As you can see from the title, this review will not be spoiler-free. If you have not yet watched the latest sequel film, Deadpool & Wolverine, because you’re not chronically online or have been living under a rock, please stop reading!
Deadpool & Wolverine has been highly anticipated not only by fans of the character but also by Marvel, X-Men, Disney, and 20th Century Fox movie lovers, considering this film is a blend of all.
I’ll be honest: Deadpool was never in my top five favourite Marvel characters, but I was still excited to watch the movie because it is Marvel, and they can take all my money.
Directed by Shawn Levy and despite joining the MCU at a low point, Deadpool & Wolverine brought together two of Marvel’s most beloved anti-heroes (no one is surprised that Taylor Swift was not in the movie), played by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Reynolds suits up in his red Deadpool outfit, and his sharp wit and humour again take centre stage. I also obviously have to mention Jackman’s suit as Wolverine, as for the first time, we get the comic-accurate and iconic yellow and blue suit on screen, providing a solid, adamantium backbone to the film.
The chemistry between the two is electric, owing to their decades-long friendship and bromance off-screen, which drives much of the film’s comedic and emotional moments.
As a fan of Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen, I believe they, too, were perfect in their roles as Cassandra Nova and Mr Paradox, adding to the story and driving it forward. Both brought a lot of depth and charisma to their roles, enhancing their characters.
While often feeling secondary to the gags and action, the plot followed Deadpool and Wolverine as they have to save the world, navigating a multiverse filled with familiar faces and surprising cameos, most of which nodded to the early beginnings of the superhero movies. However, those who aren’t as familiar with the Marvel canon might get lost and confused.
So let’s talk about these cameos, or at least some of my favourite ones: CHRIS EVANS AS HUMAN TORCH. When I first heard his voice and saw his blue costume peeking through, I gasped because I thought somehow he had returned as Cap (Captain America), but when he uttered those iconic words, “Flame On”, I absolutely lost my shit and screamed.
That whole moment of Johny Storm back on screen, though not for very long, was epic, and I was shooketh to the core. Plus, that post-credit scene was quite funny. Henry Cavill as a Wolverine variant, aka Cavillrine, was another of my favourites.
Other cameos included Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, who rejected Deadpool’s appeal to be a part of the Avengers; Dogpool, played by Britain’s Ugliest Dog; Hulk, Thor (I think this is going to occur in Secret Wars); Hunter B-15, Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Wesley Snipes’ Blade, Dafne Keen’s X-23 and Channing Tatum’s Gambit, which was rumoured to have a standalone.
Blake Lively voiced Lady Deadpool, while Matthew McConaughey voiced Cowboy Deadpool. Lively and Reynolds’ kids also played the various kid and baby Deadpools. We also got a scene of Jackman as Short Wolverine with his comic-accurate height.
There were also Sabretooth, Alioth, Giant Antman, Wanda’s cave, and so many more that after a point, I lowkey expected Loki to show up, considering the TVA moments.
With a lot of self-aware humour, the film pokes fun at the superhero genre and the studio itself, which I was surprised made the final cut. Reynolds is known for breaking the fourth wall, and the scene where he does that for a couple of seconds, looking stunning with his long blonde hair as Nicepool (may he #RIP), cracked me up.
The action sequences were well-choreographed, with Wolverine’s brutal combat style complementing Deadpool’s more flamboyant moves, and I am not just talking about his dance (Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC has been stuck in my head since watching the movie).
The use of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” during the film’s finale added an epic and classic touch to an already unforgettable scene.
Although people online call it a ‘fan service’, the film is entertaining and packed with Easter eggs and references. For fans of Deadpool and Wolverine, it’s a must-watch. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it hits the mark for those who appreciate its unique blend of humour and action.
PS—I am so glad I watched the movie before the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) announcements and panel because I would have been so mad if the cameos had been spoiled for me. What do we think about RDJ’s resurrection as Dr. Doom? Also, I am happy the Russos are back for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
