REVIEW: “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024)

As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I have seen it all – from the classics to the latest blockbusters. And let me tell you, “Deadpool & Wolverine” left me feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.

Based on all signs, “Deadpool & Wolverine” seems poised to become the financially successful blockbuster that the Marvel Cinematic Universe urgently requires after a string of expensive flops in cinemas and streaming platforms. Given this recent trend, Kevin Feige and Disney have turned to a project tailored for their most accessible audience segments. And judging by early indications, their investment in this seemingly safe bet is set to yield substantial returns.

As a movie buff who’s always excited for some action-packed superhero films, let me tell you about my experience with “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This movie is a true feast for fans, loaded to the max with elements designed to draw us in. For those of us who can’t get enough of Ryan Reynolds’ unique humor, we’re in luck – there’s plenty more of that here. And if you’re among those who crave R-rated superhero movies, this one really delivers on the gritty, adult content.

As a long-time film enthusiast with a particular fondness for superhero movies, I have to admit that I hold certain preferences when it comes to my entertainment choices. For instance, I’ve never been particularly drawn to the more explicit and raw humor of some comedians like Reynolds. Don’t get me wrong, I respect his talent and the appeal he holds for many audiences. But personally, his routine can be draining and a bit too much for me. A little goes a long way, as they say.

Deadpool is a character I’ve had a soft spot for since his early days in comic books. However, I’m not a fan of how Marvel Comics has relied on mature content as a selling point more recently. The films, including “Deadpool & Wolverine,” have followed suit with the over-the-top, raunchy portrayal. Directed by Shawn Levy, who collaborated with Reynolds on “Free Guy” and “The Adam Project,” this production boasts an impressive five screenwriters, each seemingly prioritizing humor over crafting a compelling narrative.

As a film enthusiast, I’m immediately drawn into the nostalgic world of this production from the get-go. The filmmakers don’t hold back, instead they drown us in a sea of meta references, unexpected cameos, and quirky musical cues. Every corner of the Marvel Universe during Fox’s era is revisited, and superhero movies as a whole become the target of hilarious satire. It’s Deadpool’s signature brand of humor, amplified to the max, now carrying the added weight of MCU connections.

Yes, Deadpool has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe via another multiverse convenience. It’s unclear how such an over-the-top and self-aware character will blend with other Marvel movies. Following “Avengers: Endgame,” it seems that the MCU creators have given less consideration to elements like continuity and consistency. This film further supports that notion, as plot doesn’t appear to be a priority.

In my opinion, the first two “Deadpool” films didn’t shine in the storytelling department. However, there was a certain closeness between Wade Wilson and his companions that managed to keep the stories centered. Unfortunately, “Deadpool & Wolverine” falls short due to one of the most haphazard scripts I’ve encountered in a superhero film. The narrative feels pieced together with many elements occurring without any clear justification. It seems that the team of five writers were overly reliant on the comic mayhem and the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, skimping on providing proper explanations for the audience.

Before an amusing and nonsensical title sequence, the film by Levy swiftly plunges us into Marvel’s multiverse. However, this introduction is quickly overshadowed by confusingly explained concepts such as the Sacred Timeline, “anchor beings,” and a device known as the “Time Ripper.” The movie seems to be a chaotic blend of two distinct films: an excessive imitation of the violent and crass humor of Deadpool, and a disappointing MCU entry following “Endgame.”

During his birthday celebration with friends, Wade Wilson (Reynolds) is unexpectedly captured by the Time Variance Authority (TVA). The TVA then escorts him to meet their leader, Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen). Paradox reveals that Wade’s timeline is unraveling. The reason for this? The person essential to maintaining its stability, referred to as the “anchor,” has passed away. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t provide much explanation about why or how this happens. In Wade’s case, the deceased anchor was none other than Logan – also known as Wolverine.

Eagered to rescue his friends, Wade grabs a device allowing multiverse hopping. His objective: locate an alternate version of Logan and bring him back home. He opts for a surly, intoxicated Wolverine (Jackman) and heads to the TVA, unaware of violating some rules. Consequently, they are exiled to a desolate area called the Void by Paradox, who harbors weakly malevolent intentions. In this forsaken place, Wade and Logan clash, interspersed with appearances of familiar faces. They battle once more, followed by additional cameos, and so forth.

In this installment, Reynolds takes his witty, borderline sociopathic Deadpool character a step further, delivering quips and colorful language in rapid succession. Jackman adapts, portraying a grittier, more serious Wolverine, complete with frequent use of strong language. Sadly, Jackman’s role is largely as the straight man to Reynolds’ scene-stealing antics. The disappointing aspect is that many familiar faces from earlier Deadpool films are sidelined in favor of new, less engaging characters and attention-grabbing cameos.

The film offers an enjoyable cameo and some entertaining action scenes, though they can be nonsensical at times. However, large parts of it seem repetitive, with the plot taking a backseat. There’s a notable lack of tension or threat from villains, and the dialogue often feels like exposition rather than advancing the story. Additionally, there are some glaring plot holes that even casual viewers will notice. Ultimately, “Deadpool & Wolverine” comes across as an overtly commercial product from a universe seeking a major financial success for Disney.

2024-07-26 18:57

REVIEW: “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024)

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