24 years ago, a film graced the screens that would take the world by storm – X-Men, sent shockwaves around the world. Centred around the X-Men comics, it starred an, at the time, unknown Aussie as Wolverine. Hugh Jackman absolutely killed it and went on to be one of the most recognised faces on the planet.
A year before Jackman’s final Wolverine solo film Logan hit the cinemas, a new character blasted into cinemas with Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. I was absolutely blown away by how self-aware and hilarious the film was. After loving Wolverine for so long, Deadpool was also becoming a favourite of mine. Having both characters in a film together would be amazing, but the timing just didn’t allow for it. Hugh Jackman had just announced his retirement of the role prior to the release of Deadpool 2 and I, along with the rest of the world, was shattered.
Little did we know, all we needed was patience. In February 2024, a teaser dropped during the Superbowl that would send the world into a frenzy. Two of my favourite characters and actors, were finally going to be together on-screen in Deadpool & Wolverine. To say I was excited would be a gross understatement.
Finally, the time came, I had avoided as much as possible of the film’s promotional trailers and the Melbourne premiere was upon us. I had such high expectations for Deadpool & Wolverine. The excitement was almost overwhelming but I was ready! And oh my god, this may just be the best Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame, if not better!
Starring Ryan Reynolds as the merc with the mouth, Deadpool with his best bub both on-screen and in real life, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Deadpool’s world is quite literally unravelling and he’s out to save it. Not knowing the first thing about saving worlds, Deadpool tracks down the one hero who he knows can help save the day, Wolverine. However, Wolverine is not as Deadpool expects and in between fighting each other, they ultimately need to find a way to fight together.
Directed by Shawn Levi and co-written with Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Zeb Wells, Deadpool & Wolverine is easily the funniest Marvel film of all time. After the mess of films that followed on from Avengers: Endgame, this film is almost acting as a hard reset for the franchise. Having previously been part of 20th Century Fox’s universe, Deadpool & Wolverine is the first in what I can only hope is a long list of Fox Studio film characters that are about to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Now, if you have seen either Deadpool 1 or 2, you’ll know that Ryan Reynolds loves a fourth wall break. Reynolds is also an incredible writer and is unafraid to have Deadpool mock not only itself, but the wider Marvel franchise. Well, in Deadpool & Wolverine this is sent into overdrive in the best way possible as the writing 10 times as hilarious, the cameos and characters are mind blowing. Some of these characters span the entire Marvel comic franchise, and I am not just referring to the Disney universe. But what I loved the most about these characters was that they’re integral to Deadpool & Wolverine’s story. Nothing is a coincidence! So much love and care went into the return of these characters, and I will forever be grateful for it.
Of course, I cannot really tell you much at all about the actual film and the characters that return without spoiling anything, but what I can tell you that all the performances are fantastic! I can also say that the two villains of the film are two different kinds of bad guys. Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova is terrifyingly powerful and seemingly unbeatable. Meanwhile, Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Paradox is “another British villain” and the perfect choice as the antagonist to Reynolds’ Deadpool. It was also great to see some of the Deadpool alumni back on the screen with Morena Baccarin as Vanessa Carlysle, Rob Delaney as Peter and everyone’s favourite Blind Al portrayed by Leslie Uggams.
Ryan Reynolds is better than ever in his return to the character of Deadpool. The opening sequence alone is well worth the price of admission. I was keeling over in hysterics, and it was barely 10 minutes into the film. Reynolds’ comedy is top notch. Not just his writing for the role and the hilarious fourth wall breaks, but his physical comedy is impeccable. With his face covered by the mask, Reynolds must rely on his body language and voice to make it funny, and he does so with ease.
What really makes this film however is Reynolds’ Deadpool joined by the epic the return of Hugh Jackman to the iconic role that has portrayed for half his life, Wolverine. Not only did Jackman’s return bring me so much joy, but he did it in the signature yellow and blue suit. Only ever seen in the comics and the 90s X-Men animation, the entire cinema went absolutely ballistic seeing the yellow suit on Jackman and on the big screen. Jackman is of course a natural as Wolverine. Despite not having played the role for 7 years, from Wolverine’s stubborn and gritty persona to the selflessness of the character, Jackman is perfect, even better than I remember in the role, and I am so thankful it all came together.
Together, Reynolds and Jackman are an unstoppable dynamic duo. They are the perfect pairing that we have all been waiting for. It only took a quarter of a century and a break of retirement for them to share the screen together as Deadpool and Wolverine, but my god, the wait was worth it!
If the film couldn’t be any more perfect, the soundtrack is the icing on the cake. The music plays a supporting role as a secondary character that leans into the ironic and self-aware nature of the film. The cinematography by George Richmond and editing by Dean Zimmerman and Shane Reid make the fight sequences epic, leaving you wanting more. And as funny and action packed as this film is, Deadpool & Wolverine is not afraid to show its emotions and vulnerability. I really appreciated those scenes just as much as the action sequences.
Deadpool & Wolverine is the greatest show on the big screen in a very long time. Not just in the comic book genre but action-comedy films in general. This is a film that I’d happily see several times. Steering clear of spoilers is going to be hard, so please do not wait too long before visiting cinemas. Do yourself a favour and go as soon as possible as this is one film that you do not want to miss!
Deadpool & Wolverine is an R rated great time for many and is a wonderful heartfelt tribute and nod to those involved, as well as the fans that have been watching Marvel movies from the very beginning. While superhero movie exhaustion is real, in the right hands of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, we have been given an entertaining superhero adventure that’s the best thing we never knew we needed. This film is as bonkers as it is beautiful and is the perfect anchor to tie everything together. I love Deadpool & Wolverine.
Deadpool & Wolverine is in cinemas now.