Deadpool and Wolverine’s the ultimate fan team-up. Taking place after Deadpool 2, Wade Wilson finds himself at the mercy of The TVA during his birthday. He’s told that the “anchor being” of his universe, Wolverine, being dead is causing his world to die, so The TVA has plans to “put it out of its misery”. Figuring he needs to find a Wolverine to replace his own, Wade hops around the multiverse and discovers one. The two form an unlikely pair, and they team up with cameos that were owned by 20th Century Fox. But can they save their universes, and who’s this overlord that’s hellbent on revenge against The TVA?
If there’s anything negative to say about Deadpool and Wolverine, it’s that its script’s a mess. The Deadpool movies were never known for high-end storytelling, but previous entries knew how to anchor themselves. Even the emotional catharsis of the second movie was consistent enough to make me cry a few times. This entry feels like a hodgepodge of cameos and references were crammed together because Disney owns Fox. It works, but it’s definitely not gunning for an Oscar.
Fortunately, if that’s the biggest issue, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Superhero movies don’t prioritize story, with a few exceptions, and this one’s no different. What audiences want from Deadpool is violence, 4th-wall references and constant f-bombs, all three of which he pulls off. It’s so flawless at this point that the opening fight, which is really morbid, is arguably the best. And I’m not saying that because it features “Bye Bye Bye” from NSYNC.
Another strength is, like I said before, the cameos. Deadpool and Wolverine relies on knowledge of which Marvel properties Fox had owned, as well as the projects the studio had worked on, to appreciate the references, let’s not deny that. But true to The MCU, it makes them work. This isn’t like Spider-Man: No Way Home’s cameos, which enhanced the story significantly, but they’re no less effective here. I won’t give them away, but several made me laugh hysterically.
Special shoutout to Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova. I had no idea who the character was prior, but she’s easily one of the best Marvel antagonists put to screen. She’s weird, creepy and instantly iconic, and her ability to shove her fingers through your head, while gross, is a clever way to make her stand out. It’s too bad she’s only in this movie, because I’d have been fine with her as a recurring character. Especially since having her in a PG-13 movie would be an interesting challenge to find a workaround for!
But the heart of this movie, and the threshold for your overall tolerance, is the relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine. Deadpool’s been in team-ups before, Deadpool 2’s central joke threw shade at that, but this is his first with the iconic X-Men character. Ignoring how Hugh Jackman finally dons his character’s costume after 24 years, Deadpool’s teased a meeting with Wolverine since the first movie. That this is finally happening feels like a fever dream, and the film takes full advantage. Whether that’s too much for you or your cup of tea, it’s worth mentioning.
Special shoutout to Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova. I had no idea who the character was prior, but she’s easily one of the best Marvel antagonists put to screen. She’s weird, creepy and instantly iconic, and her ability to shove her fingers through your head, while gross, is a clever way to make her stand out. It’s too bad she’s only in this movie, because I’d have been fine with her as a recurring character. Especially since having her in a PG-13 movie would be an interesting challenge to find a workaround for!
But the heart of this movie, and the threshold for your overall tolerance, is the relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine. Deadpool’s been in team-ups before, Deadpool 2’s central joke threw shade at that, but this is his first with the iconic X-Men character. Ignoring how Hugh Jackman finally dons his character’s costume after 24 years, Deadpool’s teased a meeting with Wolverine since the first movie. That this is finally happening feels like a fever dream, and the film takes full advantage. Whether that’s too much for you or your cup of tea, it’s worth mentioning.
Personally, I loved it. Wolverine’s grumpiness is a perfect foil to Deadpool’s cheekiness, and the two have excellent chemistry as a dysfunctional couple. They argue, they fight, and they learn how to work for a common goal. And it’s through this that Deadpool feels like he matters and Wolverine receives closure for his past failures. It’s also the most fun I’ve had with a Deadpool movie.
The Deadpool franchise has always been a messy overachiever when it comes to quality. Deadpool was hampered by budgetary limitations, something it even called out. Deadpool 2 was the best-written entry, but its retconned ending overshadowed its more dramatic moments. Deadpool and Wolverine’s the most ambitious entry, providing closure for many Marvel characters, but it’s also the sloppiest narratively. Still, for what it’s worth, I enjoyed it.
Much has been made of The MCU, and superheroes in general, for years. People have called superheroes “exhausting”, saying audiences are tired of them. The MCU’s financial returns lately have been used by internet trolls to prove that it’s “dying”. Even the newer heroes have led to claims of “wokeism” by bigots, splintering them from mainstream audiences. And the recent news about Doctor Doom makes me wonder if Marvel’s caving to the wrong kinds of fans, as I’m unsure what to make of that announcement. Yet if Deadpool and Wolverine’s indication, then the future of superhero movies is secure for now.
The Deadpool franchise has always been a messy overachiever when it comes to quality. Deadpool was hampered by budgetary limitations, something it even called out. Deadpool 2 was the best-written entry, but its retconned ending overshadowed its more dramatic moments. Deadpool and Wolverine’s the most ambitious entry, providing closure for many Marvel characters, but it’s also the sloppiest narratively. Still, for what it’s worth, I enjoyed it.
Much has been made of The MCU, and superheroes in general, for years. People have called superheroes “exhausting”, saying audiences are tired of them. The MCU’s financial returns lately have been used by internet trolls to prove that it’s “dying”. Even the newer heroes have led to claims of “wokeism” by bigots, splintering them from mainstream audiences. And the recent news about Doctor Doom makes me wonder if Marvel’s caving to the wrong kinds of fans, as I’m unsure what to make of that announcement. Yet if Deadpool and Wolverine’s indication, then the future of superhero movies is secure for now.
But no, I don’t want more Deadpool movies. We’ve had three, that’s more than enough!
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