have not revolutionized nor salvaged the MCU, it still delivers a thoroughly entertaining experience that stays true to the core elements of defining the Deadpool franchise: humor, action, and irreverence. The mix of laughs and thrills, with a nostalgic nod to the previous superhero genre, successfully fulfilled its primary objective of keeping the audiences entertained. It may have not achieved the emotional heights of its predecessors, but it certainly compensates with sheer entertainment value. Anchored by the exceptional performances from Ryan and Hugh, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a film that is thrilling, hilarious, and a violent ride that provides a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans and new viewers alike.
In conclusion, for the fans of the series, this latest installment is a delightful continuation of Deadpool’s adventure, packed with a generous dose of nostalgia. With its grand ambitions, extensive cameos, and nostalgic soundtrack, “Deadpool & Wolverine” serves as both a love letter to past superhero films and a bold step forward in the MCU. It’s an experience that, despite its narrative flaws, promises to keep audiences laughing, gasping, and thoroughly entertained. This film may not redefine the genre, but it securely holds its place as a unique and memorable entry in the pantheon of superhero cinema.
