‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ – the Most Fun Since ‘Thor: Ragnarok’

Superhero fatigue is a fallacy. Each time we see one of our comic faves suit up in a live-action film, we’re chomping at the bit to see how the studio has reimagined this illustrated world for the big screen. What has become tiring is when the anticipation for these movies drastically outweighs the outcome. This has caused Marvel to scale back their quantity of projects to focus on improving the quality, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Deadpool and Wolverine is the most fun I’ve had with a Marvel film since Thor: Ragnarok. 

Wade Wilson aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds; The Proposal) wants to matter. So, when Mr. Paradox invites him to the TVA (Time Variance Authority, see Loki) to join The Sacred Timeline, he gleefully agrees. Things aren’t exactly what they seem, which leads him to search for Wolverine (Hugh Jackman; The Greatest Showman). This duo carries us through the rest of the film with needle drops, savage fight scenes, laugh-out-loud jokes, Marvel disses, and a host of surprises that no one will see coming (if they’ve successfully avoided spoilers). 

Deadpool and Wolverine quickly reminds you whose film it is from the moment it begins. We open with a bone-rattling fight scene to reintroduce viewers to Deadpool’s vibe. Despite the film being shared by Jackman and Reynolds, the tone is still oozing with Deadpool’s impertinent spirit. And because of it, we finally get to experience an unfiltered Wolverine unburdened by a PG-13 rating (not counting Logan). 

Things move quickly and there isn’t a dull moment. If anything, the film constantly one-ups itself during its 2-hour and 7-minute duration. And in case you were wondering, of course, our usual faves are present: Peter (Rob Delaney; Argylle), Blind Al (Leslie Uggams; Fallout), and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin; Gotham). The story isn’t a super complicated construct. It’s an action flick so we’re given just enough to justify the pieces being put together so we can see our two faves kick butt. 

There are moments where Deadpool’s crass humor feels overwhelming, which is the point. He’s nerve-wracking. He uses humor as a coping mechanism for his inner pain. In Deadpool and Wolverine, at the moment I felt as if I was going to drown beneath yet another lewd joke, Wolverine enters to rebalance the scales. He’s the heart of the movie and acts as our advocate, almost saying everything we’d want to say to Deadpool ourselves. This is what makes the twosome work. 

This film is for the true Marvel fans, the ones who existed pre-MCU. The ones who truly paved the way for the cinematic universe to be created in the first place, by showing up in droves to support each film that dropped. Deadpool and Wolverine not only acknowledges the past but pays homage to those stories that came before. 

One of the best things about this film is that there is no post-credit scene to hint at where the MCU goes from here. The uncertainty is part of the thrill. The best thing Marvel can do is keep things secret until they are locked and loaded with their next project. 

A superhero spin on the road trip, buddy film genre, Deadpool and Wolverine is an over-the-top summer blockbuster that bridges the past with the present in an uproarious comedic adventure that gives us two Hollywood stars having a blast. You can tell they had fun making this film and you’ll have fun watching it. Deadpool and Wolverine boasts a rousing good time with a killer soundtrack, high-octane action sequences, excellent CGI, and cameos galore. Avoid spoilers and see it in theaters. You’re in for one heck of a ride. 

Deadpool and Wolverine is in theaters July 25.  

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars