Marvel Studios’ Hugh-gely anticipated film, Deadpool and Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, has finally landed. The movie, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, brings together two iconic characters in what was expected to be an epic bromance and a thrilling adventure. But did it deliver?
Set six years after the events of Deadpool 2, the film begins with a retired Deadpool living a surprisingly mundane life, surrounded by his beloved friends. This peaceful existence is disrupted when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) thrusts him into a mission of grand proportions. The ensuing chaos blends action, humor, epic music and surprise cameos, featuring the signature Deadpool fourth wall breaks and Wolverine’s trademark grunts, all of which Marvel fans have come to love.
Deadpool and Wolverine feels like a love letter and an apology to Marvel fans, acknowledging the uneven reception of Fox-led adaptations and the more recent MCU entries. The film flirts with the premise of the comic series “Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe,” but ultimately serves as a fanboy’s dream come true, focusing on the long-awaited on-screen bromance between Deadpool and Wolverine.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman elevate their characters to new heights. Reynolds continues to be enjoyably irreverent as Deadpool, while Jackman finally dons the iconic yellow and blue Wolverine costume, fulfilling a long-held wish for X-Men fans. Seeing Jackman embody a true-to-comic Wolverine is a highlight, evoking emotions that long-time fans will deeply appreciate.
The cameos in the film are a delight, with the reactions of Deadpool and Wolverine mirroring the excitement of the audience. The fight scenes, especially those featuring the titular characters, are exhilarating and well-executed, making for a standout action film.
However, despite its strengths, the movie’s plot leaves much to be desired. The villains, particularly Cassandra Nova, fall flat, lacking the depth and menace we’ve seen in some of Marvel’s more compelling antagonists. The story often feels like an excuse to pair Reynolds and Jackman on screen, providing fans with a heavy dose of nostalgia and fan service rather than a coherent narrative.
While Deadpool and Wolverine successfully closes the chapter on the Fox Marvel universe and hints at a new direction for the MCU, it primarily serves as a buddy cop-style adventure. The film pushes the boundaries of Disney’s PG-13 rating, but ultimately feels like a mixed bag. It’s a must-watch for fans of the characters, but it may not leave a lasting impression on those looking for a deeper, more substantive story.