HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A synthesis of nostalgia, existentialism, sentimentality and pop culture permeates “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the first “Deadpool” film to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In 2019, Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox gave the multifaceted studio the ownership rights to some of Fox's core properties, including “X-Men,” “Fantastic Four” and “Deadpool.” Now, five years later, it looks like Disney's $71.3 billion deal has come full circle with the merger, giving the “Deadpool” film series a new and special lease on life.
The character of Deadpool – a latent mutant with the X gene – made his cinematic debut in 2009's “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” The anti-hero, also known as the Merc with a Mouth, graced the silver screen with his own story origin in 2016's “Deadpool.” The spinoff film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film in the “X-Men” film series. Then in 2018, the sequel “Deadpool 2” was finally released much to the delight of “X-Men” and “Deadpool” fans.
This weekend, the highly anticipated 'Deadpool & Wolverine' hits theaters. And the sequel is expected to do well at the box office, predicted to have a record opening weekend in motion picture history for an R-rated film.
The new 'Deadpool' movie delivers with unbridled fun, well-placed sardonic humor, amazing action sequences and a star-studded celebrity cast. It also impresses with well-choreographed fights and occasional touching moments. But also expect a number of dirty, profane and bloody scenes. Undoubtedly, it runs an interesting gamut of escape.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman make a terrific comedic pair as Deadpool and Wolverine — though the comedy sometimes falls flat. On the other hand, when the scenes call for gravitas, both embody their iconic roles with heartfelt fervor. And when it comes to the rivals between the two leads, the banter is incredibly first-rate.
In the film, audiences will walk down memory lane to the time and place where Deadpool was rejected by the Avengers. Feeling hopeless, his alter-ego, Wade Wilson, now decides to give up his superhero status and spend his days working as a used car salesman. However, at some point he finally embarks on a journey with a mission to find his meaning and purpose in this world. His quest will lead him through a dizzying time-jump sequence that takes place in a post-'Endgame' multiverse.
Meanwhile, Wolverine is feeling down after a catastrophic failure. Moments later, the adamantium-clawed anti-hero begins to wail in a maelstrom of anguish, rage, and resentment, beginning a soul-searching journey through his life.
How will the unlikely duo meet in the multiverse? There is no spoiler in this review, so we better not reveal the details. Rest assured – it will pique your interest at the very least. Their encounters in the multi-verse will highlight the stark contrast between the sneering Deadpool and the muscular, brooding Wolverine. On the one hand, Deadpool lives up to his reputation of being edgy, rough, and kind of annoying breaking the 4th wall. On the other hand, Wolverine seems to be constantly thinking.
Emma Corin and Matthew MacFadyen are the film's two main villains, embodying their roles with great passion without the trappings of grandeur. Their playfulness and seriousness is sure to delight the audience.
Get excited for memorable zingers in the form of comedic pop culture references, ranging from Will Smith's famous Oscar slap to Reynolds' Canadianness to Jackman's recent divorce. Additionally, the film pays tribute to popular music artists including Aretha Franklin, Madonna, N'sync and Huey Lewis. And let's not forget the scene-stealing dog named Dogpool.
Overall, “Deadpool & Wolverine” isn't perfect, though forgivable, ultimately serving up an enjoyable and entertaining adventure. For sure, die-hard MCU fans will revel in the glory of superhero mania.
