Film Review: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a Funny, Gory, and Meta Introduction of/Tribute to Fox Superheroes By Marvel

Marvel has been trying to recapture the magic lately. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has taken some hits recently, leading to changes in how the films will be coming out, as well as potentially what they will be about. So, there’s been a lot riding on Deadpool & Wolverine this year, as a chance for the MCU to, if not start fresh, but to get back on track. The introduction of Deadpool into the Marvel world was always going to be a different look for the franchise. Well, I’m here to tell you that not just is this a really fun Deadpool sequel, by adding in Wolverine, we have a full on Fox tribute. Lo and behold, it works even better than I was expecting/hoping for.

Deadpool & Wolverine is a love letter to the Fox era of superheroes, far beyond the two title characters. I wouldn’t dream of revealing the cameos here, but they’re not just huge crowdpleasers, they’re better fits than you might assume. They don’t feel crammed in or just meant to get a reaction. They fit a narrative purpose, which I very much appreciated. Fans are in for a treat, that much is pretty certain.

We reunite with Deadpool/Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) in the aftermath of his time shenanigans. He’s saved the ones he loved, but also begun to wear on his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). She wants him to think of more than himself, which leads to his attempt to join up with a certain superhero team. When that doesn’t work out, he retreats, feeling sorry for himself, only to be forced back into action. The TVA has come for him, but rather than just punish him for messing with time, they want to recruit him for a task, courtesy of Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen). Of course, none of that goes smoothly, leading Wade to realize that he needs a helping hand. Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is seen as a core figure in his timelines, so he has to get one of his own, given that his current timeline saw the X-Man make his noble sacrifice. So, he goes looking for another Wolverine, eventually grabbing a sad sack version. The TVA is not impressed, pruning them to the wasteland.

Forced to work together, the pair quickly plan on how to get back, which includes taking down Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who violently rules the wasteland. Of course, they’re not alone, but who joins them I’ll leave for you to discover. As they bond, fight, and fight some more, Wade explains just why he’s on this mission, while Logan details why he’s so thoroughly given up. It all leads to wild fights, some big laughs, and even a bit of emotion.

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds are clearly delighted not just to playing these roles one more time, but also to be working together. Their chemistry is terrific, whether arguing, outright fighting, or actually getting along. Their interplay is a hoot. Jackman putting on the claws one more time could have been seen as a waste of goodwill, but he’s not only more violent than we’ve ever seen him, he’s full of heart. The emotional core of Logan/Wolverine is one of the movie’s highlights. It’s a true performance, rather than simply a gimmick or paycheck. As for Reynolds, he’s at his best playing this character, so it’s no surprise that he’s thriving. In addition to Morena Baccarin, other returning players include Rob Delaney, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, and Leslie Uggams. The newcomers include Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen, both of whom are having a lot of fun, plus many more, but you’ll have to see the film to discover who.

Filmmaker Shawn Levy steps in to co-write and helm, and while there isn’t a distinct look to the film, the jokes and violence do land. The script he penned with returning scribes Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (as well as Reynolds himself), alongside newly added Zeb Wells, has a ton of fun with this movie even existing. Fox and Marvel, not to mention Disney, get roasted, as do several of the actors and characters on hand. There are also some incredible needle drops in a soundtrack that absolutely slaps. Levy’s direction of Deadpool & Wolverine is fairly ordinary, but he’s smart to get out of the way of Jackman and Reynolds.

Deadpool & Wolverine is a blast. Will it win over any Marvel haters/skeptics? Probably not. Will it win back any fans who have moved on to one degree or another? That remains to be seen. As fan service, it’s a riot and wildly successful. It’s one of the more entertaining MCU works of late and a real shot in the arm for the property. Whether it’s a one-off or a sign of things to come, this is a hugely enjoyable summer movie.

SCORE: ★★★1/2