The Wolverine and Marvel Jesus save the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Six years after the events from Deadpool 2, Deadpool's (played by Ryan Reynolds) peaceful existence as a civilian comes to a halt when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. When he realises that his own universe is at stake, he ropes in Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) (and a host of other familiar faces) to fend off the threats of Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) and Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin).
If there’s ever a remedy for the Marvel Cinematic Universe slump (causes: Jonathan Major’s scandal; the pandemic; run-of-the-mill storylines) Deadpool & Wolverine is it. First, it’s a great buddy movie. Reynolds and Jackman are pals in real life and you can taste the chemistry between them in the film (Antman and Wasp, please take note). Second, it’s actually fun and it's a lot to do with the wanton fan service. Deadpool & Wolverine exemplifies what a summer tentpole movie should be.
(The fourth wall-breaking helps, sure. But poking fun at the character and actor, who plays them (“Who is your dialect coach?”), as well as at any of Disney's sacred cows. It's a wish fulfilment of sorts that someone else is voicing what EVERYBODY ELSE IS THINKING.)
Third, I'm kept guessing, which is great because I'm very hard to surprise. While there's a narrative through-line of Deadpool and Wolverine trying to save the day, there are moments that cause you to do a double-take. Like the gall that they revealed X-23 as one of the characters appearing in the final trailer. If they are gonna do that for a promo, imagine what they will do in the main film.
Lastly, Corrin’s portrayal of Cassandra Nova is great. It's such a great deviation from your usual villain tropes. Cassandra Nova is equal parts camp and menace with their character and I, for one, would like to see more of Nova.
The thing about fan service, it might get too gratuitous; especially to those who aren't fans. Take the Deadpool Corps. A travelling band made up of multidimensional Deadpools? Great, sign me up. Can't wait for the hi-jinks. But in the end, it feels like the presence of the Deadpool Corps came about because someone in the writer's room opined, hey, wouldn't it be cool if we have this big battle scene involving dozens of Deadpools? and then fail to justify how it moves the story forward.
And wouldn't it be great if Cable or Domino made an appearance? But, we suppose, there's only so much the budget can be stretched.
Dogpool. That's it. Just look out for the face that launched a thousand Titanics.
Oh, you want more? Fine.
Cameos. Loads of them. Even the voice actors.
Or and, as usual, stay until the credits end.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now out in theatres.
