Fifteen years ago, Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking mercenary Deadpool first hit the big screen. Despite his appearance in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’, Deadpool and Wolverine never truly shared the screen in a meaningful way. Now, with both characters evolving and under Disney’s Marvel banner, ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ finally brings these iconic comic characters together.
Photo from Marvel
The film kicks off with an explosive scene, reminiscent of the chaotic beginnings of previous Deadpool movies. This action-packed opening not only showcases Wade Wilson's (Ryan Reynolds) outrageous nature but also reassures fans that Disney hasn't toned down the Merc with a Mouth. We catch up with Wade years after ‘Deadpool 2’, now a car salesman alongside his buddy Peter. Despite maintaining his friendships, Wade has left his superhero days behind and is no longer with Vanessa. His birthday celebration is interrupted by the Time Variance Authority (introduced in Disney Plus’ ‘Loki’), who enlist him for a mission. Determined to save his timeline, Wade recruits a reluctant, alcoholic alternate universe Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and together they embark on a mission to restore order.
Directed by Shawn Levy, the film is an absolute blast. It's clear that the cast and crew had a great time, especially Reynolds and Jackman, whose on-screen chemistry generates plenty of laughs. Deadpool’s trademark fourth-wall-breaking humor is in full swing, taking jabs at the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the end of 20th Century Fox, and even Hugh Jackman’s personal life. While not every joke lands, the successful ones are hilarious. A particular joke about a character's missing dialect coach had my entire screening in stitches.
The action scenes are another highlight. Right from the start, the fights are bloody, brutal, and delightfully over-the-top, true to Deadpool's style. The choreography is exceptional, featuring meticulously coordinated sequences involving numerous stunt performers. The climactic battle is especially impressive, featuring a long single take that moves through city streets and even a bus. The effort and skill of the stunt team are evident, elevating the film's action to a new level.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ strikes a near-perfect balance between crude humor and genuine emotional stakes. For most of the film, this balance is handled expertly. However, there are moments where Deadpool's quips undermine potential character development, particularly in the third act. Additionally, a deeper exploration of the villain Cassandra Nova and her motivations would have strengthened the narrative, as she sometimes feels like a generic antagonist despite the high stakes.
The film successfully integrates Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, provides an emotional journey for Wolverine, and offers a heartfelt farewell to Fox’s X-Men franchise, all within a tight 2-hour runtime. Impressively, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ doesn’t feel like it's setting up future Marvel projects. Despite numerous references and cameos, the film focuses on delivering a standalone adventure for Deadpool and Wolverine. Even the end-credits scene serves as a humorous callback rather than a teaser for future films. Although not perfect, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ delivers the long-awaited team-up with style and respect for the superhero cinema legacy.
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