“I AM MARVEL JESUS!”
In 2018, 20th Century Fox / Marvel released Deadpool 2 as a follow-up to the popular superhero film Deadpool. The sequel maintained the same violent energy and humor that made the original movie entertaining. Under the direction of David Leitch, the movie starred Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, TJ Miller, Julian Dennison, and Zazie Beetz. The plot follows Wade Wilson / Deadpool dealing with a personal tragedy and defending a young mutant from a time-traveling soldier named Cable. Additionally, Wade forms the X-Force team during the events of the film. The film received positive reviews from critics and moviegoers alike, particularly for its humor, story, action sequences, and performances by the cast, including Reynolds and Brolin. Some criticized the feature for its script and a few recycled jokes. Nonetheless, Deadpool 2 was deemed a success, surpassing its predecessor by earning approximately $785 million globally at the box office. It became the ninth highest grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film in the X-Men series. Due to Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox, including the film rights to Deadpool and other superhero properties, the planned sequel was delayed for quite some time. Now, six years after the release of Deadpool 2, the "merc with a mouth" is back in top form with the new feature Deadpool & Wolverine. Does this threequel shine with violent and raunchy glee as Wade Wilson heads into the MCU realm or does it crumble underneath the weight of the film’s inherit superhero hype of anticipation?
THE STORY
THE PRO's & CON's
I, like many others, found the first Deadpool movie to be humorous and enjoyable. It was akin to an "anti-MCU" project, focusing on a more intimate storyline with characters that were more coarse and violent actions in its action sequences. The smaller narrative may have been the weak link in the movie, but the feature made up for it with its R-rated violence and language. This made the whole endeavor feel like a genuine comic book iteration, rather than just a watered-down version to appeal to a younger demographic. Furthermore, Reynolds clearly embodied the character of Deadpool physically, a sentiment shared by many. Did Deadpool 2, the sequel to the first film, succeed or fail? I believe it did. Yes, I believe the first Deadpool film was slightly better. However, Deadpool 2 serves as a solid second chapter in Reynolds's portrayal of Wade Wilson. The story was slightly better executed, featuring a larger narrative while still maintaining a smaller scale compared to many superhero movies. The humor and violence remained just as impactful and intense. Additionally, it was enjoyable to witness actor Josh Brolin portray the character of Cable, providing a strong contrast to Reynolds's sarcastic demeanor through his gruff and no-nonsense bravado. Moreover, there were many enjoyable cameo appearances throughout the film. Ultimately, Deadpool 2, despite some rough edges, remains a strong addition to 20th Century Fox's Deadpool franchise.
This leads to discussing Deadpool & Wolverine, a 2024 superhero film and the third installment in the Deadpool film series. The success of Deadpool 2 at the box office made it likely that a third installment would be approved shortly after its theatrical release. There were discussions and almost an official announcement, but due to delays in future projects from 20th Century Fox because of Disney's acquisition of the company, as well as delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the supposed Deadpool 3 project was left in limbo. Reynolds himself advocated for the feature's release, despite Marvel Studios (aka Disney) owning the film rights to all 20th Century Fox properties, including X-Men and Deadpool. Marvel Studios was rumored to be considering a Deadpool movie, but no official plans had been confirmed. Until recently, it was announced that Deadpool 3 would be produced by Marvel Studios. This R-rated superhero film will be included in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ryan Reynolds will reprise his role as Deadpool. Even more surprising was the fact that actor Hugh Jackman would also be starring in the film as his X-Men mutant character of Logan / Wolverine. It was a great shock and delight move indeed. Subsequently, there was minimal discussion about the movie, with intermittent snippets of news. It was later revealed that the film titled Deadpool & Wolverine would be released in 2024 as the sole MCU title for that year, attributed to the 2023 writer/actor strike. However, I found this news to be quite refreshing. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been releasing numerous movies and TV series each year, causing it to feel oversaturated. Therefore, the announcement of only one installment coming out in 2024 was welcomed news, especially considering the excitement and anticipation surrounding it. Then, the film's movie trailers started to be released, teasing a promising "buddy" superhero comedy with Wade and Logan. Given the amount of hype surrounding this, my expectations were high, as I'm sure they were for everyone. I decided to see the movie during its opening weekend. I waited one to two weeks after the movie was released to gather my thoughts for this review. And what did I think of it? Well, it certainly lived up to the hype. While Deadpool & Wolverine may have weaknesses in its storytelling, setting, and main villain, it still provides an entertaining superhero experience for fans. The movie stays true to its premise and offers a lot of comic book enjoyment with its R-rated violence and humor. I would say that it is the weakest of the Deadpool movies. However, there is still plenty to love and find cinematic escapism within the latest adventure of Wade Wilson.
