It's been a while since we got to experience a Marvel Cinematic Universe film at the cinema, the last film was The Marvels which released in November 2023. It's fair to say that since Avengers: Endgame (2019), the MCU has seemed a little directionless. This muddled directionless is due in part to stylistic choices, the introduction of numerous characters, the frequent release schedule of Disney+ shows, the loss of the core six and the multiverse. Like me it is likely that many will go into the cinema for Deadpool and Wolverine not knowing what to expect, luckily director Shawn Levy does a wonderful job at exceeding expectations. Providing us with an hilarious, violent and fun film. Deadpool and Wolverine breathes some much-needed new life into the MCU. Read on for my full review...there will be minor spoilers.
First things first, the first two Deadpool films, and all films that Hugh Jackman's Wolverine has appeared in were made by 20th Century Fox, and when Disney acquired the rights for the characters a few years ago we started to see some characters such as Evan Peters' Quicksilver and Patrick Stewart's Professor X cameo in MCU films. Which is how Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman come to find themselves co-leads of an MCU movie. The film makes numerous references to the history behind its creation. Some may call it a love letter to the Fox films, but rather is an ending, a closing of a door. Although with this type of franchise the door is never locked, so who knows perhaps we will see some of these characters beyond Wolverine and Deadpool, and storylines pop up down the line, but I do think we can stop speculation that other actors will be reprising their roles beyond this film.
I'll get the negative out of the way fast, the only downside is the narrative, the plot feels small. The concept, that Deadpool needs to save his world from Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) a TVA agent who wants to speed up the death of the planet after Wolverine sacrificed himself. The premise is great, but it all feels too simple, the stakes are high but due to Deadpool's jokey nature for me the magnitude of what he is facing and feeling isn't fully conveyed to us. Wolverine also has a harrowing backstory, but the film fails to fully convey the significance into an emotive audience reaction. That's not to say the narrative isn't good to watch, but you may find yourself needing more meat on the bones. There was certainly room for a denser plot, reducing the number of fight scenes would have freed up space for more complexity. However, some audiences would perhaps prefer the countless fights to deeper, more emotive evoking plot elements.
With that being said, Deadpool and Wolverine is a fantastic cinema experience, I have not had that much fun at the cinema for a long time. Neither have I laughed that much and at one point I even jumped because I was shocked. The stream of cameos also make this an enjoyable film, you never quite know who will appear next, there are plenty of easter eggs throughout from both the MCU and the Fox universe. For any fan, casual or diehard this film is a joy to experience. So, make sure you head to the nearest packed screening for the best vibe and hopefully audience engagement.
Reynolds, despite spending a huge percentage of the film in a mask is brilliant, sassy, fun and violent. Even conveying his reactions with the mask on. His fourth wall breaking is frequent, but never feels overused, where the plot is unable to evoke an emotional connection, this device of speaking to the audience does engage viewers, bring them in on the jokes. Jackman is faultless as expected as he dons the claws and becomes Wolverine again, as Deadpool jokes throughout the film Disney will have Jackman playing the role until he is 90, which is true and a testament to the way he fully embodies the role. And how wonderful is it that we see him in a full comic book accurate costume for once? Whilst separately both actors are great, they really hit their stride together, becoming the perfect if not unexpected duo. It's easy to tell a lot of fun was had during production, you feel it in every shot, every snappy one liner, even in the fights.
Overall, Deadpool and Wolverine is a triumph, a wonderful comedy with a side of violence. Despite the films constant reminder that it's the first R rated MCU film it still errs on the saver side. Some of the jokes won't be for all, some are uncomfortable, but the violence is manageable and never sadistic in its nature. I really hope the Deadpool and Wolverine is the breath of life the MUC desperately needed, it certainly deserves to be. This film is for the fans, you will cheer, laugh and love every moment of it!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading xx
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