Director: Shawn Levy
Writers: Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Rated: R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, gore and sexual references.
Synopsis: Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” delivers the ultimate, iconic, cinematic team-up throwdown on July 26.
Review: 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine was a disaster that I’ve made every effort to forget. To be honest, I think I remember more about the leaked workprint and the chaos that caused than I do the movie itself. It doesn’t help that there was a video game released at the same time. I reviewed that too. The plot of the game and the film are tangled up in my mind.
In 2009 I knew very little about Deadpool. I had been a comic book fan as a child and into my teens, but around 1989 my love transferred over to music. Deadpool didn’t appear in New Mutants until 1990. So, I wasn’t put off by the “Merc with a Mouth” not having a mouth. It does, in retrospect, feel like one of the worst ideas in the history of cinema.
Does Deadpool & Wolverine rectify that mistake? I think so. It gave me what I wanted and a couple of unexpected moments that had me almost jumping out of my seat.
I’m going to be incredibly vague when it comes to plot points, but the film takes advantage of the multiverse ideas that were explored in the Loki series which allows the narrative to exist in a space where there are few rules to maintain. So, when Deadpool learns that his timeline is set to expire (it’s not too complicated, but we’ll keep it a secret) and he’s going to need to find a Wolverine to help him save it. In theory, any Wolverine will do.
CUT TO: Wolverine through the ages Montage.
This kind of multiverse jumping might feel tedious to some. It’s certainly not necessary. As a Wolverine fan, I enjoyed it. I don’t how the movie will play to those who don’t know what they are getting themselves into. It’s absurd, a lovingly crafted satire that takes aim at all things Marvel (mostly the Disney efforts). It is gratuitous and self-indulgent at every turn. The cartoonish violence is endless and the dialogue as foul as you’d expect (and maybe a little more). But like the previous Deadpool films there is a heartfelt story at its core about one man seeking redemption and another trying to save his friends. I like the story. I love the performances. Sure, I tend to tune Deadpool out after 30 seconds of his numerous soliloquies. So do the characters.
Deadpool gets more time on screen than Wolverine, but unlike The Flash I didn’t feel like I was getting cheated. I’d argue that Hugh Jackman is given some fantastic scenes. It’s not on level with Logan, but it gets closer than it has any right to do. The cast is really good (even when they’re purposefully bad). I’d love to see more of Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova.
It’s rough, chaotic, and arguably the worst of the trilogy. It’s also my favorite. I could have watched the film a second time. I wanted to revel in the madness. You never know who you might find just around the corner.
