- DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
- Starring: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
- Directed by: Shawn Levy
- Rated: R
- Running time: 2 hrs 8 mins
- Disney
I apologize for the lateness of this review but, after writing 15 years of MCU film reviews right before they open, I always have to preface them with NO SPOILERS! So I waited until I’m pretty sure everyone that wanted to see the film (and with a BILLION DOLLARS at the box office, that’s pretty much everyone) had so I could have some fun and talk about some of the things I really loved about the film.
We meet our “hero,” Wade Wilson (Reynolds) in mid-narration, explaining that he is on a mission to find, and work with, Wolverine (Jackman), assuming that he really did not die in the film “Logan.” Bad luck, buddy. All that remains is an adamantium skeleton, which he puts to good use. Dejected he returns home only to be summoned by a mysterious agency who offers him the chance to save his world. Cue the music.
Hilariously funny, and exceedingly violent, “D&W” is, literally, the film that Marvel fans have clamored for over the years. And the wait was well worth it.
IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FILM, SCROLL DOWN TO THE WRAP UP
Traveling to different worlds (the MCU has actively embraced the Multiverse), Deadpool encounters several Wolverines – big ones, small ones, one who looks a lot like Henry Cavill! Finally finding the one he wants, he does his best to convince him to come with him on his mission. Along the way they run into a lot of MCU characters, both past and present, including Johnny Storm (Chris Evans), Electra (Jennifer Garner), Blade (Wesley Snipes) and, in what I hope is a teaser for a stand alone film, Gambit (Channing Tatum). They decide to team up to defeat the villainous Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who seems to really delight in her own evilness. As the group embark on their journey, they also come across various incantations of Deadpool, including Nicepool, Lady Deadpool, Cowboy Deadpool and, the scene stealing Dogpool.
The script is equally full of hilarious moments and high drama. Kudos to the people at Disney who allowed the cast to make some funny, but mean, commentary, with shots fired directly at the studio while showing a lot of love for the lamented 20th Century Fox. And the “I Can Take a Joke” award goes to Jackman, who endures barbs about everything from “The Music Man” to his recent divorce.
Yes, it’s raunchy. Yes, it’s bloody. But it also one of the best films of the year.
On a scale of zero to five I give “Deadpool & Wolverine” ★★★★★