Deapool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine is a cinematic adventure that unabashedly combines the chaotic, irreverent style of the Deadpool franchise with the darker, more violent tones of Wolverine's legacy. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, marks an important moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as it officially reunites Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in the MCU. However, this ambitious crossover, while brimming with energy and packed with fan service, struggles to maintain a coherent narrative amid its relentless meta-humor and overloaded plot.

Set six years after the events of Deadpool 2, the film opens with Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, leading a mundane life as a used-car salesman. His attempts to win back his ex-girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) are interrupted when he is torn from his timeline by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), the bureaucratic organization charged with maintaining the integrity of the multiverse, first introduced in Disney's Loki series. Deadpool is tasked with teaming up with an alternate time version of Logan, described as the multiverse's worst Wolverine, to prevent their timelines from being erased from existence.

From the outset, it's clear that Deadpool & Wolverine is a film that thrives on chaos. The narrative is a whirlwind of jumps through the multiverse, filled with cameos from various Marvel characters, some familiar and some obscure, as well as an array of pop culture references that range from clever to downright exhausting. The plot, while acceptable, often takes a back seat to the film's main purpose: humor and action.

At its best, the film serves as a love letter to the 20th Century Fox era of Marvel films, paying homage to the X-Men series, Fantastic Four and other properties that were developed prior to Disney's acquisition of Fox in 2019. The film revels in its own absurdity, often breaking the fourth wall to comment on the nature of its existence within the MCU. Deadpool, predictably, is the chief architect of this meta-commentary, with Ryan Reynolds delivering his trademark quick quips and self-deprecating humor that fans of the franchise have come to love.

However, the film's attachment to this style of humor is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. The constant barrage of jokes, many aimed at the MCU itself, can seem overwhelming. Whereas the first two Deadpool films struck a balance between humor and narrative, Deadpool & Wolverine often feels like it's trying to cram in as many jokes and references as possible. This approach leads to a somewhat disjointed narrative that struggles to find its emotional balance, especially when compared to Logan's more focused and impactful storytelling.

Hugh Jackman's return to the role of Wolverine is undoubtedly one of the film's key selling points. Hugh Jackman, who had seemingly abandoned the character after Logan in 2017, brings his usual gravitas to the role, portraying a version of Wolverine that is both familiar and refreshing. This alternative Wolverine, drawn from another timeline, is more cynical and battle-worn, far from the heroic figure fans have come to admire. His interactions with Deadpool are one of the film's highlights, the contrasting personalities of the two characters creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and, at times, genuinely touching.

The action sequences in Deadpool & Wolverine are as bloody and chaotic as you'd expect from a film that fuses these two characters. The R-rating allows for great graphic violence, with Wolverine's claws and Deadpool's swords providing plenty of opportunities for bloody combat. However, the action is often overdone, with director Shawn Levy relying heavily on slow motion and gratuitous violence to keep the audience's attention. While some sequences are visually impressive, others suffer from a lack of creativity, proving repetitive and interminable.

One of the film's greatest challenges is its handling of the multiverse concept. The introduction of timelines and alternate versions of characters, while initially intriguing, becomes convoluted as the story progresses. The film's attempt to integrate these elements into the larger narrative framework of the MCU often feels forced, detracting from the main story of Deadpool and Wolverine. This is particularly evident in the film's final act, where the plot becomes increasingly difficult to follow, bogged down by its own ambition.

Despite these flaws, Deadpool & Wolverine stands out as an unstoppable success. The film's commitment to fan service is undeniable, with numerous cameos and Easter eggs to delight long-time Marvel fans. The humor, though sometimes excessive, hits the mark on several occasions, offering laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is another major asset, with both actors clearly enjoying their roles and playing to their respective strengths.

The supporting cast, including Emma Corrin as the villainous Cassandra Nova, add depth to the film, although some characters, such as Corrin, are under-exploited. Cassandra Nova, a powerful telepath and Charles Xavier's evil twin, is a formidable antagonist, but her role in the story seems secondary to the Deadpool-Wolverine dynamic. Matthew Macfadyen's character, Mr. Paradox, a VAT executive with an arrogant attitude, provides some memorable scenes, although his character is ultimately more of a plot element than a fully-fledged villain. We'll also appreciate the presence of a number of superheroes who have left their mark on our past, such as Blade, Johnny Storm and Elektra, or should have had their own film, like Gambit. Memorable X-men foes such as Sabrebooth, Deathstrike and Toad are also present, giving the film a perfectly mastered nostalgic touch.

Visually, the film is a mixed bag. While the CGI and special effects are generally well executed, the film's overall aesthetic is somewhat lacking in coherence. Scenes set in VAT headquarters, for example, have a sterile, bureaucratic feel that contrasts sharply with the apocalyptic landscapes of the multiverse. This visual dissonance reflects the film's narrative difficulties, as it struggles to balance its different tones and plots.

Deadpool & Wolverine is a film that is likely to divide audiences. Fans of the Deadpool franchise and those who appreciate meta humor and self-referential jokes will find plenty to enjoy. The film's relentless pace, combined with its irreverent take on the superheroic genre, makes for entertaining, if exhausting, viewing. However, those looking for a more coherent narrative or deeper character exploration are likely to be disappointed.

This film is a bold, if imperfect, entry into the MCU. It succeeds in bringing together two of Marvel's most beloved characters in a way that honors their legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a superhero movie can be. However, its over-reliance on humor, coupled with a convoluted plot and overlong running time, prevents it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. For fans of Deadpool and Wolverine, the film offers plenty of laughs and action, but fails to be the definitive crossover event it aspires to be.

Deadpool & Wolverine
Directed by Shawn Levy
Written by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Shawn Levy
Based on Marvel Comics
Produced by Kevin Feige, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Aaron Stanford, Matthew Macfadyen
Cinematography : George Richmond
Edited by Dean Zimmerman, Shane Reid
Music by Rob Simonsen
Production companies: Marvel Studios, Maximum Effort, 21 Laps Entertainment
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : July 22, 2024 (David H. Koch Theater), ), July 24, 2024 (France), July 26, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 128 minutes

Seen July 29, 2024 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre IMAX theatre seat W114

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