Movie Review: Deadpool and Wolverine - Reunited And It Feels So Good

It's been a crazy 15 years for Ryan Reynolds when it comes to superhero movies. He debuted as Wade Wilson in Hugh Jackman's first solo Wolverine movie with the promise of a Deadpool spin-off film. When that stalled, he jumped ship to DC to star in the Green Lantern movie but it failed to entice critics or fans. Years after that, "someone" leaked Deadpool test footage and the positive fan response lead to Fox finally moving production forward. And despite a limited budget given, the first Deadpool film became one of the most successful superhero films of all time, giving Ryan his first win in the genre and getting a sequel just as well received. Ryan would be hopeful for a third film where he would reunite with Jackman's Wolverine. But with Jackman's retirement from the role after "Logan" and the purchase of Fox by Disney, such a project would be in question. But if Marvel Studios has proven anything in almost two decades, it's that they know what the fans want to see. Ryan would bring Deadpool 3 to the MCU and he had Hugh Jackman along for the ride. The result was well worth the wait as "Deadpool and Wolverine" reunite for a pivotal film in both Marvel and (Fo)X-Men universes.

There was worry with Deadpool joining the MCU that the franchise would be toned down or "Disnified" to match the other films and shows. Well we are rest assured from the first action scene alone that Deadpool will be as violent, vulgar, perverted, and demented as before and possibly more so. Beneath all the gratuitous violence though is a story full of heart as Wade and Logan both go on emotional journeys. Despite their homicidal tendencies, they both prove to be true heroes when push comes to shove.
Intertwining the MCU and X-Men universes via the Multiverse Saga and Time Variance Authority (TVA) was done quite simply in the film, and they even play into recent troubles the franchise has been enduring. Thankfully the TVA is explained in a way that "Loki" isn't necessary viewing beforehand compared to how "Multiverse of Madness" and "The Marvels" follows up their preceding shows. It leads to a much more epic scale compared to the previous Deadpool movies. While I still think the first film is the best due to its unique style, "Deadpool and Wolverine" is a very close second. Plus, it's full of references and easter eggs that will have you pointing at the screen like the Leonardo DiCaprio meme half the time.

Out of the massive cast for the film, a big standout is Emma Corrin as the villainous Cassandra Nova, the pruned villainous twin sister of Charles Xavier. Corrin is a joy to watch as she portrays a sadist version of her brother with a love for control and dismemberment.

While it doesn't reach the levels of "Endgame" or "No Way Home", "Deadpool and Wolverine" acts as the send-off for both the X-Men film universe and Fox era of Marvel films altogether. Despite the ups and downs, tribute is given for their place in both Marvel and film history. The fact that even "Fant4stic" gets a nod shows there's (mostly) no ill will towards an outside studio holding on to character rights for so long.

"Deadpool and Wolverine" is entertaining from beginning to end, giving Marvel fans of all types much to love and proving the MCU isn't as dead as some would like to believe. Hopefully with "Secret Wars" just around the corner, we won't have to wait too long for Wade and Logan's next outing.