Deadpool & Wolverine is helmed by Shawn Levy, known for directing Night at the Museum, Real Steel, and Free Guy. Levy's prior collaborations with Reynolds and Jackman make him a fitting candidate to direct the third Deadpool movie. Many believe he is the perfect choice for the role. Levy approaches the movie with the same energy and integrity as directors Tim Miller and David Leitch did with previous features. The same enthusiastic attitude seen in Deadpool is present in the entire film, with Levy embodying the strength expected of the iconic superhero character. In addition, the movie, with so much hype surrounding it, lives up to expectations. It manages to be genuinely hilarious and goofy, while also showing heartfelt moments in key scenes. Levy always prioritizes the film's vision and the desires of its fans. The movie is enjoyable, delivering on its promise and pleasing fans of both the Deadpool franchise and the MCU. The MCU has been lacking direction since Avengers: Endgame. Including the famous "merc with a mouth" in this shared cinematic universe is exciting. Levy is testing the waters by adding Wade Wilson to the expansive realm of heroes, gods, and monsters, and he does a good job of maintaining appearances.
The action scenes in the film are particularly noteworthy, especially in a Deadpool movie. There are several typical moments in a superhero blockbuster film, but Levy portrays many of these scenes with a combination of seriousness and playful violence that is fitting for a Deadpool movie. The movie is often quick-paced, intense, and occasionally exaggerated in certain scenes, but it is enjoyable to view and contributes to the satirical tone of a Deadpool film that mocks the superhero genre's reliance on a PG-13 rating.
Beyond the action and violence, Deadpool & Wolverine includes the appropriate level of risqué R-rated humor seen in the previous installments, adding to the humor and entertainment value of this movie, which is poised to be the first R-rated film in the MCU. The movie pokes fun and examines the superhero cinematic realm from the MCU brand and past non-Marvel Studios entries, including those from 20th Century Fox. It is amusing to witness humor and banter within the superhero genre, particularly in a Deadpool movie known for its expected irreverence and vulgarity. The humor in the film was on point. Certainly, some jokes and gags may miss their mark, but the majority of them are successful, enhancing the comedic moments of the feature. If you enjoyed the humor in the first two films, you will likely appreciate Deadpool & Wolverine. Some of the jokes in this Deadpool film are raunchy and vulgar, similar to the previous features. Viewers who are sensitive to explicit language or are underage may want to exercise caution when considering watching this movie, even though it falls under the MCU banner. I am certain that many fans, including myself, were already aware of this before watching the movie. This message is specifically for younger viewers and parents.
I will not reveal the references or characters in the film, but there are many, some of which are clever and humorous. All Easter Eggs found throughout the film's narrative were a delightful and enjoyable surprise. Yes, there were some unnecessary moments, as discussed below, but this is common in fan service. In essence, "Deadpool & Wolverine" delivers exactly what fans want in a superhero team-up between Wade Wilson and Logan. Levy injects the film with witty one-liners, risqué humor, entertaining action sequences, and numerous references to classic superhero movies that will delight any fan.
The film maintains the familiar background aesthetics of previous installments, which may have both positive and negative aspects for viewers. The film's setting takes a backseat in this trilogy, with a focus on continuity and the limited production budget, similar to the previous Deadpool movies. Fundamentally, character interactions and dialogue have taken precedence over the setting of the narrative. However, there are some parts that feel lackluster in terms of visual storytelling, and a missed opportunity. I will provide further explanation below. The movie effectively utilizes set pieces in certain areas to create a "Mad Max" atmosphere within its representation of "The Void" and the characters within it. Clothing attire and hair/make-up. The film's "behind the scenes" team consists of Ray Chan for production design, Naomi Moore for set decorations, and Graham Churchyard and Mayes C. Rubeo (costume designs), and even the film editing by Shane Reid and Dean Zimmerman, should be commended for their contributions to this superhero project.
