Score: A
Directed by Shawn Levy
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman
Running time: 128 minutes
Rated R
Long Story Short: Marvel is back!!! The only new theatrical release this year for the blockbuster action franchise is a biggy, teaming up two of the most popular characters. Although they come from very different origins, Deadpool and Wolverine turn out to be like chocolate and peanut butter. Come for the lovable, 4th-wall-breaking snark from Deadpool, stay for the MCU's unmatched event-movie spectacle. Warning, for those expecting a typical superhero movie: there is lots of bloody/gory fighting and plenty of swearing. Still, for those who can stomach it, this is a tremendously entertaining summer movie!
The "Merc with a Mouth", Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Reynolds), is going through a rough patch. He aspires to the heroics of better-known icons like Thor and Captain America, but he can't seem to leave parts of his past behind him. While working mundane jobs, a mysterious agency introduces him to the multiverse, however, in a development that threatens to literally upend Wade's entire world. Wade knows that he can't fix the problem on his own and, using the newly discovered multiverse to his advantage, searches for a partner. He manages to locate the mutant he has always worshipped, Wolverine (Jackman) - but it's not what he expects. The two odd bedfellows must work past their differences and together confront a deadly threat to the multiverse.
Deadpool & Wolverine is a great return to form for Marvel superhero movies, full of fun and able to manage some tricky balancing acts. Deadpool is a unique superhero, not only more sarcastic and vulgar than most, but also frequently breaking the "fourth wall" by talking directly to the audience. While Marvel doesn't take itself completely seriously, either, it is still "traditional" story-telling; as Deadpool himself remarks, his appearance in the MCU is thus an awkward fit. However, this third Deadpool movie, and the first one "sharing" space with another franchise, works very well, largely due to the now-maligned multiverse concept. When you have infinite universes at your disposal, it's a perfect situation for Deadpool, who thrives on the bizarre, extreme, and unrealistic (and each of those elements is still kept in check enough to hold the audience). Among the most entertaining scenes are those showing different versions of the title characters; perhaps the best is "Dog"-pool, which is, naturally, the ugliest breed of dog on the planet. The plot is not super interesting; it does nicely build off previous Wolverine /X-Men movies, but between this and the multiverse components (even I'm not sure I got everything!), it's a bit reliant on superhero fandom. Still, it's solid enough as a vehicle for the main entertainment.
Instead of plot, the movie focuses mostly on the co-leads' relationship, which is a great decision as they are both distinct, charismatic - and very different - characters. Deadpool is the primary focus, and his character is developed in small but thoughtful chunks despite all the surroundings shenanigans. At the same time, his trademark dirty humor isn't toned down at all - and Wolverine's own more subtle but also dark humor is a great companion for him. The whole movie is hilarious - particularly the more familiar you are with superhero movies, with several great cameos. But even for those who aren't, there is plenty of slapstick and sight gags as well as Marvel's signature wisecracks and banter. The action is also a lot of fun, even though it suffers from "Superman syndrome" in that the leads are basically immortal. However, at least half the time they are fighting each other, so rather than worrying about what may happen to them, you just enjoy the impressive, creative, and funny choreography. There's only one regular "henchman" fight, but it basically turns into a music video (hint: boy bands) so it's great, too; the finale battle isn't amazing, but the movie didn't really need one. Even the ending is somewhat poignant, despite the good-humored cynicism of most of the movie. After all the blood and bickering, it shows that even the rougher-edged among us need good companions.
***
Deadpool & Wolverine had a lot to live up to as the only Marvel movie to be released this year and the first time the unique Deadpool experience was mixed with a more traditional movie. Fortunately for audiences - and Marvel - it was a resounding success. It was truly an open question, to me, if Deadpool could really work within the MCU framework. As much as the multiverse concept has been worn out, though, it turned out to be the perfect tool to re-introduce this almost "meta" character. Deadpool himself suggests that perhaps it's time to retire the multiverse plot, winking at declining critical and box office results for Marvel. Along with the legal troubles of actor Jonathan Majors, who played the key villain, this could well be the right call. Whether or not Deadpool returns is left nicely ambiguous by the ending (although $$$ signs seem to point toward "yes") - if he does, I now have quite a bit more confidence that it can work out perfectly well. Now that Marvel is already done for the year, though, it's back to the guessing game of what's next for me at the movie theater!
* By http://www.impawards.com/2024/deadpool_and_wolverine_ver6.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73871602
