Directed by Shawn Levy. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Aaron Stanford, and Matthew Macfayden.
Not since the likes of Avengers: Endgame or Spider-Man: No Way Home has there been such major hype surrounding the release of a new film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s easy to see why, though when the film in question is Deadpool & Wolverine, a film that not only acts as the debut of the Merc-with-a-Mouth in the MCU but also sees Hugh Jackman return to the iconic role of Wolverine, who he has played since 2000. Can it live up to the hype and give the MCU a boost of adrenalin in the process?
When Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is plucked from his timeline by the TVA and tasked with preventing a disaster of epic proportions that will see him lose everyone he cares for, he teams up with a Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) who has failed his timeline. Finding themselves up against Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who may hold the key to their success, they must settle their differences on a journey of redemption and maximum effort to save the multiverse.
If you’ve seen any of the Deadpool films before, you should know what to expect when walking into the MCU’s 34th(!) film. As a debut for the divisive character in a franchise full of already iconic characters, it’s a great success – effortlessly introducing him with the familiar formula that made both Deadpool films such overwhelming successes. The Fox/Disney merger allows for so many, and often derogatory, jokes about the MCU and the history of superhero films. It’s laugh a minute for sure, yet there are times when they don’t land – an issue that has plagued both Deadpool films previously, yet not enough to stop this from being an absolute blast.
What majorly works in the film’s favour is having Wolverine share the film with Deadpool in what is one hell of an R-rated adventure, with plenty of violent action included for those who have wished to see Wolverine unleashed so brutally in live-action – one sequence in the latter stages in particular just emphasising the violent nature of the characters in one glorious long take. There are some glaring pacing issues, though, particularly in the middle act, coming as a result of the already thin narrative taking a backseat to the jokes and vulgar back-and-forth between the titular characters. It may not be perfect, but you have to respect the heart that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, as well as director Shawn Levy, put into making this film happen – working as an ode to the Marvel-Fox properties that paved the way for something like the MCU to even exist.
If Deadpool and Wolverine together aren’t enough to get you excited, the film delivers plenty of surprises in the form of cameos from some familiar faces that have been well and truly kept under wraps. Some go by in a flash, which is a great tease, but several scattered throughout the film that had me and the rest of the audience shouting with joy. These are the ones that don’t just make a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance but the ones who make an impression on the narrative in some way, whether it be for comedy or action. Pair these cameos with the most heartwarming end credits, and you get the jist of what they celebrate with this film. It’s all set to an eclectic soundtrack that suits the film down to a tee; Madonna’s Like A Prayer instantly makes any sequence it accompanies cool. Bye Bye Bye is used in a way you’d never imagine over the opening credits, and You’re the One That I Want from Grease is used perfectly in a fight sequence between the titular duo. It makes up for what feels like a lack of power from Rob Simonsen’s score.
Coming to the performances, Deadpool & Wolverine relies so much on the chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. It is no surprise that it is electric between the two throughout the film, Reynolds sarcastic and witty, delivering his best performance in the Deadpool suit. At the same time, Jackman revels in cutting loose in the role of Wolverine. Even though it feels like his script, in particular, might have been written by someone who’s just discovered swearing, Jackman always manages to give the role his all and loves bringing this character to life. The film lacks a compelling villain, which has long been a problem in the MCU. Yet, Emma Corrin does a fine job of making Cassandra Nova genuinely feel like a threat, and the freaky nature they bring to her characteristics seamlessly fits in with the film.
At a time when some would argue the MCU’s powers in Hollywood are waning, Deadpool and Wolverine arrives right on schedule to prove there’s still juice in the tank. As most of these films do, it will have its haters, but you’d need help finding a cinematic experience as fun as this all year.
