Marvel ended Phase 3 of its cinematic universe in 2019 on a high with Spiderman: Far From Home and promised that Phase 4 would bring new stories along with new heroes. Fans were excited for the new era. However, things didn’t turn out to be as good as fans wanted. Several films flopped at the box office and didn’t get much love from the critics either. But things went further downhill when the ongoing Phase 5 of MCU yielded similar results, with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 being an exception. So, there’s no doubt that the Disney-owned production company desperately needed a big hit. As a result, they pinned their hopes on Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine to get them out of the misery.
[Editor’s note: There are heavy spoilers ahead for Deadpool & Wolverine, including plot and cameos. Read at your own risk.]
The story of Deadpool & Wolverine
The movie begins with Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth, aka Deadpool, trying to dig a grave and finding Logan, aka, Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman. He believed that Logan couldn’t die because of Adamantium. But he soon discovers that Logan is indeed dead when he sees his skeleton. However, TVA guards arrive at the scene and want him to surrender due to certain violations. Without any guesses, the protagonist uses his impeccable skills to beat the hell out of everyone and go from that place.
The audience is taken into the flashback, where they understand why Deadpool is looking out for Wolverine and why he needs the mutant. He eventually finds the Wolverine he is looking for and asks for his help to save his world. From the very beginning, Deadpool & Wolverine has been heralded as the movie that will take the MCU in a new direction and end the bumpy run. Honestly, it ended end their box-office troubles, but when it comes to telling a great story, nothing has changed.
Big action can’t cover for a thin story
Deadpool & Wolverine bursts onto the screen with an exhilarating opening sequence that captures everyone’s attention from the get-go. The opening sets the tone for a high-octane adventure and Levy doesn’t shy away from orchestrating a perfect balance of chaos and comedy, as Deadpool and Wolverine find themselves thrown together in an unexpected mission. These initial moments are marked by quick-witted banter and high-stakes action that masterfully captures the contrasting personalities of the two leads. The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is absolutely mesmerizing, setting the stage for what could have been a standout superhero film.
While the movie excels in delivering breathtaking action and irreverent humor, it stumbles when it comes to its storytelling. The film’s narrative is disappointingly thin, struggling to provide a cohesive story that justifies the grandeur of its cinematic spectacle. Shockingly, the film’s weak plot becomes even more apparent as it progresses, leaving viewers wanting a storyline that’s worth of a movie of this level. The film is written by Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells, and I believe, hiring five different writers for the movie didn’t work out for the best. With multiple writers contributing to the script, it can be quite challenging to maintain a tone, which was quite evident.
One of the film’s strong points is its meticulously crafted action scenes. The fight sequences are spectacular, and the action set pieces are executed with creativity. One of the most memorable sequences features Deadpool and Wolverine fighting each other, deciding who is better and stronger. The choreography in that scene is bloody brilliant. However, the decision to focus heavily on action sequences and cameos may have come at the expense of story development.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Bromance
Acting-wise, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are beyond amazing. Reynolds’ comic timing is impeccable and fully embraces Deadpool’s unpredictable nature once again, making the character feel authentic and dynamic. Meanwhile, Jackman’s return as Wolverine is nothing short of spectacular. His performance is marked by a commanding presence and emotional range, allowing him to effectively portray Wolverine’s gruff exterior and underlying humanity. Moreover, their chemistry is the highlight of this film, and the continuous banter between the two takes it up a notch.
Matthew Macfadyen and Emma Corrin are equally amazing in their respective roles. Macfadyen shows his range as an actor while playing Mr. Paradox in the film, a character who wants to use the Time Ripper and annihilate an entire universe. Meanwhile, Corrin as Cassandra Nova is a formidable villain with some really cool powers. Corrin plays the antagonist with precision and overshadows the film’s leading duo whenever she arrives on screen.
Overall, Deadpool & Wolverine dazzles with its exceptional action sequence and exceptional performances but falls short of telling a story that matches its visual grandeur. If you are looking for a heart-pumping action adventure filled with humor and exceptional cameos, Deadpool & Wolverine is an entertaining watch. Yet, for those hoping for a story as memorable as its action, the movie might make you feel a little underwhelmed.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now in theaters.
Learn more about the movie, including how to buy tickets, at the title’s official website.
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