Deadpool & Wolverine

The return of the "merc with a mouth" turns the satire onto the MCU

With the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney there was excitement and dread by movie fans regarding the possibilities of melding characters and storylines from the likes of “X-Men” or “Fantastic Four” with the known entities of “The Avengers.” One property seen with trepidation was the foul-mouthed and rated R “Deadpool” who would have gone against the squeaky-clean Disney brand. Fear not, as the unhinged and self-aware character has been given his third film, first under Disney, with Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).

Deadpool & Wolverine is a buddy comedy bringing the satirical Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) alongside the grumpy and alcoholic Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) as they are intervened by the Time Variance Authority (from Loki (2021-2023)) to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper. However, things go awry and the unlikely duo is forced to work together.

The plot synopsis above is kept brief given the little exposition that has been divulged in its marketing. Safe to say, that Deadpool &Wolverine retains the charm and unrestrained humor and critiques of its titular character. It is unafraid of bashing its old owner Fox as well as its new partners in Disney, even taking shots at the low quality of Marvel fare in the last few years. The twists and coups that Deadpool & Wolverine pull off in settings and characters they bring along is astounding, serving not just as fan-service, but delivering exciting sequences with payoff as well.

Shawn Levy takes the director’s seat, coming off fruitful collaborations with Reynolds in Free Guy (2021) and The Adam Project (2022). In Deadpool & Wolverine the director brings a balance of exploring the possibilities the self-aware character has in the MCU, while maintaining the structured mold of a buddy comedy. However, the bloated writers room (five credited writers on the script) evidences a rather wayward, indecisive, and flat plot, which never fully convinces and seems to flop around for humor rather than a narrative. The jokes and splendid action sequences, however, make up for the flatter moments keeping entertainment up to par.

Reynolds returns and once again delivers in a character that he has made inextricable from himself. Jackman’s surprise return as Wolverine, after his retirement in Logan (2017), is a welcome one, and the Australian impresses, playing the straight man to Reynolds’ goof, and delivering some rather touching dramatic moments as well. Emma Corrin takes on the villainous role, and sadly continues the Marvel curse of lackluster baddies. Whilst the British actress brings some menace given her gory powers, her writing is flat, giving little backstory or depth. Other cast additions include Matthew MacFayden as a TVA official, to which the Emmy winner brings the witty sliminess of his work on Succession (2018-2023).

In the end, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers on fan service and promise, maintaining its humor and inventive violence. The buddy comedy chemistry between the eponymous characters proves the core of the film’s success, aided in large part to the talented performers inhabiting them. The plot and villain leave much to be desired and are sadly the reason why Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t rise to the heights of the best superhero fare.

7.7/10