By Jack Ransom July 26, 2024
After many years of speculation, fan anticipation, Ryan Reynolds pestering Hugh Jackman and the MCU being in a bit of a rough patch of late, with Deadpool and Wolverine we finally have Marvel’s two most beloved mutants together again… but better this time!
Synopsis
We catch up with a listless Wade Wilson (Reynolds), as he toils away in civilian life with his days as the morally flexible mercenary, Deadpool, behind him. But when his home world faces an existential threat, Wade must reluctantly suit-up again with an even more reluctant Wolverine (Jackman) and make his grand entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as its self-proclaimed “Jesus”.
Review
In all honesty, had this come out at the peak era of popularity for the MCU and Fox (they had a winning triple hit financially of Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse & Logan in 2016-17) there is no doubt it would have been one of my most anticipated and beloved entries in the series. However, going into this with broadened tastes and a slice of superhero fatigue, there is no denying its shortcomings, despite how much fun it can be when it really hits its stride.
I will be avoiding any spoilers so fear not! If you’ve seen the trailers, then you’ve got the gist of the plot. Wade’s quest to save his universe from the timeline cleansing TVA leads him on the hunt for a Wolverine (queue a cackle worthy and geekily satisfying montage) leading to a down on his luck, depressed variant of Logan who would rather drown his sorrows then be a hero. It’s undeniable how haphazard and scrappy the plot is, but it bounces all over the place with gags, bullets and fan service and most importantly a palpable sense of fun, love and energy at its own existence.
The previous Deadpool flicks and obviously Logan, were anchored by some surprisingly effective emotional beats, that here do feel a little more glossed over and less impactful, however, the performances, Jackman especially, do add a legacy inflicted punch to the proceedings and I was not expecting to get a little emotional over the end credits. Also, whilst the multiverse may be done to death now (even Deadpool himself calls it out), it is undeniable that the Merc with a Mouth finally in the MCU jolted my comic book loving heart into life when he first arrives at the TVA.
Deadpool’s fourth wall breaking barrage may grate at times, but with the MCU, Disney, Fox and Hugh Jackman’s personal life at his disposable he delivers many a chuckle worthy winking nod and/or jab. There are a few jokes that simply don’t land, others that feel instantly dated and a lot, and I mean a lot of it boils down to Wolverine telling Deadpool to “shut the fuck up”. As I say, I will be keeping this spoiler free, but I can’t help but feel some people may fall victim to the feverish cameo rumours (from everyone to Taylor Swift to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and the Avengers being speculated) and let their imagination run rampant (very much what happened with Multiverse of Madness) and I will say, yes, there are certainly plenty of surprises (one of which ‘said the thing’ and it was a shot of pure nostalgic joy), but don’t expect a conveyer belt of appearances.
This is easily the most violent entry in the MCU by a country mile. From the fantastically bloody, twisted, slick and stylish opening credits brawl (accompanied by NSYNC and Deadpool’s stellar dance moves), to the gory scraps between our titular characters (the first of which Deadpool informs all nerds its time to get the ‘special sock’ out for the moment
they’ve been waiting so long for) and a fist in the air well put together tracking shot finale massacre. There is some great choreography here. There’s a particular third act scrap that does descend into some quick cutting mayhem which is slightly frustrating and whilst the costumes (the best our leads have ever looked), props and interior sets look good, there is no denying that this once again continues Marvel’s oftentimes dull backdrops, wonky green screen and poor lighting choices throughout.
Once again Reynolds’ motormouthed, quick witted, fittingly irritating Poolsona shines through and he is clearly relishing being in “Disneyland”, as well as switching into sincerity when required, especially capturing DP’s unabashed love for not only his family, but also the chance to team up with Wolvie. Jackman’s return to this role was easily one of the most anticipated cinematic pop culture events for a while and whilst nothing will top his performance in Logan, this jaded, embittered, snarkier angle on Wolverine is well portrayed and he isn’t just phoning it like some feared he might. Matthew Macfadyen is a snooty, pompous and welcome addition as Mr Paradox, and he is clearly relishing hamming up the ego and ruthlessness. Lastly, Emma Corrin’s wide-eyed, remorseless, ultra-powered Cassandra Nova is a strong screen presence, however the character suffers from what plagues many of the MCU’s villain’s – a largely one note plan and little character investment.
Deadpool & Wolverine is a loud, raucous, crowd-pleasing, bloody blast that injects some adamantium life into the MCU. Whilst it certainly isn’t perfect, due its choppy and rather thin plot, as well as some mixed gags and ropey technical aspects, its sheer excitement at its own existence, gloriously over-the-top and spluttery violence, enthusiastic performances and anarchic spirit as the Merc with a Mouth crashes through the multiverse is infectious.
Star Rating
Deadpool & Wolverine is out now in cinemas
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