Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' make the most of the convoluted Marvel Cinematic Universe

Marvel Studios/Disney, 2024.

Two of the most popular Marvel characters on the planet see their worlds collide, in a wild, ridiculous mash-up appropriately titled, "Deadpool & Wolverine." 

Grade: B-

Nothing and no one is off-limits in the R-rated comedy-action-adventure, "Deadpool & Wolverine." It's the third Deadpool film overall, a sort-of sequel to the 2017 film "Logan" and the only Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie on the 2024 slate. Existing only for sheer entertainment and endless fan-service, it doubles as a commentary on the current state of the MCU, and that allows it to have plenty to poke fun at. The film shatters the fourth-wall, as is Deadpool's  way, but for all the snark, there is a sincerity woven into its vulgar, violent fabric. It's a bit bloated and not everything works, but you leave feeling thankful for its existence.

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) - or at least one version of Deadpool from the tired Marvel multi-verse - needs help. He eventually seeks out a Wolverine (Hugh Jackman!) from an alternate universe, one who sees himself as a complete failure after his entire world was destroyed. The "timeline police" of the MCU, the TVA (Time Variance Authority, as seen in multiple other movies/shows, like "Loki") are involved, as is an alternate-reality, evil twin sister of Professor X, Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). Nova has set up shop in the Void, a place where hard-to-deal with variants have been sent to pasture.

There are so many spoilers, so many cameos, that it would be a disservice to go into any further detail on plot.

I've discovered that these Deadpool movies are important...if for no other reason than because they acknowledge the devoted viewer in a unique way. The sharp, meta-comedy reflects back the grievances many have with the MCU and those in charge. This, despite the unending love that many hold for these worlds and these characters. It's truly amazing how many films and TV series - over several decades now - the fans have had to endure to stick with Marvel. The in-movie awareness of these issues at least make the fans feel seen and heard.

There's no denying the chemistry here between Reynolds and Jackman. And while three is not quite the charm for Deadpool - the character is slowly growing more annoying and grating over time - it's clear that we simply don't deserve Hugh Jackman. He is such a fine actor, and is the quintessentially perfect Wolverine. It's a real achievement how he seemingly effortlessly instills this zany mess with real heart and soul.

You end up caring about "Deadpool & Wolverine," even as it sneaks up on you. While the MCU's multi-verse seems stuck from a macro view, this was a good diversion. Through Deadpool, Kevin Feige is letting us know that he knows how we feel. And through Wolverine, he's reminding us that there is still a lot of life left in the old (adamantium) bones of the MCU.

Grade: B-

Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure.
Run Time: 2 hours 12 minutes.
Rated R.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and...others.

Directed by Shawn Levy ("Date Night," "Real Steel," "The Adam Project," "Free Guy").