The scathingly witty footprints of Hollywood darling Ryan Reynolds are omnipresent throughout the latest installation in the Deadpool franchise, as the Canadian actor joins forces with Hugh Jackman to unite two of Marvel Comics’ most loved superheroes under the watchful eye of director Shawn Levy in Deadpool and Wolverine (2024).
We are greeted by Reynolds’ loveable, yet ethically challenged, character Wade Wilson’s struggle to leave his Deadpool days behind him, before the emergence of a new enemy propels him back into his distinctive red latex with the fate of the world at stake. This new threat forces Reynolds’ character to form a somewhat one-sided bromance with Jackman’s iconic Wolverine, against the wishes of the latter, to face this mysterious enemy.
The two actors share palpable chemistry, as their contrasting character types bounce off each other in a way that lets each actor provide his best. Reynolds’ bouncy, somewhat adolescent wit and Jackman’s slightly tongue-in-cheek brooding provide a scintillating yet slightly cluttered plotline with two ever-present trump cards.
Typical of any Marvel Studios production, Levy’s effort is chock full of rocket fueled action scenes and stunning visuals, checking all the necessary boxes of a blockbuster box office hit.
A raft of pleasantly surprising cameos from big names such as Channing Tatum and Chris Evans, as well as some returning franchise favorites provide worthy support to the chaotically charming Reynolds and the charismatic Jackman, with one particular superhero team-up giving cause to any Marvel nerd to wet himself in excitement.
Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova provides a traditionally terrifying villain, with telepathic powers that provide the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s chattiest hero with some concerning moments. Corrin’s effort is effectively wicked, adding another name to the long list of daunting Marvel villains.
All in all, Reynolds and co. succeed yet again in providing a joltingly humorous, visually spectacular and action packed superhero thriller, continuing to stave off the staleness faced by the superhero movie industry through it’s unique blend of violent humor and charismatic allure.
4.3 out of 5.
