Deadpool & Wolverine: The Story makes no sense, but it's still a Decent Time

 


A lot happens in Deadpool & Wolverine. Not sure how much of it is substance, but a number of things happen in the movie. The film is foul and violent which is to be expected in anything Deadpool is in. It's fun to see Hugh Jackman back as Wolverine and in a suit that looks straight out of the comics. But what was the point of the movie? I'll share some thoughts and critiques.

It's not news that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been struggling the last few years. Too many TV shows, subpar movies, and uninteresting new characters are some reasons for the decline of the MCU. Deadpool & Wolverine is a nice distraction from the woes plaguing the MCU of late. I was surprised at how many jokes are made about the current state of Marvel and even the jokes about the parent company Disney. It of course makes sense since Deadpool is a character that breaks the fourth wall, but I still give the movie credit. 

We knew going in that the film would have many cameos. Deadpool even says how many gratuitous cameos would appear. I appreciated how a fair amount of the appearances led to actual side characters. There weren't really any blink-and-you-miss-it cameos. Deadpool & Wolverine is definitely a celebration of older Marvel movies, specifically Marvel movies made under 20th Century Fox. All of this aside, is Deadpool & Wolverine a good movie though?

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool has still not gotten old. Deadpool is a character that plays to all of Reynolds's strengths as an actor. The depiction of Wolverine in this film was lacking (outside of a few scenes). Wolverine tells Deadpool that he's an idiot and to shut up for most of the movie. Now, four-letter words from Jackman's Wolverine always land, but I wanted more from him as a character. Mr. Paradox (Matthew MacFadyen) was underwhelming too. I wasn't sure whether to laugh when he was on screen or take him seriously.

There are plenty of action scenes in Deadpool & Wolverine and they are fun to watch. The movie has a number of laugh-out-loud moments too of course. The opening credits scene is borderline brilliant as it hysterically combines humor and fighting. You'll see what I'm talking about, it's the best scene. Even with the enjoyment, a few questions were in the back of my mind while watching. Why is this movie a thing? Why is the story not making sense? Why is the movie making fun of the MCU but still being very much an MCU movie? Why am I still feeling kind of tired of Marvel movies? Was this movie a bait-and-switch? Perhaps the last question is harsh, but if a movie lacks weight it should be asked. 

I could be wrong, but Deadpool & Wolverine is likely a standalone film (even though it's technically the third entry in the Deadpool franchise). It's the weakest of the Deadpool movies and highlights why the titular character works better when he's not connected to a bigger universe. To reiterate, the movie is a good time. You'll be laughing with your friends (maybe don't bring your mom to this movie) and appreciating all the characters that show up (especially if you're even somewhat familiar with older Marvel movies). But maybe the team-up of Reynolds's Deadpool and Jackman's Wolverine would've been better suited in a skit. I like both of y'all, but I'm not sure if I needed a whole movie's worth.

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