Deadpool & Wolverine Arrives with Heart and Nostalgia

Review by Rob Hinkal

Deadpool and Wolverine is a fun summer blockbuster with an unusually high reverence for its characters and a great deal of heart behind the near-constant barrage of jokes. It is nearly impossible to talk about this movie without dipping your toes into spoiler-infested waters, but I am going to do my best. So, here is my spoiler-free plot summary of the film before diving into my thoughts on the feature: Deadpool and Wolverine have to team up because bad things are happening… I’ll let that marinate for a second because I know that it is a lot to take in. 

In all seriousness though, I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and complete story arc that this film creates for Wolverine. Even if it isn’t a necessary addition to the hero’s cinematic lore after the conclusion of James Mangold’s Logan, his arc here is rich in emotion and gives Hugh Jackman plenty of room to flex his muscles (both literally and figuratively). Die-hard fans of the classic Marvel hero won’t be leaving the theater disappointed in his return to the screen, that’s for sure. It’s a fantastic performance by Jackman, who doesn’t miss a beat donning the claws once again as he takes on a slew of foes. It’s great to see him back in the role and equally as great to see him given a truly great story arc to work with. Ryan Reynolds is… Ryan Reynolds. If you love him, you’ll love him. If you are tired of him… You may not have a great time. He delivers the on-brand, quick wit, and gallows humor that we have come to expect from the merc with the mouth and, again, doesn’t appear to have missed a beat in terms of picking the character back up from where he left off. 

The movie itself is… Good. There are some HUGE surprises in store for audiences which I honestly cannot believe that they were able to keep under wraps (seriously, you are going to be shocked at what they managed to keep hidden). It does feel lighter on story and focused more on fan service than the previous two entries, but it’s fun. It knows what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. It has some great laughs and true moments of emotional depth, with a stellar Hugh Jackman performance and enough hidden twists and turns that it is well worth watching and having a good time at the movies. 

3/5 Stars

QUICK SPOILER RANT BELOW:

Okay seriously, how in the hell did they get all of those cameos? Jon Favreau? Sure, understandable, but Wesley Snipes? Jennifer Garner? Henry Cavill AS Wolverine? It is insane that none of this leaked and I honestly don’t know how they managed to do it. It is also thoughtful what they did with the characters after bringing them back. Instead of shoehorning them in as a joke or one-scene gag, they actually took the time to give them a proper send-off. A redemption arc of sorts. I have to commend the writers and creative team on that as I truly never expected to see Wesley Snipes as Blade again or see Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds in the same room together. And bringing back Chris Evans as the Human Torch? Just so unexpected yet totally cool. And I have never seen Chris Evans swear so much in a film before. Honestly, this might be my favorite performance from him in any movie.