Deadpool & Wolverine

A revival of the best that we have seen from the Marvel and X-Men movies. A nerdishly well-crafted pop-up book of sketches with bold references not only to the characters and relationships of the comic-book world, but also to the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood studios, and which are not afraid of being honest and poking fun at themselves. Superbly utilised buddy potential between Wolverine and the comical Deadpool, for whose wisecracking Ryan Reynolds could apply for a patent. The female villain is interesting and powerful, and old characters make surprising appearances. Hugh Jackman performs as if his life depended on it and pretty much everyone gives their all, as if it was a matter of saving a phenomenon. Which it also was. (29/07/2024)

Your crazy matches my crazy. I love Deadpool, but I love Wolverine even more, and if someone had told me a few years ago that they would meet in a movie, I would never have believed it. Logan was the final chapter in every way, and even though I never truly accepted his canonical end, at the same time, I didn't need any comebacks. Because nothing could have been better. But it could have been different. The necessary events remain in their timelines and with more breaking of the fourth wall, anything, anyone, and anytime can happen. In the first half of scenes, lines, and twists, it's unbridled fun that successfully makes my thirteen-year-old self laugh to tears; the second half throws references and characters from movies I still love, but to my huge surprise, also from directions that have long been forgotten. And just by the way, it also moves me to tears. It is a monument to one universe and one giant brand, it is an obligation for all who know Wolverine's comic history and didn't believe they would ever see some of his faces on screen, and it is an amazing film with breathtaking action full of ideas and literal low blows. But for me personally, it is also one of Hugh Jackman's peak performances, often performed with face muscles alone, and almost subconsciously. I wanted an entertaining movie, I got first-class entertainment that is hardly imitable – and it's worth its weight in gold. (29/07/2024)

For anyone familiar with Marvel, it was clear this movie would be a game-changer. Marvel's future seemed to hang in the balance — either they'd rise or their glory days would fade. But pairing Deadpool with Wolverine? That’s a surefire bet. Especially with Hugh Jackman once claiming his Logan days were over after Logan. The writers would have to massively screw up to make this a flop, and they didn't. Quite the opposite. From the very first scene, it's clear this movie was worth making. It's brutally honest, sharply critical of modern times and Marvel's current status in Hollywood, and filled with references that true fans will appreciate. Ryan Reynolds brings his signature crude humor, swearing like a sailor, and you can't help but love it. Hugh Jackman, on the other hand, delivers a raw, torn performance that fits Logan perfectly. Marvel nailed it this time. Kevin Feige has effectively redeemed the franchise after the last couple of years. So, what's next? (05/08/2024)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And Deadpool, unlike the rest of the MCU, isn't broken, so he's doing what he did last time and audiences enjoy it. The combination of gleeful violence, juvenile slapstick and solid directorial craftsmanship is spiced-up with the return of Wolverine, the great chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and a throwback to the days of Fox comics. But anyone expecting the third Deadpool to bring any major changes to the MCU will be disappointed. A proper Deadpool comic book movie with Logan as a bonus. Nothing more, nothing less. (24/07/2024)

Marvel's salvation doesn't quite happen, in fact, neither does a proper sequel the kind the two previous great films deserve. The threequel, in my opinion, is largely a cynical marketing ploy (yes, I know movies are made to get people to go see them, but they don't have to stick out like that), the plot of which is summed up by its title; it is, after all, nothing more than an opportunity to see Deadpool and Wolverine go on a rampage. Don't expect a surprising plot, and unfortunately, don't expect the well-written story that the first Deadpool had, and oddly enough, don't expect such imaginative action sequences or naturally occurring humour either. There's either too much or not enough of everything in Deadpool & Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman certainly had a good time and gave it their all, or what did work worked mainly because of them, as Shawn Levy didn't help much and the other actors and actresses are negligible and entertain mainly with their return to their roles and not by doing anything entertaining. Otherwise, though, I'll long be haunted by things like the agonizingly long monologues of the TVA boss, the soon-to-be-ridiculed slow-motion posing before the action, the whole mess that someone decided to call a story... If the film is a success, I'll be happy for the people behind it, but I certainly can't call it that. (25/07/2024)