Deadpool & Wolverine
I can‘t say I was terribly excited for the new Deadpool movie. Between my dislike of the current trend of multiversing every other superhero movie to get out of bad writing and/or creative decisions as well as a deep and abiding fear that a studio would ruin a character for cash (and I don’t find myself alone in this nightmare), it wasn’t looking good. But. I am no quitter and I’d seen the first two Deadpools so what could I do? My hands were tied.
Deadpool & Wolverine follows our favorite merc with a mouth, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), struggling to find where he fits in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After an unexpected meeting with the Time Variance Authority, he realizes he’s going to need some help saving the world. He needs THE X-man. He needs Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).
Ryan Reynolds is his Deadpooliest self here. I’m not convinced he’s not actually exactly like Wade Wilson in real life (he’s one of the credited writers so I think this assessment is safe), but I also can’t say that I care. As with the other films in the series, he’s also quite solid during the serious moments, the ones that cut through to the heart of the story. But, and this is no shame to Reynolds, no one can hold a candle to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine here. His performance is heartbreaking and layered, bringing a new depth to the character that never takes away from what was thought to be his final run as Wolverine, Logan.
It’s true: I was very concerned with how they were going to tackle bringing Wolverine back. Logan (spoiler here, but hey, it’s been a hot minute since that movie came out) was such a fitting end to the character. Is there any way that Jackman could put Wolverine’s suit on without besmirching his character’s send-off? And honestly, to this movie’s credit, they tackle that issue head on. Given the “Time Variance Authority” in the plot summary, it’s decently apparent how they work Wolverine into the script, but I will say it’s done well.* Probably one of the best ways to bring Hugh’s character back without sacrificing Logan’s sacrifice.
Because honestly, I feel like studios do that. It’s just committee writing and cash grabbing and nobody really wins. And audiences can’t be faulted for feeling slighted and apprehensive when Big Movie takes their favorite heroes and throws them under the bus. This theme runs through this third Deadpool: the idea that so many actors never got to do their characters, their heroes, justice. In a really wonderful creative decision that addresses that, in the charismatic (irreverent) way Deadpool is known for, it lets the audience in on the joke.
In a really wonderful creative decision…in the charismatic (irreverent) way Deadpool is known for, it lets the audience in on the joke.
“Oh no,” you might say, “that’s what you’re describing is part of what’s wrong with the film industry today. That’s shameless nostalgic pandering.” I can’t spoil it for you (and please, if you don’t wish to spoil it for yourself, don’t go on social media), but suffice to say, there are numerous references to the impressive past superhero canon. And, in another timeline, perhaps I’d agree with you.
Truth be told, Deadpool & Wolverine veers ever so close to an overpowering, maybe-a-bit-too-meta line. But the constant fourth wall breaks are a part of Deadpool’s style. They are part of the movies’ charm. And it works. It doesn’t play as pandering; they’ve built up enough good will that it’s “we heard you and you’re a part of making this movie now, too.”
At least, that’s how it felt to me. Nostalgic references are not inherently bad and it’s irritatingly pretentious to shame audiences for holding beloved characters close. I would encourage everyone to go see it in theaters with their friends and enjoy each reference with the rest of the audience as it pops on screen. Deadpool & Wolverine is dark and fast paced and cheeky (that’s the Nicepool way of saying it) and oh man, is there blood…But it’s also a solid story and, dare I say it, heartfelt.
Certainly it’s worth the six bucks just to see Dogpool alone.
*This doesn’t mean I’m all cool with multiverse storylines now. I’m still not convinced they’re not ultimately a cheat. HOWEVER, I am ever so happy to be proven wrong (like I was here).
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