The highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine, a Kevin Feige film, has shattered expectations and box office records with its $205 million debut, making it the 8th biggest opening of all time and the most for an R rated film ever. It exceeded the next opening weekend for an R rated film by $70 million, and of course deadpool 1 and 2 took places 2 and 3 respectively.
As the sole major release of the year from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it has significantly contributed to Marvel’s astounding $30 billion global gross. With a worldwide opening of $438 million, the film has certainly lived up to its hype and then some.
Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as Deadpool, while Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine, bringing a grizzled intensity to the character that balances Deadpool’s comedic antics.
As one would expect from a Deadpool film, Deadpool & Wolverine is a riot of inappropriate humor, gratuitous violence, and absurd dick jokes. The blood-soaked action sequences and the relentless barrage of raunch are staples of the franchise, and Deadpool &Wolverine delivers in spades. It delivers on all fronts, providing a satisfying blend of the outrageous and the profound. While the violence is undeniably over the top, it is presented in a way that is more humorous than shocking, though it does raise questions about our desensitization to such imagery.
What stands out, however, are the unexpected elements that elevate it beyond a typical superhero flick. Chris Evans makes a surprising and delightful cameo. Every cameo actually adds not only nostalgia but also a poignant commentary on forgotten heroes and the passage of time, adding emotional depth to the otherwise chaotic narrative. One of the few criticisms was that the group fight scenes were a hot mess. There were almost too many superheroes if that is even possible.
The villain, played by Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova, is genuinely menacing, providing a formidable challenge for our protagonists. While she was terrifying, I felt like her motivations were somewhat trite. Without giving away too much, she takes advantage of her place in the multiverse but it’s unclear why. She claims she gave up waiting for her twin brother Xavier but she can leave at any time? Why not just go find him?
One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of deeper themes. Amidst the over-the-top violence and humor, Deadpool & Wolverine touches on the struggles of finding purpose and meaning, even for superheroes. This introspective angle gives the film a resonance that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s tie-in to the Loki-verse is another highlight, seamlessly integrating with the broader MCU and setting the stage for future sequels. They also manage, again, to tie up many of the loose ends left by the multiverse.
The best joke of the movie was landed from Jennifer Garner as Elektra, pay special attention. You’ll also see cameos from MCU veteran Chris Hemsworth, as well as a unique appearance from Nathan Fillion.
Overall, Deadpool & Wolverine is a triumph for Marvel, proving once again that they can balance humor, action, and heart in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. The film not only entertains but also sets the stage for exciting future developments in the MCU. No complaints here, just a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
