The Marvel Cinematic Universe sure could use a shot in the arm lately. What better shot of adrenaline than the Merc with a Mouth?
Better known as Deadpool, that wise-cracking, fourth wall-breaking character returns to the silver screen for third time. In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the red-clad anti-hero gets roped into some multi-universe shenanigans, and in the process, learns his own world is under threat.
To prevent a cataclysm, he needs the help of the iconic mutant Wolverine. The only problem is the Wolverine in his universe is the same one that died in 2017’s “Logan.” So, he goes to another universe to find a different one. The only problem is the one he finds is in a bad and not so helpful mood.
The first two films in the “Deadpool” series have had a fair amount of entertainment, as well as a heaping amount of references, fourth-wall breaking and in-jokes from its lead character. At the same time, outside of some meta commentary, the films haven’t exactly offered the most compelling narratives.
The third movie in the franchise dials all of that and more way up, for better and for worse. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is almost paradoxical in how it can offer so much action mayhem and a non-stop barrage of jokes while also being mostly vapid.
Seeing Wolverine hack and slash while Deadpool quips or references the MCU is somewhat fun, but it’s also difficult to feel entirely engaged for two hours. That’s true even with wave after wave of cameos and call outs about other movies and series and productions companies.
It just doesn’t have a great deal of substance at the end of the day. Each Deadpool movie has given the titular character an opportunity to show he has a heart of gold and really does all of his antics to protect people. That’s true here as well, and it’s compounded by having Wolverine on a redemption arc, too.
However, a lot of it just feels like more of the same types of journeys these protagonists have gone on. The only real difference provided to their adventure is the whole multi-universe aspect that reaches meta levels. To be honest, the whole thing is exhausting.
See, it’s not just that “Deadpool,” has multiple universes, it also basically acknowledges that the heroes are in the “X-Men” universe and it’s coming to an end because of the MCU taking those characters in. Deadpool even sees an old 20th Century Fox logo in a place called the void where old media apparently goes to be in limbo.
It’s all just tiring at this point. This type of thing was a detriment in last year’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and it’s even more so here. Using the multi-verse concept for a couple interesting team-ups or cameos isn’t bad.
But when actual plots are begin being built around what movie studios are doing and how character actions determine “cannon events,” it feels like the narrative is being cheapened. “Deadpool” even references this multi-universe aspect. But just because it makes light of the concept doesn’t mean it’s off the hook.
Yet, as stated earlier, the movie has engrossing moments. While the film has an opening sequence that goes on too long and has some sketchy looking CGI, the rest of the action is pretty great to watch. It’s full of R-rated brutality taken to a cartoonish level, making for some memorable, standout set pieces.
Hugh Jackman is also enjoyable as always as Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds continues to make Deadpool rich in personality. There are some other enjoyable performances, too, though I won’t spoil any.
While there are positives with “Deadpool and Wolverine,” though, it doesn’t quite make this a great or even good movie. It does entertain and I’m sure the references will have people pointing at the screen and clapping, but there’s still not that much there despite all its references.
Even with its R-rating, the movie doesn’t have much to say and doesn’t push many boundaries with superheroes and vigilantism compared to, say, 2009’s “Watchmen” or 2010’s “Kick-Ass.” 2.5 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 