Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy.
Since the heights of 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Marvel has grappled with recreating the cinematic magic of its earlier blockbusters. While post-“Endgame” efforts like “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” entertained, they lacked the punch of Marvel’s previous triumphs. However, the Marvel Studios release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” brings two beloved characters officially into the MCU, making their long-awaited team-up a highly anticipated event.
The film opens with Wade (Ryan Reynolds) using the time-traveling device from “Deadpool 2” to journey from Earth-10005 to Earth-616. Seeking Avengers membership, Wade is rebuffed by Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Deflated, he abandons his Deadpool persona to embrace a mundane life. However, six years later, Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) from the Time Variance Authority appears, revealing that Wade’s timeline is collapsing due to the death of Wolverine in 2017’s “Logan.” He claims that Logan was his timeline’s anchor being, someone whose mere presence in whichever timeline they belong to stabilizes it but, upon their demise, threatens its very existence. Now Wade must travel to Earth-616, find a Logan variant, and bring him back to save his home. Yet, upon succeeding, both men uncover Mr. Paradox’s true destructive intentions. Narrowly escaping the TVA’s clutches and entering the post-apocalyptic Void, Wade and Logan must devise a plan to preserve their reality and thwart Mr. Paradox’s catastrophic plans.
The cinematic history of Wade and Logan’s interactions is rocky, with 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” offering a critically panned introduction that egregiously mistreated Deadpool. “Deadpool & Wolverine” rectifies this, delivering both characters a proper, heartfelt introduction. Though this Wolverine hails from a different timeline, the film illuminates his distinct backstory, which diverges from the Logan of the 2000 “X-Men” saga. Despite being a variant, this is undeniably Wolverine – complete with his Adamantium claws, scowl, and trademark temper.
Navigating the perils of the Void, the duo confronts formidable foes like Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), Charles Xavier’s twin sister, and Alioth, a destructive, cloud-like entity. Upon returning to their timeline, they must also contend with the Deadpool Corps, an army of Void-dwelling Deadpool variants.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” echoes Marvel’s earlier, risk-taking spirit, with its well-deserved R-rating yielding a visually stunning, humor-laced, and action-packed experience. The Void is home to a dazzling array of variants, with three cameos in particular eliciting thunderous applause from the audience. These are not the Marvel appearances you’d expect, but they will leave you thrilled. The film promises much and delivers more, setting the stage for a fresh wave of X-Men and Avengers, thanks to the multiverse possibilities. With its irreverent humor, heartfelt character moments, and mind-blowing action, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a must-see. Here’s to Marvel refocusing on fun, engaging storytelling and embracing its playful roots.
Available on Digital October 1st, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD October 22nd
