F*cking Outstanding
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Overall8
Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine“ is not just a film; it is a high-octane, gut-busting experience that brings some fresh air into the MCU at a time when we could use some levity along with our servings of existential dread and gruesome killings. While there is a vast amount of fan service, in a world where your titular character is a foul-mouthed, no-filtered, fourth-wall-breaking killing machine that is all too aware that he’s now playing in the Mouse’s sandbox, it simply works.
Writer/Director Shawn Levy (“Free Guy,” “The Night at the Museum,” “Stranger Things“) has threaded that self-referential needle between self-awareness and self-parody in a prime fashion. There are enough Easter eggs and cameos popping off throughout the film’s two hour and four-minute running time that can keep even the most die-hard fans ecstatic, but with a story that will still be perfectly enjoyable for individuals who have only ever seen the prior Deadpool films.
From the onset, the film establishes a unique tone that combines the raw brutality of both characters along with their own personal demons, which gives them a great combination. In many ways, it could almost be compared to the lithe writing between Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy in “48 Hours.”
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprise their roles that they have not only created for the big screen. These roles have become so iconic for them, one cannot state their names without thinking of their anti-hero/mutant characters. And whenever thinking of the characters, you know exactly the voice and face that goes along with them.
This time around, we find that something is amiss with Deadpool’s world- it’s future has fallen into doubt. In order to be able to correct things, he needs to seek out his own personal superhero crush, Wolverine. Deadpool discovers it’s not always straightforward to find the ideal Wolverine amongst all the variants that exist, so it’s not a one-and-done, to say the least.
There are myriad cameos and Easter eggs that exist throughout the film, as I have already noted. Part of the sheer joy of this film comes from the audience not knowing what (or who) is going to pop up next. I would go so far as to say without a doubt that this is one to see in the theater, with a huge crowd. Also- know as little as possible about said cameos and Easter eggs. The reactions and the cheers will be well worth this maximum effort. There’s none of the cameos that really fail to land, and one doesn’t have to have seen all of the Marvel Studios/Fox/Sony/New Line films to follow the story (some of the audience reactions to foreground and background characters may confuse you, but it won’t impact your understanding of what’s on screen).
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is an absolute blast from start to finish. It breaks the mold and takes you on a wild ride with two of the most deeply damaged / baggage carrying heroes around. They are so different and clash on almost every level, yet at the same time they are a pairing that just works. And I have to admit, I was so done with Jackman as Wolverine, but now he’s 2 for 2 in knocking it seriously out of the park.
There is one real bonus scene at the very end of the credits, so if you can hold it after sitting for 2 hours, it’s worth the wait. However if you really must run for the bathroom, do it right when the credits start to scroll, you’ll get back in time.
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” officially hits theaters July 26th. Which just happens to be smack-dab in the middle of San Diego Comic-Con.
