Deadpool & Wolverine

Marvel's salvation doesn't quite happen, in fact, neither does a proper sequel the kind the two previous great films deserve. The threequel, in my opinion, is largely a cynical marketing ploy (yes, I know movies are made to get people to go see them, but they don't have to stick out like that), the plot of which is summed up by its title; it is, after all, nothing more than an opportunity to see Deadpool and Wolverine go on a rampage. Don't expect a surprising plot, and unfortunately, don't expect the well-written story that the first Deadpool had, and oddly enough, don't expect such imaginative action sequences or naturally occurring humour either. There's either too much or not enough of everything in Deadpool & Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman certainly had a good time and gave it their all, or what did work worked mainly because of them, as Shawn Levy didn't help much and the other actors and actresses are negligible and entertain mainly with their return to their roles and not by doing anything entertaining. Otherwise, though, I'll long be haunted by things like the agonizingly long monologues of the TVA boss, the soon-to-be-ridiculed slow-motion posing before the action, the whole mess that someone decided to call a story... If the film is a success, I'll be happy for the people behind it, but I certainly can't call it that. (07/25/2024)

I don't think so this time. The "Deadpool" stuff (the R-rating, the fourth wall breaking, the meta commentary) still worked decently, but unfortunately there is at least as much "Marvel" stuff. The aimless layering of attractions, which for me as someone who doesn't have a vivid memory of all those comic-book films, was almost mind-numbing. I probably never saw half of the cameo roles, and I don't remember a quarter of the characters, and I didn't recognize a quarter of them at first given how they’ve aged. I'm really not happy that we've clearly entered an era where to fully enjoy a new movie, you need to know not only the Marvel movies, but also the Marvel TV series, the X-men universe, the Fantastic Four, and other Disney acquisitions. The bad thing is that I don't see any more ways to get any audience enjoyment out of this, it's pure fanservice. The plot is the classic overwrought Marvel nonsense of recent times where the bad guy wants to destroy worlds because why not. Most of the story takes place in yet another new space we've never seen before, and it's all governed by rules that are pulled out of think air and always told a minute before they're acted upon. 5/10 and I regret not going to see Twisters instead. (07/29/2024)

A madcap romp where half of it doesn't make sense, but a couple of one-liners are really good and the return of the old guys is a real treat. Hugh Jackman as we love him and surprisingly in super form again. I wouldn't go for it again, but kudos to Shawn Levy for his wholesomely politically incorrect, at times pretty wacky style and awesome action flick. (08/07/2024)

For anyone familiar with Marvel, it was clear this movie would be a game-changer. Marvel's future seemed to hang in the balance — either they'd rise or their glory days would fade. But pairing Deadpool with Wolverine? That’s a surefire bet. Especially with Hugh Jackman once claiming his Logan days were over after Logan. The writers would have to massively screw up to make this a flop, and they didn't. Quite the opposite. From the very first scene, it's clear this movie was worth making. It's brutally honest, sharply critical of modern times and Marvel's current status in Hollywood, and filled with references that true fans will appreciate. Ryan Reynolds brings his signature crude humor, swearing like a sailor, and you can't help but love it. Hugh Jackman, on the other hand, delivers a raw, torn performance that fits Logan perfectly. Marvel nailed it this time. Kevin Feige has effectively redeemed the franchise after the last couple of years. So, what's next? (08/05/2024)

The ultimate Marvel porn, a desensitized hodgepodge of enticements designed to leave comic book fans with as many wet seats in the cinema as possible, packed with enough sensory stimuli to make most viewers simply turn off their brains and ride the wave of riveting entertainment. For once you start to think for a moment about the plot, the motivations of the characters, and the significance of their presence in the story, you find that they are virtually nil. Don't get me wrong, it's probably the coolest installment of Deadpool, and unlike most of the recent Marvel movies I've seen, this was at least really fun, but fun that was shallow, childishly simple, consumerist, and not as funny as the five writers apparently tried and wanted it to be. PS. I appreciate a bit the subversive homage to 20th Century Fox and the novel choice of cameo roles, since they are mandatory now, but I won't be lulled by it. (07/24/2024)