Deadpool and Wolverine Review (A Unlikely, Yet Beautiful Pairing)

     Hi again, Hector here, and welcome back to another post on my shenanigans. For today, it's my review of my most anticipated film of 2024 and the latest movie in the constantly expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool and Wolverine! Not only is it the third Deadpool movie, it's also the first one set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as being the first R rated film. Not to mention it's kind of a finale of sorts for the Fox Marvel Era that started back in 2000 with X-Men, and on top of that, it's bringing back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine once again, despite announcing that his last time playing the character was back in 2017 with Logan. There's a lot riding on this one, especially with how the Marvel Cinematic Universe, save for some exceptions, has been in a tough spot with the quality of their movies nowadays. Can Deadpool, with the inclusion of Wolverine, bring back life to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or it's a lost cause at this point? 

    Set some time after the events of Deadpool 2, Wade Wilson/Deadpool has decided to settle down with his friends and family and no longer be a crime fighter, as he now sells cars. But things can't stay settled for long as Wade is called in by the TVA (Time Variance Authority as introduced in Loki) to fix an issue regarding Deadpool's universe. Things get a bit complicated, and in order to deal with it, Deadpool recruits Wolverine (albeit a different version as the one in Logan is very much dead) and embark on a quest to save Deadpool's friends and family! 

    The previous Deadpool movies have been quite entertaining, especially the first movie as it was very creative with its action sequences, use of meta humor, and while the story wasn't anything new, its approach and execution made it fresh enough. Not to mention that it was done on a budget of less than $60 million dollars (way less compared to other superhero movies nowadays), and it's impressive with what they manage to pull off, all thanks to Ryan Reynolds and the talented filmmakers! The sequel is fine, as it still manages to pull off some creative sequences and hilarious, yet some surprisingly heartfelt moments, its story wasn't as interesting sadly. Coming into Deadpool and Wolverine, with all the details mentioned, there's a lot of potential in this being truly great, and for the most part, the movie is executed brilliantly! 

    For anyone concerned the movie would be watered down due to its ties with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you'll be happy to hear its filled with its bloody and insane violence, and a lot of crude and meta humor kept intact, though used effectively as opposed to it being gratuitous. The opening sequence gives you a strong impression of what you're getting into, and it was amazing and disturbing at the same time (You'll understand once you see it, and you will never forget it)! There are also quite a few jabs at the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as at a few other movie studios, most notably 20th Century Fox and its approach to the X-Men franchise and coming from someone who has been a fan of the X-Men and Marvel due to the movies, the jokes were hilarious and very much appreciated. Some of the humor does drag a bit too long in some areas or some are funnier than others, but for the most part, the humor lands and arguably has some of the best humor in the series. 

    Despite all the humor and jabs at the various Marvel movies, both set within and outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was a sense of appreciation for what came before, as if you've been following any of the Marvel movies as far back as the 2000s, there's going to be a lot of cameos and references that will delight and excite you in the best way possible! Admittedly, some of it were handled better than others, but for the most part, they're well-handled and I couldn't help but smile at all the various nods and references to what came before, especially with how I grew up on the Fox Era Marvel films, as well as other movies that were made before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was created. But what made all of it work was that the cameos and references added to the story and its themes! Yes, some are just for fun, but there was definitely a good reason for why we see them beyond just surface-level fan-service. Make sure you don't know what happens before seeing it though because to quote Deadpool, "It's going to get good!"

    The story here though is what impressed me! Without going into detail, the movie deals with themes of relevancy and worth. Both Deadpool and Wolverine feel some level of inadequacy in some way, and the movie portrays it in an effective and relatable way as all of us have dealt with an issue of feeling insecure and whether or not we're still worthy to others or ourselves in some way. Usually, Wolverine is seen as the ultimate hero and the movie acknowledges it, but the Wolverine that Deadpool recruits is considered the worst one due to how he failed his universe, and Wolverine is stuck in a place of feeling unworthy. Deadpool is in a similar predicament as he wants to feel special, but due to the circumstances he is in, he doesn't feel special. The arc these two go through, while nothing new, is effective, and their dynamic with one another is fun and exciting to see unfold! 

