Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' with Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman resurrect MCU with humour & sharp wit

In an unexpected yet thrilling twist of fate, "Deadpool and Wolverine" brings together two of Marvel's most iconic and irreverent characters, marking a significant moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film sees Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), the foul-mouthed mercenary, and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the grizzled mutant, finally sharing the screen in an official MCU capacity, a union fans have longed for. This crossover, filled with in-jokes, meta-humor, and a hearty dose of self-awareness, offers a fresh infusion of energy into the MCU, which has been criticized for losing its spark in recent years.

The story kicks off with Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, struggling with a crisis of purpose. Desperate to feel important, he even contemplates joining the Avengers, a hilarious notion considering his unorthodox methods and personality. His quest leads him to the Time Variance Authority (TVA), where he learns that his universe is on the brink of collapse due to the loss of its 'anchor being'—none other than Wolverine. Deadpool decides to save his universe by finding a suitable replacement for Wolverine, but as expected, things quickly spiral out of control. The duo finds themselves tangled with Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), the twin sister of Professor Xavier, in a realm known as 'The Void.'

The film’s strongest asset is its relentless meta-writing, co-penned by Reynolds himself. It doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the Fox-Disney merger, MCU tropes, and even the actors' real lives. The humor is fast-paced and unapologetic, a hallmark of Deadpool's character, with Wolverine serving as the perfect foil. Their banter is a delightful blend of crude humor and genuine camaraderie, showcasing a bromance that feels both authentic and necessary. One memorable moment includes a dig at Jackman's real-life divorce, highlighting the film's willingness to break the fourth wall and play with real-world references.

While "Deadpool and Wolverine" excels in humor and chemistry between its leads, it stumbles in its narrative structure. The storyline feels more like a series of skits strung together rather than a cohesive plot. Cassandra Nova, despite being set up as a formidable villain, ends up being underwhelming. Her character lacks the depth and screen time needed to leave a lasting impact, a recurring issue in many MCU films where the antagonist fails to live up to the hype.

The film's action sequences, though not overly abundant, are well-executed, particularly a standout scene featuring Deadpool and Wolverine battling multiple Deadpools in a single, continuous shot. However, these moments are few and far between, with the film leaning more on humor and less on action, which might disappoint some fans.

"Deadpool and Wolverine" also serves as a poignant farewell to the X-Men universe, albeit in a chaotic and humor-laden fashion rather than a heartfelt send-off. The post-credits scenes, though not essential, offer a final chuckle and hint at possible future crossovers, leaving the door open for more adventures. 

The Verdict

Overall, "Deadpool and Wolverine" is a mixed bag that leans heavily on humor and character dynamics to carry it through a somewhat fragmented storyline. It's not without its flaws, particularly in the villain department and the occasionally haphazard screenplay, but the film’s self-awareness and willingness to embrace its meta-nature make it a standout in the MCU's recent offerings.

The Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars

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