Who knew the superhero genre needed a wise anti-hero and a grumpy old mutant to breathe new life into it? Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking crime fighter teams up with Hugh Jackman’s grumpy, straight-guy Wolverine to create a quirky action bromance that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, with a big dose of meta-humor.
Laugh with him, laugh at him, just don’t ignore him
Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, is back! And this time he’s a depressed car dealer who’s failing miserably at joining the Avengers. But fear not, because the foul-mouthed, fourth-wall-breaking superhero we know and love is soon recruited by Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), a creepy Brit who has a secret project to mercifully kill off our fading universe. Deadpool, ever the reluctant hero, angrily refuses and resurrects Wolverine from the dead to save the day. Yes, you read that right. Their first attempt fails spectacularly, landing them in a Mad Max-like prison called the Void. Here, they encounter Cassandra Nova, Charles Xavier’s creepy bald twin sister, played by Emma Corrin. The film crashes with all the subtlety of a kazoo-playing 10-year-old, along with jukebox slams and blood-sugar highs.
A masterclass on ‘more is more’
Directed by Shawn Levy and with a script by five (!) screenwriters, Deadpool and Wolverine is an anti-MCU movie, flipping through a dusty scrapbook of irreverence and meta-commentary. The film attracts negative attention, assuming its audience is well-versed in the boardroom maneuverings of 20th Century Fox and Disney. “What did Feige say?” quips and jokes about Paul Rudd’s aging and Hugh Jackman’s recent divorce are commonplace. Deadpool’s greeting to Wolverine: “By the way, welcome to the MCU. You’re joining in a little while.” – it’s funny because it’s true. But honestly, the self-awareness is part of the charm.
A surprising deep dive
Despite the in-jokes, improbable cameos, and constant jabs at Disney and Marvel Studios, Deadpool and Wolverine offers surprising depth. We delve deep into Wade’s psyche and see genuine maturity without losing his spontaneity. Meanwhile, Logan suffers from an inability to live up to expectations, which adds an extra layer of complexity. Both characters are going through midlife crises, making bad decisions, and seeking redemption. This common ground adds depth to their interactions, making them act as mirrors of each other’s transformation processes. Wade’s enthusiasm and Logan’s sadness create a dynamic that is as engaging as it is entertaining.
Want to break the fourth wall? Try edging it out
Deadpool is known for breaking the fourth wall, but in Deadpool & Wolverine, he puts a nuclear bomb under it. “Meta” doesn’t even cover it. This movie was made by fans for fans, and it’s completely unabashed about that as the film maintains the structural elements of its predecessors. It starts off with an extremely violent action sequence, transitions into a flashback, and then moves into new territory. The “odd couple” dynamic, which was also present in the second Deadpool movie, is back in full force, with Wolverine’s seriousness clashing funnily with Deadpool’s insanity.
Decision
It’s a meta-amazing rollercoaster ride that mocks and celebrates the superhero genre. It’s repetitive, immature and teasingly self-aware – and that’s why it works. If you’re tired of the constant uniformity of the MCU, grab some popcorn and enjoy the anarchic brilliance of Deadpool and Wolverine. Just don’t forget to laugh – because if you’re not laughing, you’re not fully getting the point.
