It's ironic to be saying this, considering that superhero fatigue is still a thing. But it's been awhile since the MCU has been itself as of late. Even with having seen over half the MCU installments (films, TV shows) since "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), there's this overriding feeling that we're not really getting anywhere. We've had traces of progress and promise with films on the heroes we already know. Not much can be said however when it comes to the new recruits being thrown into the mix.
However, much like "Spider-Man: No Way Home" a few years back, the latest MCU installment "Deadpool & Wolverine" shows us that there is still new life to be discovered within this vast cinematic universe. The trick of course is knowing how to use it to keep us invested in the future of this franchise. This is the MCU's first R-rated entry after all, so there was going to be progress made either way. But is the progress in question just limited to its amped up violence and gore? Let's see what we got.
Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, (Ryan Reynolds) is in something of an emotional slump. Between being rejected to join the Avengers and his relationship with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) on hold, Wade's desire to feel like he matters is being unfulfilled. Then an agent from the TVA, played by Matthew Macfayden from HBO's "Succession", comes in from a different timeline and informs Wade that there's a future for him there. The catch however is that Wade's current universe is on the verge of destruction due to the death of Wolverine, as seen in "Logan" (2017).
Not willing to let his universe die without a fight, Wade steals equipment from the TVA to seek another variant of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). And while he does find a variant, this particular one is branded as no good due to his inability to save the other X-Men in his timeline. As the two fend off the corrupt TVA agent's fellow cohorts, Deadpool and Wolverine eventually cross paths with Xavier's twin sister Cassandra (Emma Corrin).
Unlike Xavier who uses his powers for good, Cassandra uses her mind powers to destroy and manipulate anyone that gets between her and her goals at controlling the "sacred timeline". If this sounds like a plot that newcomers to the MCU saga will be lost over, that's because it most likely is. While the antagonists themselves are having fun in their roles, their motivations are either overly convoluted or the standard "take over the world" plan you've seen many times before.
There's plenty of fun to be had with this MCU entry with all the typical fourth wall breaks you'd expect from the "Deadpool" franchise. Almost half of the jokes alone are on the Disney-Fox merger, which is fitting considering the montage that plays during the end credits. Cameos aplenty in this installment, some of which really sneak up on you. Fans of the characters with the cameos in question should appreciate their limited time in the spotlight.
Deadpool and Wolverine's transition to the MCU opens up a wealth of possibilities for the franchise. That being said, I'm a bit concerned that we're not getting as much of an integration as there should be. We have two more "Avengers" films being set to release in 2026 and 2027. This film's post-credits scene should have given us that necessary build-up towards this big cinematic event coming up. Instead, it's just another gag that doesn't tease anything. So take this information with a grain of salt and skip the post-credits scene.
"Deadpool & Wolverine" gives the audience what they want from such an anticipated team-up. It shows the full potential of each of the character's super powers without being limited by MPA rating expectations. All the stabbing and lost limbs that would be the end of any other character's life, it's just a scratch by these two's standards. That's what supernatural healing abilities can do for you. It respects the past of both Deadpool and this version of Wolverine, with the conflicts they face both internally and externally.
Deadpool has his anti-heroic tendencies such as manipulating others into doing his will or getting into petty arguments over trivial matters. Wolverine is a heavy drinker who is drenched in guilt over his actions and predicament. The journey they embark on together is basically worthy of their characters. It's frankly impossible to discuss this film any further without going into spoilers. So if you're wondering if this is worth seeing, it is.
"Deadpool & Wolverine" may not be top-tier Marvel like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014) or "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018). It's on par with the original "Deadpool" (2016) and a step up from "Deadpool 2" (2018) which personally wore out its welcome for me. Fans of the "X-Men" franchise specifically are going to dig what's on offer here. As I said before though, you can easily skip the post-credits scene. You're not going to miss much.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
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