Deadpool continuing into the larger MCU, and with a larger sandbox to reference and joke with, only feels right, with the character reminding us that anything and everything in the world of entertainment need not be taken so seriously. Excitingly, it’s not just the convergence of the Fox Marvel heroes and the MCU, but also Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine, whom Deadpool has already poked fun of in his films. The film asks, what if two people who can’t die and have no temper but are polar opposites need to get along (but can’t)? That buddy comedy aspect drives the film, as do the multiverse-level visuals. In addition to Reynolds’ increasingly impressive commitment to one of the most foul-mouthed heroes to ever wear spandex, and Jackman’s rage-filled but emotionally charged take on a Wolverine different from the one we parted ways from in Logan, Emma Corrin shines and never feels lesser than the two A-listers when on screen with them. Corrin gives a delightfully cruel and loose performance as Cassandra Nova, and certainly not right-minded, almost like a Mad Max character given Professor X’s powers. Matthew Macfadyen also gives the film some great fun as a TVA agent who's a little murkier than the ones we met in Loki.
The film’s writing for its lead character doesn’t really hit hard on a deep level, and Wade’s relationship with Vanessa feels like a superficial conflict thrown in for the sake of necessity. Their arc worked way better in Deadpool 2, and here, this variant of Logan is by far the more inviting emotional aspect of the film. Despite Deadpool’s growth as a person taking a backseat, this is a film where the experience is reliant on action, humor, and surprises, and it delivers on all three fronts. The action scenes are creative, eye-popping, and cheerfully graphic, from an opening that’s one of the most brilliant fight scenes in the trilogy to much, much more that comes after. The jokes come at light speed and have something belly laugh-inducing for everyone, including references to the actors’ filmography. The film also embraces the idea of the multiverse with cameos to behold that’s been kept secret from the marketing for our enjoyment in the theater. It’s probably why Deadpool & Wolverine, despite not having a marginally original story, is such a memorable crowd experience and action blockbuster that does not hold back, continuing to push the limits of how much the blood, raunchiness, and self-awareness can surprise and amuse us. But it’s not just irreverent for the sake of it — the humor and energy of the film brilliantly mesh with the CGI-heavy worldbuilding of the MCU, so come the chemistry that’s promised from the title and meta potential of these franchises colliding, and though that’s the mainstay here, it’s more than enough devoted fans of the superhero genre and the collective theater experience.
4/5
Review by: Gal Balaban