Remember when Marvel movies were fun?
It wasn’t that long ago, really. I’d say five years, with the release of Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home soon afterwards. And while Spider-Man: No Way Home was absolutely fun, the rest of Marvel’s movies just felt a little less than they should. My personal barometer for success with super hero films is the rewatchability factor. When the movie is over, am I itching to see it again? Since 2019 and Endgame, the only Marvel Cinematic Universe films I’ve revisited were the two Spider-Man movies and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. The rest of them, Eternals and Shang-Chi, Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man and the Wasp 3, no thanks. Even worse, I’ve skipped many of the tv shows and have yet to see The Marvels.
Over the past five years, so much of the MCU has felt like an obligation rather than anything exciting. It’s been the feeling that if you don’t watch “this” show, you’re not going to know what’s happening in “this” movie. For me, the larger, interconnected world of Marvel went from something remarkable to something that felt like a chore. And I wasn’t the only one who felt that way, judging from the less than stellar critical reactions and box office returns for some of the film, and the absolute bomb that was The Marvels. It was clear that the MCU needed some sort of reset.
Which is exactly what Deadpool & Wolverine does, with blood and entertainment to spare.
You know the deal so I won’t bore you with the details other than to say, for the uninitiated who might be reading, that this is the first Marvel Studios film to feature characters that previous fell under 20th Century Fox before that studio was purchased by Disney. It’s also Disney’s first R-rated film.
What Deadpool & Wolverine does, apart from bringing longtime friends Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman together in a team-up few thought possible, is remind us of the joy and fun of going to a superhero film. It also shows yet again that these films can be damn good entertainment that you don’t need a textbook to follow the connections between worlds and movies. Yes, there are many a reference to the various X-Men films and MCU movies, but rarely in a way that’s confusing. If you’re aware of what’s come before, you appreciate the nods and winks, but thanks to the strong writing found in Deadpool & Wolverine, those memberberries never take away from the story director Shawn Levy, Reynolds, and Jackman are telling.
Yes, there is a solid story in the film – one of friendship, family, redemption, and finding one’s place in the world. If all Deadpool & Wolverine had going for it was uber-violence, crassness, and that long hoped-for team-up, it would be fun but probably not much of a film. Luckily, there’s much more to it. Reynolds and Jackman each deliver excellent performances; both men were made for their roles. For some who wondered if Jackman would sully at all his finest work in Logan, in Deadpool & Wolverine he once again does fantastic work. If it’s not equal to what he did in Logan, it’s only because this film is less dark and dramatic. I’d argue, though, that both performances are equal to each other.
Clearly audiences have been waiting for a reason to embrace Marvel Studios and superhero films again. You can see it from both the critical reaction (80% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes) and the unreal commercial success Deadpool & Wolverine has had in less than three day – the film looks to be opening with anywhere between $195-$205 million. Audiences have wanted to love a superhero film for a while now, and they’re more than willing to leave their houses for one that excites them. That feeling of excitement has eluded Marvel the last few releases, I think, but Deadpool & Wolverine has brought that feeling back. Whether it continues is the big question. 2025 sees three big screen releases from the studio, with Fantastic Four: First Steps the most anticipated from the list that includes Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*. It no doubt helps that FF doesn’t carry the baggage of previous MCU connectivity; its freshness will likely make it the biggest out of three films.
In the meantime, grab your Wolverine popcorn container, and enjoy the genuine fun and freedom that Deadpool & Wolverine gives us.
