Review of Deadpool & Wolverine: The MCU Multiverse Film I've Been Waiting For
Lead by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman at the height of their superhero careers, Deadpool & Wolverine is a shockingly fun Marvel multiverse adventure.
Dream Team-Up: Marvel Multiverse Adventure
Ever since Hugh Jackman first wore the legendary black leather suit and adamantium claws to depict Wolverine in the 2000 film X-Men, Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine is a film almost 25 years in development. Ryan Reynolds joined the X-Men series of 20th Century Fox more recently, but he became so iconic with the Deadpool character that it's almost impossible to find anyone else in the part. Rather than looking at recasting choices, Deadpool & Wolverine uses the multiverse to explain their arrival into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, producing a really great buddy comedy.
Deadpool and Wolverine: A Convoluted Yet Basic Story
Deadpool & Wolverine's story is both simple and convoluted. Complicated by multiverse politics and surprising turns, it is basically a buddy road trip tale. Introduced and discussed over two seasons of Loki, the Tva whisks Deadpool away from his timeline, telling him his universe is in terrible shape. Rather than working with TVA agent Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Deadpool turns to one of the Wolverines from the multiverse. The TVA exiles them to The Void, the multiverse's dumping ground, where they confront Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), under their rogue status.
Deadpool and Wolverine: Undercover Fan Service
To be honest, Deadpool & Wolverine isn't particularly "good" in the conventional sense. There is little character development; often, multiverse antics takes front stage. Notwithstanding this, there is a strong emotional thread as Deadpool looks for a sense of direction that will make him relevant – all to impress Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), so highlighting his natural selfishness. Though hardly discussed, the sad past of the new Wolverine explains his anger problems.
Mostly one-dimensional, the surviving cast members in Deadpool & Wolverine serve to propel the story or generate audience cheers.
That's not the reason you see Deadpool & Wolverine, though, and it's most definitely not the reason I loved it. I treasure Marvel films of the past 30 years since Deadpool & Wolverine is a sincere homage to them. Growing up seeing the X-Men movies, I watched the franchise fade and saw the false starts of The Fantastic Four. And then Deadpool and Wolverine gave closure. Smartly masquerading as an odd-couple team-up, this is the best fan service movie. Filtered through the playful and crude lens of Deadpool, Fox's rendition of Avengers: Endgame is raw.
Deadpool & Wolverine: A Deep Dive into Marvel Lore
Those who have a strong and long-lasting passion for Marvel movies will value Deadpool & Wolverine most; hence, the movie might leave behind casual viewers. Marvel movie mythology abound over the past three decades; even those who have seen every movie referenced in Deadpool & Wolverine could find some of the real-world callbacks confusing. Fortunately, the film finds a good mix between more general pop cultural references and quite obscure allusions. Still, this is definitely a film where, if you wish to completely enjoy all the layers, you should do your homework.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman at Their Superhero Best for Deadpool & Wolverine
Given both superheroes share the movie's title, it's not surprising that Deadpool & Wolverine centers Reynolds and Jackman. Their performances amply show their commitment and enjoyment during filming. Jackman's austere, stoic Wolverine is complemented by Reynolds's fast-talking, irreverent superhero; their comic chemistry works in every scene they share. Since their first on-screen cooperation in 2009, this team-up has been much awaited between these two actors.
Any heart that Deadpool & Wolverine has is wholly resulting from Reynolds and Jackman. Their performances clearly show their obvious love of these characters, either equal to or more than our own. This is the only reason the few and far between moments of true emotion have the required impact. Jackman's performance is layered enough to be intriguing, even though Wolverine's past is just vaguely sketched. And Reynolds gives Deadpool a richness beyond the conventional joke machine.
Deadpool & Wolverine's Supporting Cast: A Fun Ensemble
Filming Deadpool & Wolverine also seems to have been a blast for the rest of the cast. Though they follow the MCU trap of being rather one-dimensional, Macfadyen and Corrin are both interesting villains. Moreover, every actor who made a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine seems to enjoy their roles, thus their presence—regardless of length—is even more pleasant.
Last Thoughts: Deadpool and Wolverine: A Crowd Pleaser
Deadpool & Wolverine is essentially a film meant to please viewers, and it does so rather well. It deftly and succinctly makes use of the Marvel Multiverse, including references across the spectrum. Though not everyone will find it appealing, Deadpool & Wolverine exceeded my expectations after a run of multiverse letdowns.
Thursday afternoon, July 25, Deadpool and Wolverine opens theatres. Rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, gore, and sexual references, it runs 127 minutes.