Additionally, the cinematography work by George Richmond is consistently strong throughout the film, incorporating stylish camera angles and slow-motion shots to enhance the dramatic and cinematic elements of the feature. Finally, Rob Simonsen's score for the film effectively complements the story. However, it is the carefully selected songs used throughout the movie that truly captivate the audience. From hearing *N’SYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” during the feature’s opening credits, which is quite hilarious, to an epic sounding iteration of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and everything else in-between, the movie’s song selections play a big part in the background presentation of the movie….and it’s a great listening throughout.
Regrettably, Deadpool & Wolverine encounters some obstacles during its journey. These challenges, while detracting from the enjoyable aspects of the film, have led to criticism of its overall performance and execution. The film lacks a strong plot, resulting in fragmented pieces. By no means does this make for some deplorable efforts on the superhero genre (nowhere nearly as bad or terrible as Madame Web), but the plot, while attempting to be lighthearted and deep simultaneously, appears a bit wonky and inconsistent, struggling to convey a meaningful story for the feature to execute properly. The feature's script, written by Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells, successfully delivers the team-up viewers have long awaited. The story surrounding Wade and Logan teaming up appears somewhat underdeveloped and lacks impact. This situation exemplifies the classic problem of having "too many cooks in the kitchen," where the feature's storytelling goals and aims become muddled, resulting in a lackluster outcome in certain areas. I believe that providing more depth to Wade and Logan's journey by including additional obstacles and characters would enhance the overall narrative and further develop their relationship. However, the movie includes excessive fan service in certain areas that are distracting or unnecessary. One scene in particular occurs near the climax of the third act. It appears visually appealing, yet lacks substance and drags on excessively. Essentially, you can skip this scene without missing important information. I acknowledge that the Deadpool movies are considered to be the opposite of the MCU films, focusing on a simpler plot without complex storylines and interconnected character arcs. However, I believe that the story/script for this movie could have been improved. That may be my main concern.
In addition, the movie does not have the essence of a Deadpool film. It is somewhat difficult to articulate, but this movie does contain all the necessary elements such as raunchy humor, crass jokes, foul language, lots of R-rated violence, and self-awareness in various situations. However, it gives me a similar feeling to Thor: Ragnarok, where two narratives are intertwined to form a single full-length feature film. This diminishes the importance of the side characters from the first two Deadpool movies and shifts focus to the main story in The Void. It was similar to Ragnarok, where Hela's dominance of Asgard was overshadowed by the storyline of Thor, Hulk, and Loki in Sakaar. The movie is a bit unusual, resembling a sidestep from the typical Deadpool adventure. - A sort of Deadpool 2.5 rather than a proper Deadpool 3 installment.
However, that opinion may be specific to me. The setting of The Void was a major point of criticism for me as it missed several opportunities. Similar to Loki, the void is a desolate wasteland where outcasted individuals reside, resulting in a barren and discarded environment that fosters a Mad Max-esque atmosphere where only the strong and ruthless survive. I appreciate the use of visual cues and references to George Miller's post-apocalyptic film series in the feature. However, the art direction and setting of the wasteland appear lacking in creativity and feel empty and lifeless. Due to budget constraints, the movie's background setting lacks detail and creativity in The Void. This limitation explains why the film missed out on opportunities to introduce unique and exciting set pieces. It would be interesting to see old sets and areas from 20th Century Fox and other superhero films in The Void, as if they were discarded and could be used as Easter Egg scenes for the backdrop. I believe it is a missed opportunity to create a bland background setting in Deadpool's feature films, despite the character acknowledging flaws and budget constraints.
