‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Review: Can This Bromance Save The MCU?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), once the undisputed titan of the box office, has recently found itself in murky waters. The question on everyone’s lips: Can the ailing franchise find redemption through ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’? This summer’s tentpole film aims to answer that with a hilarious twist, featuring Ryan Reynolds’s wisecracking Deadpool teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s grizzled Wolverine in an unlikely bromance.
Deadpool has always been the MCU’s satirical voice, but this film takes it to new heights, practically commanding the audience to leave any serious notions at the door. The movie obliterates the fourth wall, poking fun at everything from the MCU’s convoluted timelines to corporate mergers, including Disney’s acquisition of Fox. Reynolds’s portrayal of Deadpool oscillates between genuinely funny and occasionally unbearable, creating a character that is both charming and exasperating.
Also Read: ‘Longlegs’ Review: A Haunting Tale of Dread and Sorrow
The plot sees Deadpool, now a depressed car dealer named Wade Wilson, unsuccessfully attempting to join the Avengers. Instead, he’s recruited by a mysterious Brit, Paradox (played by Matthew Macfadyen), for a secret mission to end this particular universe within the multiverse. Despite being tempted by the notion of becoming the “Marvel Jesus,” Deadpool refuses and instead enlists Wolverine, resurrected for one last adventure.
Their journey leads them to a desolate place called the Void, where they face off against Cassandra Nova, the sinister twin sister of Charles Xavier, portrayed by Emma Corrin. The film cleverly acknowledges its influences, making tongue-in-cheek references to its similarities with other cinematic universes. Amidst the chaos, Deadpool and Wolverine bicker and brawl but ultimately function as a cohesive team. The dynamic is enriched by Rob Delaney’s portrayal of Peter, Deadpool’s affable sidekick.
Despite the film’s relentless humour, it strikes an unexpected serious note during the credits, offering a heartfelt tribute to Hugh Jackman’s iconic moments as Wolverine. This moment of sincerity juxtaposed against the otherwise light-hearted tone underscores the film’s dual nature: it’s both a tribute to the past and a playful deconstruction of what the MCU has become.
Deadpool’s role as the MCU’s “saviour” isn’t about saving the world in a traditional sense. Instead, he’s the character tasked with reimagining the franchise, transforming it into something fresh and self-aware. This film is both entertaining and exhausting, a comedic rollercoaster that might just keep the MCU alive until it finds its footing once more. Whether this new direction will resonate with audiences remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a bold and intriguing experiment in the world of superhero cinema.