    

  What makes the movie ultimately work is the performances between the two leads! Ryan Reynolds continues to prove why he was born to play Deadpool, and I argue this is his best turn as the character, as he really had the right balance of comedy and heart that is needed for the story. As for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, it's been 24 years since he started playing the character, and somehow, he has never missed a beat! He's 55, yet he looks incredible for his age, looks amazing in the action, has the right balance of humor and seriousness (though more serious compared to Deadpool, but is funny in a drier sense), his character is more unhinged compared to his previous appearances, and the way Hugh approaches this performance is fantastic as I love how while this version of Wolverine is on the surface kind of similar to Logan's take in the sense that he's tired, depressed, and more violent, his character isn't entirely doom and gloom as he is a guy that genuinely cares for the people he loves and is willing to fight for them despite his flaws. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman really make for a good duo, and their chemistry is wonderful, as they complement each other, and it's clear that these two are good friends having a fun time with each other. In fact, lot of the best scenes in the movie happen to involve just those two and the chaos they bring to the scene. 

    All of the performances though are fantastic! All of the cast from the previous Deadpool movies return, and while their roles are practically glorified cameos, they are still well utilized as there are some hilarious moments with certain characters, particularly with Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, and Rob Delaney as Peter! We do have some newcomers though, like Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Paradox, who has a formal, yet funny personality, and the villain, Cassandra Nova, played by Emma Corrin, who is kind of similar to Professor Charles Xavier from the X-Men, but with a more sadistic, playful nature that makes her fun, but tense to watch as her powers are genuinely horrifying. The many surprise cameos, which I won't spoil, were all fantastic in their respective roles, and that's all I will say about that. But truly, everyone in the movie is excellent! 

    The action sequences are exhilarating and beautifully executed! The choreography is creative and fantastic, the visual effects are excellent, and not once did it look poorly done, as from the looks of it, the movie utilizes quite a bit of practical effects, which blends well with the CGI. They also don't hold back on the violence, as some of the fighting and kills get really brutal (there's one moment in particular that truly shocked me). Of all the Deadpool and various Marvel and superhero movies, this has some of the best action! The opening sequence alone is truly spectacular, all the characters bring something exciting to the action, and the fight sequences with the titular characters is arguably the best hero on hero fighting you will ever see in any superhero movie. Some of the camerawork gets a bit too shaky in some places, though not for much of it thankfully, so other than that, it's all excellent! 

    The cinematography was dynamic, filled with creative and exciting shots that look like something pulled from a comic book, and it's the best shot of the Deadpool series! The music by Rob Simonsen is fine, nothing that truly blew me away, but it works fine with the movie. However, the soundtrack is awesome, and the way the movie uses Madonna's "Like A Prayer" is truly iconic! What also impressed me is the costume design, especially with the suits Deadpool and Wolverine wear, as these two have never looked better than before, as this is Wolverine's best suit to date, as well as Deadpool's! They are beautiful transitions from comic to movie, and it's truly satisfying to see Hugh Jackman wear the classic yellow and blue suit after only wearing black leather, a white shirt and jeans, and or being shirtless for 24 years (I was only 3 when the first X-Men movie came out, so let that amount of time sink in). The production and set designs were also impressive, as while it does use sets similar to the likes of Loki and other Marvel films, as well as having a Mad Max vibe to it, it has an identity of its own as it looks and feels more distinct, colorful, and imaginative compared to the previous MCU installments.

    For anyone who was worried on whether or not they should have seen the previous Marvel films and shows, don't be as the movie is very much a standalone adventure. So much so that I was surprised by how little they set up for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At most, I say maybe watch the previous two Deadpool movies, but the movie does a good enough job on establishing what has happened before, so I don't think it's really necessary. It is admittedly rewarding to be familiar with certain things, especially if you're a fan of Marvel like me, but I can definitely see someone being entertained by this movie, and maybe even be interested in the Marvel universe once after seeing Deadpool and Wolverine. The best thing about it is the movie uses its connection to the MCU in a way that actually benefits itself rather than dragging it down.

    Overall, Deadpool and Wolverine is an entertaining and funny, yet heartfelt love letter to the Marvel universe from start to finish that does a good job on wrapping up the Fox Marvel era! There are some minor things that could have been touched up on or some things I personally would have loved to have seen included, but despite those little hiccups, it doesn't detract from how enjoyable the film is! It has a fun story, the cast is excellent, has some of the best action and humor in the Deadpool franchise, it's imaginative, has next to no dull moment, it delivers on what the movie promises you, and has a lot of fun callbacks to what came before without detracting the story. It's unclear whether or not we'll see Hugh Jackman as Wolverine again after this one, but if this is truly the last time, they ended his time as Wolverine with a bang!  Hard to say on where this ranks exactly for me as things garner a different response later down the line, but I can happily say this is a breath of fresh air and while I'm still enjoying what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been offering, it's something that Marvel needs now! If Deadpool and Wolverine is any indication of their future, I can safely say it's a step in the right direction!