Deadpool & Wolverine
(Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, et al / R / 2hr 7mins / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Overview: Deadpool’s peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal, Wolverine, to complete the mission and save his world from an existential threat.
Verdict: Yes, the foul-mouthed Deadpool character from Marvel Comics is back after several years of retirement. Oh, that he would have stayed retired, but, no, fans of the fast-quip and razor-sharp comments, wanted him back, so actor Ryan Reynolds dons the clothing of the character and takes another stab at a movie. Director Shawn Levy (“Free Guy”) is at the helm.
This time around, Deadpool has a partner and that is “Wolverine.” Yes, you read that right. Hugh Jackman dons his “Wolverine” outfit, complete with razor-sharp claws, and joins forces with Deadpool. What do we end up with? Kind of a dead wolf that is brought back by Deadpool. Nothing more need be said.
As the story goes, Deadpool needs help taking care of things wrong in his world. Recruiting Wolverine seems to be a plus. How he does this is cringe worthy, and they end up against villains Cassandra (Emma Corrin) and Matthew Macfayden as an evil corporation guy, Mr. Paradox. The main characters are working in a timeline.
They get into battles with the bad guys, but what the problem here is concerns too many quips from Deadpool, too many grimaces from Wolverine and not enough plot to hold the film together. Storyline is there somewhere, though the scene in a Honda is quaint. Special effects are average.
Director Levy’s camera shots are erratic at times, especially from above. This may not matter to fans who are attracted to Deadpool’s nasty quips and wonder how he can get away with it. Easy, the film has an “R” rating. The word “foul” comes to mind. Hugh Jackman, finishes what Deadpool begins in verbiage, but at a milder tone. [M.A.]