The cast in Deadpool & Wolverine includes a variety of familiar faces and characters, creating numerous callbacks to the pre-MCU era of superhero films. I will not spoil the surprises for you, but keep an eye out for them. In terms of the main cast, I will highlight some key characters essential to the story, along with several supporting characters that make appearances in the film. Please rephrase the following paragraph with the same line breaks:
Our company's mission is to provide exceptional customer service, quality products, and innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients. We strive to exceed expectations and foster long-lasting relationships with our customers through continuous improvement and dedication to excellence in all aspects of our business. Leading the way is Wade Wilson, also known as Deadpool, portrayed once again by actor Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds, known for his roles in Free Guy, The Proposal, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, has championed the journey of Deadpool from comic book pages to the big screen. He remains the embodiment of the superhero character. Reynolds demonstrates that he is thoroughly enjoying playing Wade Wilson once more, delivering his lines with seamless precision and wit. While Reynolds' performance remains enjoyable for the actor, the character arc for Wade is simple and straightforward, mirroring common superhero narratives found in the MCU. Unclear if intentional or a result of Deadpool joining the MCU, the classic hero arc of redemption and self-worth is present in the feature and effectively executed. One can view it as either a streamlined narrative character arc or a lazy attempt at genre storytelling. In my experience, it is effective, and that is all I have to say about it. Nonetheless, Reynolds remains lively as Wade Wilson, portraying Deadpool and Wolverine, proving that he still excels in the role with his bold and vulgar humor. It will be intriguing to observe the character's future in the MCU, as it is expected to introduce some comedic moments to the expansive cinematic universe.
Reynolds' counterpart is actor Hugh Jackman, reprising his role as Logan/Wolverine from the X-Men series in the film. It has been a while since Jackman, known for his roles in Les Miserable, Australia, and The Greatest Showman, last portrayed Logan in the X-Men series. The 2017 film Logan marked the end of his portrayal of the character after many years. It appeared that he had fully retired the character. Until this movie, the actor returned with the same energy and charisma to the screen as if he had never been away. Jackman is exactly how you remember him in the role of Wolverine. He portrays a grizzled and vicious man who is broken, yet still exudes a no-nonsense bravado throughout. Jackman’s portrayal of Logan is a welcome addition to the Deadpool movies, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the film. His backstory in the film does evoke emotional responses, which aligns with the character's authenticity and Jackman's portrayal. However, the narrative lacks depth and could be more fleshed out, which is disappointing given the strength of the existing material. However, despite that, Jackman's reprisal of Logan/Wolverine in the film is a pleasure to behold and he, along with Reynolds, elevates the movie to its intended level. Additionally, the dynamic between Reynolds and Jackman is highly enjoyable to watch on screen and their rapport is seamless. The duo of actors has been engaging in entertaining banter on social media since the first Deadpool film was released. Their constant bickering and humorous conversations, from Reynolds's sarcasm to Jackson's seriousness, are a delight to watch from beginning to end. It is the central focus of the feature and will be of great interest to fans in this latest superhero installment. Fortunately, this combination is very effective and the dialogue exchanges were enjoyable.
While Reynolds and Jackman are the two main protagonists, Emma Corrin and Matthew McFadyen play the antagonists in the story. Corrin portrays Cassandra Nova, the twin sister of Charles Xavier, while McFadyen plays Mr. XYZ. Paradox is an agent of the TVA tasked with eliminating Wade's universe timeline. From the beginning, the movie presents Cassandra as a menacing figure. However, her character is portrayed as evil and lacks depth, making her role unmemorable. The lack of depth in understanding the villainy and the minimal development of the character in the movie result in a bland portrayal of the superhero bad guy. Corrin, whom I admired as Princess Diana in The Crown, delivered a mediocre performance in the film. Yes, her acting talent was satisfactory and she enjoyed portraying the character Cassandra Nova, but there is limited depth to the character and minimal material to work with. McFayden. He portrayed the character well. Paradox. He exemplified British "smarmy" confidence, adding some comedic punchlines to the mix. McFayden's Mr. X character, I personally found his portrayal to be well-executed and fitting for the role. He brought a unique energy to the character that added depth and complexity to the story. Paradox. I appreciated his role in the movie as a goofy villain, which provided an entertaining dynamic for both Deadpool and Wolverine's characters. However, similar to Cassandra, the film's screenplay portrays the character accurately, depicting him as a one-dimensional secondary antagonist. Sinister might not get as much screen time or development as some fans would hope. Both actors bring unique charm and presence to their roles, adding depth to the film's ensemble cast. However, the focus on Deadpool and his antics leaves little room for secondary characters to shine. Paradoxes are simplistic and unremarkable villains.
