Like the multiverse with which the MCU is currently obsessed with, I think we should take a time out and reset some expectations. Things like “Deadpool will be the savior of the MCU” or “If this movie doesn’t fix everything wrong with superhero movies, we’re never coming back” or the worst, “this movie better not be another bunch of low brow humor and Ryan Reynolds mugging at the camera.” Let me just stop you right there and tell you that “Deadpool & Wolverine” is NOT the savior of Marvel Studios – nor does even attempt to despite constantly cracking jokes about its current state. It also isn’t the answer to superhero fatigue, as it still functions as a byproduct of that very genre and there is simply no way to force Deadpool to be anything other than a knowing superhero movie. And lastly, anyone going into a third installment predicated on the very things that Reynolds and the franchise has made an entire career out of, you’re better off sitting this one out. Seriously, why are you even here if not for the meta dick jokes and 4th wall breaks?
No, “Deadpool and Wolverine” isn’t any of those things. What it IS – is a fun, funny, violent, all knowing meta joke per minute thrill ride that exists solely to excite fans and deliver some great laughs. “Deadpool &Wolverine” may be the least narratively cohesive film so far, feeling more like a collection of loosely connected comedy sketches than a fully realized film. But it is so much damn fun and packed with everything fans of the series could ask for that it doesn’t really matter. You could make the valid argument that the film is a hollow corporate cash grab, and no amount of self deprecation at the hands of the Merc with the Mouth can hide the fact that the film’s narrative bones are brittle and not made with adamantium. The stakes are low, the construction is messy, the pacing is sometimes plodding, and it does commit one of worst screenwriting 101 mistakes in all of cinema that grinds my gears every time it rears its ugly head. It would be fair to say that the schtick may finally be starting to wear thin even for those that love it. Reynolds and friends know this, which is partly why it feels like kitchen sink filmmaking.
Directed by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum,” “Free Guy” which I actually didn’t know people hated to their core and for the life of me can’t understand why) from script by franchise regulars Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Ryan Reynolds, adding “Robot Chicken” writer Zeb Wells, “Deadpool & Wolverine” sees the return of the titular antihero. After fixing the mistakes of his own timeline at the end of “Deadpool 2,” Wade Wilson (Reynolds) gives up the suit to live a normal, civilian life after some setbacks and rejections. That is until the TVA show up at his doorstep and inform him that his timeline is set for total annihilation due it losing its anchor being, Logan. Rejecting the offer to join the sacred timeline in order to save his own world, Wade travels through timelines looking for a Wolverine (don’t worry, “Logan” and its legacy is still very much intact) to replace his own and save his world. Of course, he stumbles upon the worst of the Wolverines, and they must find a way to work together and save everyone. The film stars Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Morena Baccarin, Aaron Stanford and Matthew Macfadyen. No cameos were spoiled in this cast listing. You’re welcome.
That’s about as bare bones as a synopsis as I can give you without spoiling anything, and I have no intention of ruining such a major summer event for anyone. “Deadpool & Wolverine” has done an incredible job keeping its best cards close to the chest, and somehow the internet has been kinder than normal and hasn’t gone out of its way to make things awful. So being able to experience the plethora of cameos and cheer worthy moments for the first time enhanced the thrills of them. Make no mistake, it is packed with cameos, more than the film’s shaky foundation can handle. Almost all of them work, and unlike the dreadful “Doctor Strange Multiverse of Madness” these fan service surprises feel earned and very on brand for a “Deadpool” movie. Even if you’re not a chronically online nerd obsessed with easter eggs, it delivers on both surface level and deep cut references sure to satisfy diehards and casuals.
Reynolds and Jackman make a great buddy cop pairing; two antiheroes at rock bottom with a propensity for violence. Their real life friendship fuels that cinematic chemistry, and their banter and fight scenes (both against enemies and each other) never disappoint. Kevin Feige may have let the Reynold’s Co. go off the rails a little too much, but “Deadpool & Wolverine” owns every bit of its R rating and never feels restricted in any way. The stars shoulder most if not all of the film, packing it with their strange brew humor and a surprising amount of heart. The stakes may be low, but they’ve always been and that’s perfectly fine. We’re here to see these two kick names, take ass and make fun of everything around them – past, present, and future. Corrin as Cassandra Nova is clearly having a blast even if she’s underutilized and under developed as a villain. Most of the franchise staples are relegated to next to nothing, as this opts to solely focus on the title characters as much as possible and relish in the cameos more than the regulars this time around.
With its paper thin story but over the top irreverence and humorous homage to 2000s superhero movies, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is the ultimate fan service endeavor that feels sincere even when its constantly poking fun at its surroundings. It’s good to see the MCU willing to make light of their mistakes, and while they’re hiding behind the safest possible character to do it, they do still allow Deadpool to sound off about all of them. The jokes are more rapid fire than ever, and the violence is doubled seeing as how we now have two destructors.
It is only loosely connected the larger MCU and can exist on its own without making any kind of lasting impact on the larger story. While some point to this as a detriment, the film is much better for it. I never asked these films to be important on a larger scale, and I don’t need any of them to make sense of things or even matter all that much outside of its own contained story. Those are unfair expectations, and if that’s what you’re hoping for then you’re going to be disappointed. But if you go into it looking for a plethora of meta dick jokes, a scowling Jackman as a mean Wolverine, fan service cameos, a kick ass soundtrack, bloody violence, and Reynolds constantly mugging and breaking the 4th wall, then this is exactly the right movie to see.
What it really is is a ton of fun if you’re willing to let it be. If you’re dialed into the brand, you’re in for a treat. It may not be the strongest in the series, but it was still worth the wait and the most fun you’ll have at the theaters this summer.
And in addition to “maximum effort,” i will now be adding “educated wish” to my daily vernacular. LFG!
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is now playing in theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
