Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Basks In Wistfulness And Playfulness

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A concoction of nostalgia, existentialism, sentimentalism and pop culture pervades "Deadpool & Wolverine," the first-ever "Deadpool" movie integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In 2019, Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox gave the multifaceted studio the ownership rights over some of Fox’s key assets, including "X-Men," "Fantastic Four" and "Deadpool." Now, five years later, it feels as though Disney's $71.3 billion deal has come full circle with the amalgamation, breathing a new and special life into the "Deadpool" film series.

The Deadpool character — a latent mutant with the X-gene — made its cinematic debut in 2009’s "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." The antihero, also known as the Merc with a Mouth, graced the silver screen with his own origin story in 2016's “Deadpool.” The spinoff film received critical acclaim, and achieved commercial success at the box office, becoming the highest grossing film in the "X-Men" film series. Thereafter, in 2018, the sequel “Deadpool 2” was finally released much to the delight of "X-Men" and "Deadpool" fans alike.

This weekend, the long-awaited "Deadpool & Wolverine" hits theaters. And the sequel is expected to do well at the box office, with a forecast to have a record-breaking weekend opening in motion pictures history for an R-rated film.

The new "Deadpool" movie delivers with unbridled gusto, well-placed sardonic humor, amazing action sequences and star-studded celebrity cameos. It also impresses with well-choreographed fights and occasional affecting moments. But expect also a number of filthy, profane and blood-soaked scenes. Undoubtedly, it runs an interesting gamut of escapism.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman make an awesome comedic pair as Deadpool and Wolverine — though the comedy sometimes lands flat. On the other hand, when the scenes require gravitas, both embody their iconic roles with heartfelt fervor. And when it comes to the repartees between the two leads, the banters are incredibly first-rate.

In the movie, audiences will walk down memory lane to the time and place when Deadpool was rejected by the Avengers. Feeling despondent, his alter-ego, Wade Wilson, now decides to give up the superhero status and spend his days working as a used car salesman instead. Nevertheless, at some point, he eventually embarks on a journey with a mission to search for his significance and purpose in this world. His quest will take him across a dizzying timeline-jumping sequence that happens in a post-“Endgame” multi-verse.

Meanwhile, Wolverine is feeling dispirited himself after a calamitous failure. Moments later, the adamantium-clawed antihero begins to lament in the throes of anguish, rage and displeasure, setting off a soul-searching course in his life.

How will the unlikely duo meet in the multi-verse? No spoiler in this review, so we had better not reveal the details. Rest assured — it will pique your interest to say the least. Their encounters in the multi-verse will highlight the discernible contrast between the quipping Deadpool and the muscly, sulky Wolverine. On one hand, Deadpool lives up to his notoriety of being edgy, crass and somewhat-annoying 4th-wall breaking. On the other hand, Wolverine appears to be brooding constantly.

Emma Corin and Matthew MacFadyen are the movie’s main two villains, embodying their roles with great passion without the trappings of grandiosity. Their playfulness and seriousness are sure to delight audiences.

Get excited for unforgettable zingers in the form of comical pop culture references, ranging from Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap to Reynold’s Canadian status to Jackman's recent divorce. Furthermore, the movie also pays homage to popular music artists, including Aretha Franklin, Madonna, N’sync and Huey Lewis. And let's not forget the scene-stealing dog named Dogpool.

In all, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is not perfect albeit forgivable, ultimately serving up an enjoyable and fun adventure. For sure, diehard MCU fans will be reveling in the glory of superhero wistfulness.