Look, I Laughed

As a long-time film enthusiast and avid comic book fan, I have to admit that my initial reaction to Deadpool & Wolverine was one of skepticism. The idea of another Marvel movie, especially one featuring two characters I hold dear, left me feeling somewhat jaded. But as I watched the film unfold, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by its irreverent charm.


Just prior to their initial intense battle in “Deadpool & Wolverine“, Deadpool, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, turns to the camera and quips, “Time for your favorite sock to come out, geeks. This is gonna be a treat!” The ensuing clash of neck-slashing, heart-stabbing, and other gory attacks may not hold much significance as neither character can truly perish. Instead, Deadpool’s amusing commentary to the camera creates a sense of camaraderie, implying we are all part of an intriguing inside joke.

In a typical fashion for Deadpool, he is known as “The Merc with a Mouth,” while others may label him as “Truthful Timmy” or “The Blowjob Queen of Saskatoon.” He’s the unconventional, crude, and humorous anti-hero from Marvel, appealing to comic enthusiasts and those who consider themselves above the superhero scene. He playfully mocks the conventions, even as he caters to his fans. During one instance, Deadpool quips, “They don’t call me Truthful Timmy… they call me The Merc with a Mouth.” Instead of praising Wolverine for wearing his iconic yellow and blue suit, Deadpool joked, “Friends don’t let friends leave home looking like they fight crime for the Los Angeles Rams.” The audience’s combined sighs of relief and delight upon seeing Wolverdon his helmet suggests that the film successfully caters to its fans. A unique and memorable experience indeed.

As a long-time fan of Marvel movies, I’ve seen my fair share of blockbusters that leave you feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. But Deadpool & Wolverine? This one was something else entirely. I walked into the theater with low expectations, having heard mixed reviews and knowing that this wasn’t part of any grand narrative arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For a short while, Deadpool expressed his eagerness to return if Wolverine came back, using a casual Australian tone reminiscent of Hugh Jackman. When Wolverine did resurface, Deadpool welcomed him to the Marvel Cinatic Universe with a casual remark, possibly during a low point for the MCU. I’m not certain if this exchange took place in front of the wreckage of an old Fox logo in the desolate dimension called the Void, or if it occurred later. However, I recall Deadpool exclaiming, “Suck it, Fox, I’m going to Disney World!” after expressing his intention to leave Fox behind.

As a longtime fan of Deadpool’s hilarious antics and pop culture references, I’ve enjoyed the countless jokes he cracks about the industry that birthed him and his endless supply of sex-related humor. However, after following Deadpool’s adventures for quite some time now, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia tinged with a hint of longing for something new.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: The idea of changing the character’s behavior goes against his established nature – he’s supposed to be irritatingly one-dimensional. That’s actually why Wolverine wants to clash with him, and Jackman manages to make that anger convincing. In their second fight, which takes place inside a Honda Odyssey, the stakes become authentic because Jackman adds some depth to this seemingly frivolous film. He outshines his co-star during this encounter, whose limited range was an issue when Hollywood attempted to transform him into a leading man for over a decade. Reynolds struggled to make us believe in the sincerity of his characters during those years, resulting in Deadpool becoming his most successful and arguably best role. This movie acknowledges that it’s primarily about pitting Marvel’s wittiest hero against the grimmest one. The humor ultimately prevails. “Let’s discuss what’s troubling you, or shall we wait for a third-act flashback?” Deadpool proposes to Wolverine. It’s not a spoiler to disclose that we indeed receive that revelation in the movie’s final act.

When it comes to spoilers, this production is filled with unexpected appearances from Disney, skillfully concealed from viewers. I won’t reveal these surprises, but I will remind you that when the TVA transports our protagonists into the Void, they end up in a world of insignificant items. Even the cameos take jabs at the superhero genre. It made me ponder if my reactions were due to the film itself and its events – which are generally unremarkable – or if it was simply the thrill of recognizing these familiar faces. In today’s media landscape, the line between the movie experience and marketing has become increasingly blurred. Deadpool might have a quip about this predicament – and indeed, the film itself seems to address it.

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2024-07-24 01:54