Deadpool & Wolverine

Ever since the MCU has been toying with the multiverse, pretty much anything is possible in this world: even Wade Wilson and Logan reuniting on screen after fifteen years (our time). And this time, they're even bigger and more vulgar! Shawn Levy's film will be most enjoyed by fans of MCU films who have knowledge beyond that, for they will be full of bliss at the huge plethora of references, allusions and jokes to lots and lots of people. The story itself is basically simple, but the film stands on (un)expected cameos and especially on the leading duo, whose bloodthirsty banter I really enjoyed. As with previous Deadpool films, the soundtrack is great, with the the cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” standing out the most of course. I literally had a royal good time at all the scenes with Nicepool and his “beautiful” dog, as well as the brutal scene or the confrontation with the Variants. Deadpool & Wolverine is inherently wacky and reference-laden bollocks, but it is aware of this and knows how to properly use it for the viewer's experience. P.S. Watch out for the "baby-knife"! (08/01/2024)

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)

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)

A revival of the best that we have seen from the Marvel and X-Men movies. A nerdishly well-crafted pop-up book of sketches with bold references not only to the characters and relationships of the comic-book world, but also to the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood studios, and which are not afraid of being honest and poking fun at themselves. Superbly utilised buddy potential between Wolverine and the comical Deadpool, for whose wisecracking Ryan Reynolds could apply for a patent. The female villain is interesting and powerful, and old characters make surprising appearances. Hugh Jackman performs as if his life depended on it and pretty much everyone gives their all, as if it was a matter of saving a phenomenon. Which it also was. (07/29/2024)

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)