Writer’s note: The second paragraph of this article (just below the first image) contains a basic outline of the film’s premise. There are no spoilers that weren’t already inferred in the film’s own trailer. However, if you want to completely avoid potential spoilers, skip over the second paragraph.
The Marvel comics anti-hero Deadpool is arguably the most fascinating character in the entire superhero genre. While not inspiring like Superman, complex like Batman, relatable like Spider-Man or existential like Iron Man, Deadpool still amassed a passionate fanbase. This has less to do with the character himself, but more to do with how he literally speaks to the reader. Like Bugs Bunny before him, Deadpool is a fourth-wall breaking, pop-culture referencing maniac, allowing his fans to make fun of superheroes while still sincerely enjoying the genre. Fans and star Ryan Reynolds were begging for Deadpool to be brought to the big screen, despite that task seeming insurmountable. Following the suspicious leak of test footage, the studio couldn’t resist the calls for a Deadpool film, nor could they prevent Reynolds from getting his passion project off the ground. Despite the modest production budget, Deadpool (2016) went from being a superhero underdog, to a $800 million smash hit. With the third film in the series, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), the character is now on top of the world.
Picking up six years after the events of Deadpool 2 (2018), the titular anti-hero has put away his costume and weapons, living a quiet life as Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds). He laments to the viewer that Disney’s buyout of 20th Century Fox (the studio which produced his previous two films) has left him without a purpose, as Disney’s successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and Avengers films have no need for him. Things change when an organisation called The Time Variants Authority (or TVA for short) offers Deadpool the chance to officially migrate from the 20th Century Fox universe to the Disney universe. Ever since the release of the film Logan (2017) and the death of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the Fox universe has been slowly dying, but the TVA’s Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) thinks Deadpool is worth preserving. However, if Deadpool agrees to migrate to Disney, the Fox universe, and all of his friends there, will be erased from existence. To save them, Deadpool decides to travel the multiverse and find a new Wolverine to replace the old one. Of course, things don’t go completely as planned.
In the previous Deadpool films, he would address the camera, yet the story would still function on it’s own without the fourth-wall breaking. This time around, there’s no way to talk about the film’s story without addressing the self-referential humour. Nearly every characters’ journey is tied directly to Disney’s takeover of 20th Century Fox. Given that Deadpool himself is the only character discussing this real world event directly, the rest of the characters end up having fairly thin arcs. This extends to the narrative itself, which reaches the bare minimum of what it needs to function. There are heroes, there are villains and there’s a forgettable MacGuffin that sets the plot in motion. It has all the necessary pieces to qualify as a film with a story, but ultimately none of it is meaningful. That being said, does this harm or help the viewing experience?
It’s no secret that the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been lacking recently. Ever since Avengers: Endgame (2019), the franchise has felt slightly aimless, with many of the films feeling like pale imitations of what came before. Things have become especially convoluted with recent films trying to unpack the multiverse concept, which has made the films confusing and disengaging for many viewers. Deadpool & Wolverine of course involves the multiverse, but the irreverent tone and fourth-wall breaking jokes prevent it from causing more confusion. In fact, the humour shows that Marvel is finally acknowledging things have gotten out of hand, allowing the audience to laugh at them as the studio laughs at themselves.
If the story at hand isn’t particularly memorable, the film’s self-deprecation is what sticks in the mind. This helps to make every character interaction, every line of dialogue, and every scene a colourful and enjoyable romp. Complex storytelling doesn’t always result in a better viewing experience, and Deadpool & Wolverine’s simplicity allows it to be an unbelievably good time. The 127 minutes practically flies by, as there’s not a single moment that’s slow, boring or unfunny. This does result in the serious moments not making as much of an impact, but they are still treated with sincerity (especially in the scenes dedicated to Wolverine). Additionally, the overly comedic tone does handicap the villainous Cassandra Nova, as it’s clear she is worthy of a far darker story. However, Emma Corrin still gives an amazing performance with the character, so there’s nothing stopping Marvel from bringing them back.
Despite all the mockery of superheroes, what carries Deadpool & Wolverine to the finish line is the surprising amount of love it shows towards the genre. Specifically, the film reminds the viewer of the time before Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing back memories of a much simpler crop of films. Back then, not all Marvel films were dominating the box office, and very few of them were well reviewed. This resulted in many of those films being scrutinised, mocked and ultimately forgotten before they had the chance to conclude. Deadpool & Wolverine pulls off the incredible feat of making the viewer feel nostalgic for that bygone era: a time when we didn’t have to worry about following five franchises at once to understand the plot of the one film we actually care about. There was something very pure about that period, and this film has made sure we remember that fact. If Deadpool & Wolverine makes any statement, it’s that those films deserved their time in the sun.
The Deadpool franchise shouldn’t work. The Deadpool franchise breaks all the rules. The Deadpool franchise keeps tempting fate. Regardless, the Deadpool franchise continues to prove that rules don’t matter with Deadpool & Wolverine. As long as filmmakers remain true to their creative convictions, aren’t afraid to push the limits, and just make the most enjoyable ride they can, their films will shine through despite their flaws.
7.5/10
Best way to watch it: Right before you rewatch all the superhero movies released between 1998 and 2007. Believe me, you’ll have a desire to revisit them after this.
