#REVIEW: MARVEL STUDIOS’ “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

It’s been eight years since the Merc with the mouth graced the screens in a respectable way (looking directly at Origins) and the world has never been the same, nor has Marvel. A lot has changed, which is summarized in the opening minutes of Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Here, the greatest team-up that no one ever thought would be possible, is possible. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we have now entered the Mutant Era as Marvel President Kevin Feige has recently confirmed.  What better way than pairing two of the best mutants out there to lead us into this new era? This Review will not spoil *any* of the surprises in the Film, but if you’ve avoided literally everything maybe read this after you’ve seen the Movie.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE focuses on Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) as he is trying to live his life after the events of Deadpool 2, where he reclaimed his loved ones and used Cable’s time device to join an alternate universe to seek the happiness he truly wanted. When that universe is put in jeopardy as explained by TVA boss Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Deadpool has to replace his universe’s anchor point, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) in order to hope to save his universe all together. Without giving away too much here, not everything is as it seems – as audiences learned by watching Loki, the TVA certainly is not what it seems. Deadpool and Wolverine have to team up for the greater good and against a larger threat of Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin).

It’s difficult to discuss a multiversal crossover event between characters who weren’t under the umbrella corporation when they were when first introduced. This is the first Marvel project in a hot minute that really doesn’t require any previous knowledge of anything, and considering there have been thirty odd movies, a dozen television shows and nearly 20 years or so of content, that is surprising. It also is the first project in some time that doesn’t feel like a stepping stone for something else, which is why it is so refreshing. You’ll benefit from having seen Loki Season 1, you’ll benefit from seeing the other two Deadpool movies, and the X-Men movies, but none if it feels necessary. Although, if you haven’t seen at least the two main characters other offerings, you’re probably not seeing Deadpool & Wolverine either. It is refreshing to see a Franchise that’s in its fourth phase, not be so heavily reliant on any of the world building it has previously done, while still most likely being the catalyst for movies to come, but still singular.

The Film simply works because of the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman knows no bounds. It is clear and evident from the screen they share infinite chemistry and no matter the situation they are in, they work together seamlessly. Watching them riff with one another is endlessly entertaining and joyful. Something about this just clicks, and when they’re on-screen together, it is impossible not to have a smile on ones face enjoying the endless chaos they find themselves in. The added performances from Corrin and Macfadyen add an extra dimension of entertaining villainy to the mix, with a plethora of cameos. What results is one of the best Marvel movies since Infinity War/Endgame aside from Guardians of the Galaxy 3. While the entertainment value of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE far supersedes that of Guardians of the Galaxy 3, the emotional gravitas is superior in the Gunn trilogy.

The Movie is certainly not for the people who’ve abandoned the MCU or Superhero movies altogether, but more for those people still on board and maybe even exhausted by the films as of late. This is a refreshing outing that will reignite the flame and passion in this cinematic universe. A refreshing story that removes any sour feelings about the lackluster second entry in the Franchise. There are many unbelievable jawdropping cameos.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE truly exceeded all my expectations while living to the mountain of hype built around it. Truly a superhero movie that not only is a dream come true for fans, but a solid entry that renews our faith in the MCU.

Marvel Studios releases DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE in theatres on Friday, July 26, 2024.