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Review: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ pushes Marvel in the direction of manic meta mush, for fans only

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Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' pushes Marvel in the direction of manic meta mush, for fans only

As a long-time movie buff and film critic with a particular fondness for the Marvel Universe, I’ve followed Deadpool’s antics since his inception on the big screen. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, filled with excitement, disappointment, and anticipation. So when I heard that Deadpool was teaming up with Wolverine for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” I couldn’t contain my curiosity.

As a longtime fan of the Deadpool franchise, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia tinged with anxiety as I reflect on the fact that it’s been six long years since we last saw our beloved anti-hero on the big screen. For me, Deadpool was more than just a movie character – he was an escape, a source of laughter and excitement during trying times.

Without resorting to soap-washing, Marvel’s chief executive, Kevin Feige, has named Deadpool as the jester king in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – albeit under close monitoring. In essence, Deadpool has been given a minder, one more addition from Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox: Wolverine himself, portrayed by Hugh Jackman. Together, they star in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” an interconnected project that serves as both a farewell and tribute to the era of Marvel at 20th Century Fox.

Reynolds is working with director Shawn Levy on this new project, as previously collaborated in “Free Guy” and “The Adam Project.” Meanwhile, David Leitch, who helmed “Deadpool 2,” has stepped away for other assignments. The writing team for this film consists of Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells – all experienced in the franchise world, with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick known for their work on previous projects, while Zeb Wells brings his expertise from “Robot Chicken.”

As a Gen X film enthusiast who grew up during the mid-aughts, I find this description of the script utterly captivating! It perfectly encapsulates the quirky and irreverent spirit of online movie forums during that time. The use of colloquial language and pop culture references transport me back to those days, filled with endless debates about film plots, characters, and industry gossip.

Without giving too much away about the film’s plot, the narrative centers around Deadpool. He sets out to bring Wolverine (Logan) on board to protect his part of the multiverse. Deadpool values his companionship, and Wolverine could use some self-renewal. Most of their screen time is dedicated to their bickering, which unfolds into an unlikely friendship development.

Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' pushes Marvel in the direction of manic meta mush, for fans only

In simpler terms, the villainess Cassandra Nova in the film, portrayed by Emma Corrin with a bald head, holds immense power. However, the true antagonist is Matthew Macfadyen’s character, who is preoccupied with corporate greed and relentless productivity. His role, along with some subtle jabs at “the competition” (Warner Bros.), transforms “Deadpool & Wolverine” into a mildly humorous critique of another major movie studio based in Burbank known for producing superhero films from a distinct comic book brand.

In this film, you’ll either be excited by Reynolds’ witty, self-deprecating humor or find it unbearable. I personally fall into the latter group, but with so many jokes coming at a fast pace, some are bound to connect and bring laughter (even to someone as stony as me). The exploration of superheroes from the past and future provides an intriguing look into corporate media, and there’s definitely room for further analysis on Deadpool’s portrayal of queer sexuality.

Instead of “However, Deadpool & Wolverine is not a film that’s transporting or emotional, or even engaging,” you could say: “Deadpool & Wolverine isn’t a movie that moves or touches you, it doesn’t hold your interest beyond seeing which actors agreed to appear. The characters speak empty lines and engage in fights without consequence. Why would anyone want to watch these two superheroes with well-known healing abilities hurt each other repeatedly?”

Levy fails to add excitement or originality to the way he presents the action. His visual approach is not groundbreaking, and when he doesn’t mimic other projects for comparison, the scenes are filmed in the typical Marvel fashion: utilizing flat, wide and medium shots with frequent overhead perspectives during larger fights, making it seem as if the characters are moving around like ants. The result is a monotonous cacophony that falls short of being engaging.

Deadpool’s antics appear childish and outdated this time around, with him constantly questioning if Disney will allow cocaine references in their films. However, Deadpool has always been a pretentious and trying-too-hard character when it comes to being edgy. The upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” project may bring amusement to comic book fans and those heavily active online, but ultimately, it’s just empty talk with little substance.

Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-07-26 14:04

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