The character most negatively impacted by the feature's avoidance of many Deadpool characters is Vanessa Carlysle, Wade's ex-fiancée portrayed by Morena Baccarin (Homeland and Gotham). Why? Vanessa doesn't have much to do in the movie and is pushed more into the background. There is a profound significance to her connection with Wade in the latest release. However, it lacks depth and feels like a missed opportunity. Of course, Baccarin continues to deliver a strong acting performance as Vanessa. However, the actress does not have as much material to work with as she did in the previous Deadpool movies. She appears somewhat underdeveloped and lacking depth in certain aspects, which is disappointing considering her stronger impact in the previous two films.
Unfortunately, many side characters from the Deadpool movies, such as Karan Soni as Dopinder, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio, Stefan Kapicic as Colossus, Randall Reeder as Buck, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, and Rob Delaney as Peter Wisdom are sidelined for most of the movie. The acting talent of the players in the third Deadpool movie is satisfactory, but their return to their characters' personas was brief. It seems their potential for great and hilarious moments, as seen in previous installments, was not fully utilized. Unfortunately, these characters serve only as decoration or for maintaining continuity.
Additionally, the movie features a hidden Easter Egg ending after the credits. I won't reveal what the scene entails, but I did find it quite amusing and fitting of the classic Deadpool persona. Additionally, the video footage that plays during the end credits is a delightful treat to watch while waiting for this scene. It honors many non-Marvel Studios releases and features a fitting song that plays throughout the sequence. Once again, a strong recommendation and farewell.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To prevent his timeline from being destroyed, Wade Wilson enlists the help of a hesitant Logan. Together, they must unite and fight their way through a desolate landscape filled with Cassandra Nova's enemies in the film Deadpool & Wolverine. Director Shawn Levy's newest movie is designed to be an entertaining hit for fans, focusing on the chaotic journey of two well-known comic book superheroes as they navigate a world filled with forgotten heroes and villains. The film delves into the internal struggles and conflicts between the characters as they confront their past regrets. While the feature does struggle with a weak story plot and a one-note / forgettable villain as well as a few missed opportunities, the movie still manages to find to come out on top, with special thanks from Levy’s direction, great fan service moments, fun cameos / references, a great score / musical soundtrack selection, and a solid cast across the board, especially from Reynolds and Jackman in their respective roles. I enjoyed this movie. I believe this entry is the weakest in the Deadpool movie series. It ignores side characters and relies too much on references and a weak plot. However, I still enjoyed the film for what it was. It was enjoyable, entertaining, and provided the perfect level of movie escapism. Furthermore, Reynolds and Jackman delivered exceptional performances in the film, showcasing a perfect balance of banter that was truly engaging. Furthermore, I appreciate how it serves as a conclusion to the 20th Century Fox Marvel franchise by paying homage to it while also playfully teasing it simultaneously. Is the film "Marvel Jesus" itself, and will it be the savior of the MCU? No, but it is a solid and distinctive distraction that is enjoyable and likely more entertaining than some recent releases in this cinematic universe. Therefore, I strongly recommend this movie with a "recommended" rating. I believe that Marvel/Deadpool fans will enjoy it, as well as casual moviegoers seeking something unique from the typical superhero film offerings. It will be intriguing to observe Deadpool's journey within the MCU. It will be entertaining to witness his interactions with well-known superheroes like Thor, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man. Currently, Deadpool & Wolverine is a funny and satisfying superhero adventure that fulfills its anticipated premise with its R-rated crude humor and violence. It offers a quirky viewing experience for fans of the "merc with a mouth" and brings back the beloved X-Men character in an enjoyable way.
8 Out of 10 (Recommended)
Released On: July 26th, 2024
Deadpool & Wolverine is 128 minutes long and is rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, gore, and sexual references3
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