Deadpool & Wolverine is the third entry in the successful franchise helmed by Director Shawn Levy (Real Steel, Free Guy). Returning as Deadpool is Ryan Reynolds who is now joined by the legendary Hugh Jackman back in the iconic role of Wolverine.
With a screenplay that is certainly tongue-in-cheek, this entry is very self-aware of what it is
Deadpool 616
As the film begins, Wade Wilson has hung up his Deadpool costume to embrace a more normal, civilian life. However, when an existential threat emerges, Wade must suit up once again. He must find a central figure in the multiverse and convince that person to help him.
Deadpool & Wolverine was an extremely fun and entertaining film that delivered exactly what I anticipated. The Deadpool films tend to be comedic in tone, but I found this entry to be the funniest of the trilogy by far. With a screenplay that is certainly tongue-in-cheek, this entry is very self-aware of what it is. It features jokes, gags, and “fourth wall breaks” that Ryan Reynolds superbly delivers at a rapid pace. My guess is that if you loved Deadpool 1 & 2, then you will undoubtedly love this one as well.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool – Copyright Disney
Humor Above All Else
The film’s jokes aim at everything and everyone involved with this movie. From the actor’s real lives, 20th Century Fox, Disney, The MCU and so much more no-one is safe. If possible, it would behoove you to do your best to avoid any spoilers for this film. Deadpool & Wolverine packs major cameos, surprises, and easter eggs that are best viewed on the big screen.
It must be mentioned that this is the very first MCU film with an R Rating from the MPAA. Any fears that the content would still be watered down due to Disney being Marvel’s parent company can rest. Deadpool & Wolverine is without a doubt the most adult oriented MCU film you will have ever seen, not just in terms of language but also because of the gratuitous violence on display in its fierce action sequences. Although the film’s violence maintains a somewhat “over the top” feel to it, there is plenty of hard-hitting action, gore and blood on screen to spare.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine – Copyright Disney
Deadpool’s Supporting Cast Shines
The ensemble of actors all do a fine job in their roles. However, the film’s co-leads are clearly the biggest attraction here, and they both steal the show. The buddy-cop level of chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman in this film is simply off the charts. Ryan Reynolds slips into the role of Deadpool effortlessly and reminds us that he knows this character intimately. Additionally, Hugh Jackman delivers a phenomenal performance in his return and seems to be having the most fun he’s ever had portraying Wolverine.
While his portrayal here isn’t as dramatic or soulful as his masterful turn in 2017’s Logan, Jackman still brings versatility, emotional sincerity, and a ton of brutal, Wolverine-Centric action to the table. In fact, Jackman’s wholehearted effort in this film, at his age, and at his length of time in the role, only reinforces the fact that he is one of the greatest to ever suit up in live action superhero films.
The film, however, does not have a perfect pacing. I thought the story felt a bit rushed due to everything it was trying to accomplish in its roughly 2-hour runtime. While the film’s villains were “serviceable”, they did not prove very memorable and remained largely secondary to the film’s co-leads and surprises.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine – Copyright Disney
The Final 4th Wall Break
However, despite those minor issues, I still had an absolute blast with this film. No, it doesn’t take itself seriously, and due to its irreverent nature, the filmmakers did not design it to be a dramatic exploration into the psyche of these characters. However, what the film does accomplish is entertain. It does so by delivering clever humor, mind-blowing cameos and surprises, thrills, and blistering action sequences. That is exactly what I anticipated going in to this film, and that is exactly what this film delivered!
“Deadpool & Wolverine” ultimately does for the Fox/Marvel universe what “Spiderman: No Way Home” did for the Sony/Marvel universe. It serves as a fitting love letter to the origins of where these cinematic portrayals came from. Director Shawn Levy has presented us with a film that is insanely fun, exciting, and full of fan service. Even so it still manages to transition into a heartfelt story about purpose and the importance of family.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is now playing in theaters everywhere and is one of my favorite films of the year. I highly recommend you enjoy it!
