DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Is Just the Bloody, Puerile, Heartfelt Movie We Wanted

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As a long-time gamer and comic book fan with a deep appreciation for the X-Men universe, I was initially hesitant about “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The hype surrounding Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool persona had worn thin for me after “Deadpool 2,” and I wasn’t sure how a crossover movie with Wolverine would add anything new to the table. However, having witnessed this film, I can confidently say that I was wrong.

By the time of “Deadpool 2,” Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool started losing its appeal for me. The actor, producer, and writer had merged his public persona with that of the crude jokester so closely that it felt repetitive, leaving me underwhelmed. I wasn’t confident that the pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine in “X-Men” films would rekindle my interest despite the excitement surrounding them. But I was proven wrong – I thoroughly enjoyed this movie!

After dedicating my entire career to exploring various superhero narratives, I’ve experienced what is often referred to as “burnout.” Frankly, recent Marvel Cinematic Universe productions have left me feeling more apathetic than enthusiastic. Adding to the chaos are the complicated webs of Sony’s Spider-Man universe and the decline of the DCEU, not to mention the integration of Fox Marvel continuity. Amidst this exhaustion, Deadpool & Wolverine provided a refreshing change. This entertaining take served as a satirical commentary on the current state of superhero media while staying true to the core of these beloved characters.

The movie’s delight lies in its numerous unexpected moments, so I’ll keep the plot synopsis succinct. Formerly known as Deadpool (Reynolds), Wade Wilson encounters personal hardships and retires from his superhero persona. He now works as a car salesman with a wig and a mundane existence. To spice up his monotonous life, the TVA, represented by Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), enters the scene. They offer Wade two options: either witness the demise of his world or attempt to save it. However, to carry out the latter, he requires a Wolverine. Sadly, in his universe, Wolverine had already perished in Logan.

In due course, Wade comes across a weary Wolverine (portrayed by Hugh Jackman), who is devoid of attachments and brimming with new opportunities. Together, they embark on an intense, profanity-laced journey through the desolate expanse, commonly referred to as The Void. Rest assured, those anticipating numerous battles between the two immortals will not be disappointed. Eventually, their paths intersect with Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), Professor Xavier’s twin who perished before birth in a comic book twist (an intricate comics backstory). Prepare for claws slashing, stabs, quick wit, and more as the action unfolds.

The relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine goes beyond portraying individual characters in a specific comic book universe. Instead, it explores the experiences of these characters when a cinematic universe comes to an end, resulting in an absurd theatrical feel. Deadpool’s ability to break the fourth wall is used to critique the artificiality of films and comics, but here it adds depth as a commentary on the fleeting nature of franchises through the lens of characters whose series have ended. Surprisingly, this meta narrative doesn’t become irritating, despite Deadpool himself being an annoyingly charming character.

Reynolds possesses a rare talent: he elicits deep emotions from Wade Wilson using a shocking amount of profanity that would leave Sam Kinison amazed. In my opinion, Reynolds delivers the F-word with as much rhythm and finesse as Samuel L. Jackson did in the ’90s. Jackman demonstrates his acting skills and embodies the ideal Wolverine. He portrays the pain and turmoil of this specific Logan version while maintaining the film’s tone. It may be simple to be overshadowed by Deadpool, but Jackman’s journey forms the core of the narrative. It’s not just about who this Wolverine is in his universe, but also about what Wolverine means to fans of these movies.

Macfadyen and Corrin deliver impressive performances in their expository roles, proving their exceptional acting skills without resorting to winking or overacting. Despite the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) ongoing challenge of creating engaging villains, Cassandra Nova stands out as a more successful antagonist. I may have a personal preference for this character, but Corrin’s portrayal significantly enhances my appreciation for Nova. In contrast, other comedic superhero movies, such as the Thor series, struggle to make their villains feel like they belong in the same film.

Reynolds and Shawn Levy collaborated with writers Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells on the script for this Deadpool film. Their challenge was to seamlessly blend the witty references, numerous cameos, intense gore, crude language, intricate comic book storyline, and meaningful character development. In my opinion, they accomplished this task better than any previous Deadpool movie. Deadpool 2 delved deeply into comic book elements but felt disjointed; in contrast, here the two aspects harmoniously coexist. This film also paid a heartfelt homage to the first X-Men movie while poking fun at it and other films, all 25 years after its release.

There might be some criticisms regarding the convenient plot points and confusing time or universe aspects in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, such criticisms are not essential. This comic book series is an unadulterated source of pleasure. If this turns out to be the last hurrah for these characters (and it’s hard to predict anything these days), then it’s a fittingly funny and obscene send-off.

Deadpool & Wolverine ⭐ (5 of 5)

I’m excited to share that Kyle Anderson holds a significant role at TopMob as their Senior Editor. He’s not just sitting behind a desk, but also brings his passion for pop culture to life through his weekly podcast, Laser Focus. Every episode is a deep-dive into the latest trends and classics, making it a must-listen for fellow pop culture enthusiasts.

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2024-07-24 01:02