“Deadpool & Wolverine” expressed so much tough love, it’s almost like they’re bad friends. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is exactly what you’d expect it to be. It’s irreverent, sarcastic, chaotic, full of fourth wall breaks and gags, bloody and has a bop of a soundtrack. It hits all the beats of prior “Deadpool” movies but with the added touch of an iconic character and a new universe.
Seeking a purpose, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) reunites with a variant of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to save his universe from the Time Variance Authority. The film is directed by Shawn Levy, who’s no stranger to the stars of this movie. Previously, Levy made 2021’s “Free Guy” with Reynolds and 2011’s “Real Steel” with Jackman.
Reynolds and Jackman have so much chemistry and their personalities contrast each other perfectly. The quirky, fast-as-lightning comedic timing of Deadpool and the brooding, dark nature of Wolverine creates a dynamic that carries this film. Their relationship harkens back to buddy cop films like “Lethal Weapon” or “Rush Hour.” But it’s marvelous (pun intended) to see how Jackman hasn’t missed a beat and acts his butt off for what feels like the millionth time. Jackman is a true, serious actor and it always shows.
Reynolds and Jackman make “Deadpool & Wolverine” effortlessly enjoyable. But what holds the movie back are the same problems that plague every Marvel movie. Fan-service cameos, serviceable plots and lackluster villains. The cameos were fun and served this whole film’s journey to being made well. But it’s easy to become numb to them because of how often Marvel pulls that trick out of their hat.
Outside of the R-rating and level of self-awareness, the fact that the film is not really building towards any future projects differentiates “Deadpool & Wolverine” from the usual Marvel movie. This makes it very refreshing. It’s nice to have a superhero movie that just wants to be enjoyable and doesn’t need to further lore.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is a treat to see in the theater and is so much fun, especially in IMAX 3D. This film was so cool to watch in that format and felt perfect for it with its bombastic, over-the-top action. Fans will appreciate that it was a tribute. The movie is a love letter and a hilarious satire of the 20th Century Fox era, which was really the first big, expansive superhero franchise.
