Deadpool & Wolverine Review
It’s no secret that ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ comes out at a troubled time for Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Much has been said about the perceived decline in quality and oversaturation in their once beloved TV shows. But, luckily for the MCU, ‘Deadpool’ & Wovlerine’ manages to stick the (superhero) landing to deliver a crowd-pleasing romp that’s bound to excite longtime fans, from the action to cameos, to the strong emotional beats that are the core of the film.
It’s no secret that Ryan Reynolds loves Deadpool, and that shines through his performance of the character here. He’s still the same wise-cracking, fourthwall demolishing merc with a mouth that fans love, but in this film he’s given the chance to show a more emotiional side to the guy, as he has to contend with his own universe being shattered and even his own mortality, which is surprising for a character that can seemingly regenerate from anything. His quips are hilarious throughout, with him coming up with a near endless supply of material.
Of course, Reynolds is joined by Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, who is the emotional core of the film. Jackman continues to show how high the bar is set for comicbook characters, and that his inevitable replacement will have a tough time living up to his performance. What elavates both is Marvel Studios’ commitment to comic book authenticity, especially with Wolverine’s costume, which went ignored under the Fox era. Not anymore.
Cassandra Nova, played by Emma Corrin, is given a playful sensibility, safe in the knowledge that she’s the most powerful person in any room, and that everyone exists at her discretion. She’s fun to watch, and someone who’s content with her place in the world until Deadpool and Wolverine arrive to screw it up. The driest character is Matthew MacFadyen, cast in the role of Time Varience Authority (TVA) bureaucrat Paradox. He’s mostly there to spout technobable, which he does with an admirable British wimpiness, but there’s not more to say. The TVA remains a confusing body, with Marvel Studios routinely conflating timelines with multiverses.
These are by far not the only characters in the film. Indeed anyone who’s watched any Marvel Fox film, will have a complete blast with the easter eggs in the film, from those that have been revealed in spoilers but also the ones that have been kept under wraps. And they’re not soulless and corporate like those found in other films, but are done with heart, humor and above all care. It’s done with an understanding that these characters are likely never going to come back again. They all get their moment to shine, be that a funny line or brutal piece of action. Not all land, but most do.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is chocked full of action, and it’s largely done with the full hilarity and brutality that the bloody rating can bring to bear. The first action sequence is by far the best, combining shocking dance moves with bonecruching blows, the Wolverine fights are ones that fans have been dying to see ever since this film was announced, and the final action sequence makes use of some effective camera work throughout. The only action beat that doesn’t work is a crucial one in the film’s midpoint, where the camera twirls unnecessarily, largely blocking the view of what’s happening. It’s an odd decision, and one that’s especially disappointing with the caliber of people onscreen.
Due to the film is chocked full of action and cameos, it’s unsurprising that not all of it hangs together on a plot and story level. While arcs are set up for main characters and villains and do get some payoff, they’re slightly disconnected from each other, not feeling as strong as they might have otherwise been. The original ‘Deadpool’ franchise characters also don’t get their due (apart from Peter) But because the action is mostly phenomenal, and this film is still extremely entertaining, it’s hard to knock ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ for it.
While ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ doesn’ solve all of Marvel Studios’ problems with their live-action films, it’s unfair to lay that idea at this film’s feet. The film is by no means perfect. But what it does do is bring some jawdropping cameoes, heart and humor, and a goodbye to the Fox universe, It’s a final hurrah for a those heroes and actors, and something that honors their past while letting Marvel Sudios chart a new path forward for these characters.
