Brief adversaries in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), the duo emerge as frenemies in this frenetic, action-packed, and wickedly witty saga. While Marvel fans will cheer, the lack of a strong narrative makes this an opportunity lost.
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 /5)
By Mayur Lookhar
He’s a trash-talking, scar-faced, bloodthirsty assassin, a flawed superhero, yet Deadpool has a legion of fans. On the other hand, Wolverine is the beer-guzzling, fierce fighter who is also emotional, arguably the most macho superhero in the X-Men franchise. The world welcomes Deadpool and Wolverine on Friday, July 26.
Hey, but this isn’t a maiden union. The duo were brief adversaries in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) when Wade Wilson was simply Wade Wilson. The blabbering Wilson had his lips sealed as he was turned into Weapon X, who met his fate at the hands of Logan/Wolverine. A lot of time has passed since then, and today they are adored superheroes in their respective universes.
It is only natural for these two popular superheroes to share the screen again. There’s no love lost, though. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) opens with a Deadpool-like tribute to Logan. Wade Wilson, better known as Deadpool, shovels Logan’s remains from the grave and then uses the skeleton to wipe out dozens of henchmen. The opening credits printed on Wolverine’s bones are highly creative. It begs the question: if Wolverine is dead, then who do we have in director Shawn Levy’s film?
By now, Marvel fans should be accustomed to time travel and the multiverse. The plot is familiar: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) has a 72-hour deadline to save his universe and travels across multiverses to recruit Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Did I hear that correctly? Deadpool seeking help? His ego would never allow that. Here’s a man born to talk—rather, born to shit-talk. As usual, Deadpool shit-talks his way into scripting another noisy, bloodied chapter in his chequered history, much to the chagrin of all beings across the Marvel multiverse.
Wolverine, though, is not one to be taken for a ride easily. Needless to say, the Deadpool-Wolverine reunion is not without a bloody fight between the duo. Thanks to their regenerative powers, viewers needn’t worry—they can cut the hell out of each other. The desi audience can simply channel their inner Crimemaster Gogo and gleefully sigh, “Maaro”.
There’ll be plenty of trash-talking, dark humour, blood-spilling action, and booze. I say, bring it on. What’s lacking, though, is a gripping story and screenplay.
He has led the franchise, and Reynolds has also contributed as a writer on the Deadpool films. He is the first name in the writing credits for Deadpool & Wolverine. However, the team of Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and director Shawn Levy fails to deliver a novel story.
The post-Endgame phase warranted a Deadpool return, and the crossover with Wolverine and X-Men characters is acceptable, but it should feel organic. What’s the idea behind bringing Deadpool and Wolverine together? From Deadpool’s perspective, this film seems like he’s trying to be a true superhero, viewing himself as the Marvel Jesus. However, it’s also Deadpool perhaps mocking Marvel for not incorporating him into the Avengers world.
Similarly, Disney seems to mock 20th Century Fox for letting Logan die in an earlier film. Cheeky jibes at X-Men, Mary Poppins, and DC are all fine, but Marvel is sporting enough to mock itself. F**k the multiverse, f**k time travel. Deadpool doesn’t hold back. Jeez, Deadpool doesn’t even spare Deadpools. We’re sure you’ve figured out the multiverse mayhem.
This brutal honesty is what makes Deadpool so likable. But have Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy gone too far here? Maybe the weak story compelled Reynolds and Levy to focus more on Deadpool’s wicked sense of humor. What you have, though, is not a film but a collection of gags.
Despite the lack of a compelling story, it’s the nonchalance of Ryan Reynolds and his wicked sense of humor that has you laughing out loud. The trash talking is edgy but seldom offensive. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wrong to call Deadpool the Russell Peters of superheroes. Another unapologetic show by Reynolds keeps the viewers hooked on to Deadpool & Wolverine.
Just as Deadpool stays true to character, Hugh Jackman shakes off the early rust to get into the skin of Wolverine. For a long time, he’s carried too much emotional baggage, and maybe entering Deadpool’s world was just what Logan needed.
Suits and costumes are typically associated with fancy dress. For years, Jackman charmed his fans in just a vest, black pants, and a leather jacket. Finally, the actor dons Wolverine’s iconic yellow and blue comic suit. The yellow complements Deadpool’s red and black full-body (antihero) tactical suit.
We prefer to remain silent on Levy’s antagonists. A British opportunist, however, often serves as Hollywood’s whipping boy. There’s nothing paradoxical about Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Paradox.
As Deadpool ventures into another universe, it leaves little room for his loved ones back home. Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) is fixated on cocaine, while Dopinder (Karan Soni) makes a brief appearance. The audience is in for many surprises, too.
The Shawn Levy film takes Deadpool on an adventure, into a universe where one could do with his dark humour, but the environment is just not home.
Watch the video review below.
