Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, is known for his profane, R-rated adventures in Marvel Comics. And that always seemed fine for 20th Century Fox studios who headed his first cinematic outings. Well, the question that has remained on every Deadpool fan’s mind is, can the MCU handle Deadpool’s irreverence and blue humor for which he is known? The answer is yes and no. The significance of the MCU’s first R-rated film, which remains primarily true to Wade’s MO but with some limitations, is a major point of interest for fans. For the most part, this installment remains true to Deadpool. He is obviously a character that serves as a lot of people’s saying and acting, as some folks would, were it not for the conventions of our current climate.
Adding to the mix, Logan/Wolverine is a kindred spirit. In the comics, Wolverine is a wild, violent beast who doesn’t care about consequences but usually makes the right decisions in the end. This film delivers a highly entertaining team-up that fans have been eagerly anticipating on the big screen for a while now.
Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) has reached a point where he feels he can no longer be the antihero he has been so far. Now that he and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) have been involved romantically for some time, she wants more than the bad boy Wade has been previously. As a result, the two are no longer in a relationship but have remained friends. On the day of his birthday, Wade gathers with all his closest friends. However, his celebration gets interrupted when the Time Variance Authority (from the Loki series) extracts him from his universe.
As it turns out, Wade’s universe is dying, but the TVA realizes that Deadpool is essential to the universe of the MCU. Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), the TVA agent responsible for Wade’s extraction, informs him of his universe’s eventual fate and that the death of Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is the reason for its demise. Because Deadpool does not want to see his friends/family disappear from his life, he manages to escape and seeks help from a Wolverine variant to save his loved ones.
In some ways, I have said too much already, but no worries, I will not reveal any further details. Deadpool & Wolverine serves as the MCU’s big send-off for the 20th Century Fox universe of Marvel. Most fans of the Marvel movies know that Fox was a significant owner of several Marvel movie properties and released several movies that involved the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and others affiliated with such properties. This film pays tribute to these movies and brings some of their characters back for one more wild ride.
Written by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Shawn Levy, who also directed the movie, Deadpool & Wolverine is another fun time that finally inducts Deadpool, and perhaps, Wolverine into the MCU. Despite the story’s lack of depth, the film is a blast, especially the team-up between Wade and Logan. Their differences make for some wild and amusing exchanges of words, attitudes, and over-the-top violence, ensuring a thoroughly entertaining experience.
While the movie may run a bit long, it’s a small price to pay for the most fun multiverse MCU movie so far. The irreverent humor and the film’s faithfulness to the comic book characters are the main reasons for this. This is what I love about the Deadpool movies-they fearlessly depict the comic characters and costumes, making them an integral part of the MCU narrative.
It should come as no surprise that both Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are outstanding in their roles. By this time, both actors have fallen into their characters so naturally that they feel like true extensions of their real personalities. I was also very impressed with the performance of actor Emma Corrin, who portrays a villain I will not reveal. In addition, be prepared to be entertained by lots of great cameos from actors reprising their characters for the Fox Marvel universe movies.
While this Deadpool installment is probably my third favorite, I still left this screening mostly pleased and entertained. I truly believe that most Deadpool and Wolverine fans, along with fans of the Fox movies, will have a fun time at the cinema.