★★★★☆

As a longtime fan of the Deadpool franchise and Marvel movies in general, I’ve eagerly anticipated the release of Deadpool & Wolverine. With Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox and the addition of X-Men characters to the MCU, there’s been a lot of excitement surrounding this third Deadpool adventure.

Deadpool & Wolverine is in cinemas now. Add it to your watchlist.

The upcoming film featuring Deadpool and Wolverine, which is the third Deadpool installment, carries significant importance in terms of both critical reception and financial success. This may come as a surprise given that the first two Deadpool movies earned an impressive $780 million globally and were well-received by audiences, critics, and fans.

As a movie reviewer looking back, I can’t help but reflect on how much has shifted in the cinematic landscape since the release of “Deadpool 2” in 2018. Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox the following year brought about an exciting new chapter, granting them the rights to Marvel characters like Deadpool and the X-Men.

As a movie critic, I’ve got to say that this year, Deadpool & Wolverine is the unique Marvel Cinamic Universe (MCU) film on the table. So, it’s not entirely far-fetched to consider that Ryan Reynolds’s irreverent and risqué portrayal of the Merc with a Mouth might just be Disney-Marvel’s knight in shining armor. And Reynolds certainly drives this point home from the get-go, as he boldly declares himself the “Marvel Jesus” during his initial encounter with the Time Variance Authority, eager to lend a hand with their multiversal predicaments.

For those who have kept up with the “Loki” TV show, you’re aware of the Television Association (TVA) and its role in safeguarding the Multiverse by eliminating flawed alternate realities. However, when Deadpool (Wade Wilson), a follower of this series, learns that TVA agent Mr. Paradox, portrayed by “Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen, poses a threat to his friends and lover (Morena Baccarin), he decides it’s time to call upon some serious muscle – enter the legendary X-Man, Wolverine (played once again by Hugh Jackman).

In due course, a disillusioned Logan, heavily addicted to alcohol and infamously known as the “worst Wolverine,” is coaxed into action. Following this, an entertaining and thrilling adventure unfolds as these two quarrelsome individuals clash with one another and various others they encounter, having been unceremoniously thrown into The Void – a chaotic realm dominated by the deranged telepath Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin from “The Crown”).

In this scene, the witty self-referential moments pile up – the pair clash amidst the debris of the 20th Century Fox emblem – along with surprising appearances and nods to Marvel’s cinematic past. The graphic violence, abundant profanity, and jabs at Marvel head Kevin Feige and Mad Max character Furiosa ensure Deadpool remains raw and unfiltered.

Although some of the inside jokes and rapid-fire humor in this film might not be as enjoyable for new viewers, there’s still plenty of sharp wit and funny moments that will leave you chuckling or even laughing out loud. Director Shawn Levy skillfully weaves these gems into the movie. Ryan Reynolds delights with his mischievous antics, while Hugh Jackman adds the right amount of gruffness to balance all the humor and chaos.

I’m excited to see if Deadpool can truly revive the MCU and draw large crowds with its third installment. Or perhaps it’s just a small boost leading up to Captain America: Brave New World in February 2025, where Anthony Mackie will step into the role of the star-spangled Avenger. Let’s wait and see what time and box office results bring us next year.

2024-07-25 15:34

Deadpool & Wolverine review: Could Ryan Reynolds’ crude antihero actually be Marvel’s messiah?

★★★★☆

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