'Deadpool & Wolverine' Movie Review: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman deliver fan service but is it enough?

In 2019, Martin Scorsese commented on Marvel movies: "That's not cinema. Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks." This quote perfectly encapsulates the new Marvel movie. Imagine being in your 30s and wanting to relive the fun of your childhood by visiting a theme park. You feel nostalgic, enjoy some rides, and find others less thrilling, realising it's not as fun as it once was. You've started seeking deeper meaning in everything. 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is akin to a theme park: a wild ride filled with nostalgia, action, countless meta jokes, favourite characters coming back together, and Deadpool mocking 20th Century Fox in almost every third punchline. But is this enough to captivate a 24-year-old who has been a Marvel fan for 16 years but has recently been disappointed by the content? The answer, unfortunately, is not very promising.

Story:

The film begins right after the post-credits scene of 'Deadpool 2,' where Deadpool goes back in time to save his girlfriend Vanessa and a lot more. Now, we see him trying to join the Avengers, only to be rejected. Fast forward six years, Wade (Ryan Reynolds) is leading a mundane life with Peter (remember him from 'Deadpool 2?'), feeling lost and unappreciated, especially after being rejected by Vanessa (Morena Baccarin).

Deadpool's life takes a surprising turn when Agent Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) from the Time Variance Authority (TVA) recruits him to tackle a multiversal threat. To face this crisis, Deadpool teams up with his frenemy Logan (Hugh Jackman). Together, they form an unlikely duo tasked with preventing a catastrophic event that could unravel the very fabric of reality. The plot follows a classic superhero formula with a Deadpool twist, packed with time-travel antics, unexpected cameos, and plenty of fourth-wall breaking.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been experiencing a downturn since 'Endgame.' Only a few projects have truly captivated audiences, while many others have fallen short. In a world where hundreds of titles are released weekly on OTT platforms, Marvel has been churning out content at a rapid pace to stay relevant in the algorithm race and maintain its presence among viewers. However, they seem to have overlooked the fact that, in the end, content is what truly matters.

There’s an Aamir Khan interview that went viral after the release of ‘Animal,’ where he mentioned that sex and violence are often used by filmmakers to compensate for the lack of a well-written story. The same issue plagues 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' The makers didn’t have a story they believed in, so they filled the movie with meta jokes, pop culture references, jokes bashing 20th Century Fox, surprising cameos (some of which feel forced), and lots of action, a strategy that worked with ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ but not with this film. While the film provides an initial rush of dopamine, a rewatch might reveal its flaws.

One area where the Deadpool movies consistently fall short is in having a compelling villain. The films rely heavily on Ryan Reynolds' charisma and humour, which tends to overshadow the villain's role. Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) serves as the antagonist of the plot but fails to leave any mark. Despite being depicted as Professor Charles Xavier's sister, her character lacks depth in the movie, and the connection between her and Charles is barely explored. But it's not all negative for Deadpool and Marvel; this movie definitely surpasses some of the recent MCU releases. The R-rated version makes it a must-see on the big screen. The film's true strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend humour and violence. Deadpool's signature fourth-wall-breaking antics are in full force, while Wolverine's stoic demeanour provides a perfect foil. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, and their interactions are a constant source of entertainment.

Direction and Writing:

Shawn Levy, known for his comedic flair and has directed films like Free Guy and The Adam Project, brings a distinct touch to the superhero genre. His film is a wild ride, skillfully mixing raunchy humour, touching moments, and explosive action. While the writing ticks every box, it falls short in one crucial aspect: the story. It’s as if the story box was overlooked entirely. Nevertheless, the sharp and witty writing, featuring Deadpool's fourth-wall-breaking quips and Wolverine's gruff one-liners, ensures constant entertainment. The film's R-rating introduces a level of violence and language that is both shocking and exhilarating for an MCU movie.

However, the film does suffer from pacing issues in the second half of the movie. Some sequences drag, and the tonal shifts can be jarring at times. The screenplay also relies heavily on fan service, which while enjoyable for die-hard fans, might alienate casual viewers.

Actor’s Performances:

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are the undeniable pillars of the film. Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool is as iconic as ever, with his impeccable comedic timing and over-the-top energy. Jackman's Wolverine is a welcome return to form, capturing the character's complex nature with nuance and depth. However, Matthew Macfadyen seems unable to escape his Tom Wambsgans persona; his portrayal of Paradox comes across as just another version of Tom Wambsgans from Succession. His body language, expressions, and dialogue delivery all give the impression of Tom rather than Mr. Paradox. Emma Corrin’s character, Cassandra, doesn’t provide a platform for Emma to fully showcase her talents. The character’s motives remain unclear, and her story isn’t explored in depth. Despite this, Emma’s performance manages to make the most of the limited material she’s given.

Dog lovers have something special to look forward to this time, 'Dogpool' is here to win your hearts. Get ready for some special cameo performances that are sure to have audiences cheering and clapping in theatres.

Verdict:

Deadpool & Wolverine is a chaotic, entertaining spectacle that will leave fans of the characters satisfied. While it doesn't reinvent the superhero genre, it delivers on its promise of non-stop action, humour, and heart. The film's biggest strength lies in the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, a pairing that generates endless possibilities for comedic and dramatic moments.

Deadpool & Wolverine is a fun, entertaining movie that fully embraces its own absurdity. It's a guilty pleasure that caters to fans with plenty of fan service. Whether you're a devoted fan or just a casual viewer, you'll find something enjoyable in this thrilling and over-the-top adventure.