Deadpool and Wolverine have stormed theaters, their long-awaited union propelling anticipation for Deadpool 3 to unprecedented heights. The film has generated significant fanfare, filling theaters. Yet, upon exiting the cinema, my sentiments were mixed. There were disappointments and missed opportunities, but the Marvel enthusiast in me, who had eagerly awaited this bromance for years, found solace in the cameo-filled spectacle. However, I believe there’s an alternate reality where Deadpool & Wolverine could have been superior.
Table of Contents
Deadpool 3 Review
The Narrative of Deadpool 3
The storyline of Deadpool and Wolverine is relatively straightforward. We are introduced to Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), a TVA Agent aware that Deadpool’s timeline will eventually collapse due to Logan’s (Hugh Jackman) death, who is the “Anchor Being” of Deadpool’s timeline. Mr. Paradox, impatient to wait millennia, plans to prune Deadpool’s timeline immediately. However, there’s a twist: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) has a significant “Glorious Purpose” in the Sacred Timeline, compelling Mr. Paradox to abduct Deadpool and offer him a place in the MCU to carry out his plan.
Predictably, Deadpool rejects the offer and escapes the TVA with Mr. Paradox’s TemPad, seeking another Wolverine/Logan to replace the one who perished in his timeline. He encounters multiple Wolverine variants, none too amicable, before partnering with one to save his world from Mr. Paradox’s machinations.
The Narrative’s Shortcomings
From a critical standpoint, the crux of any film or show lies in its storyline execution. Unfortunately, Deadpool and Wolverine’s plot seems to have started under the guidance of Marvel’s brightest minds, only to be hastily concluded by someone eager to leave early.
Deadpool 3 begins compellingly, with the first 15 minutes inducing sheer excitement. However, as the narrative progresses, you might find yourself disillusioned. The film assembles a stellar cast portraying iconic characters, yet their potential is squandered. Characters like Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) are prematurely dispatched. In contrast, others, like Blade (Wesley Snipes), Elektra (Jennifer Garner), and Gambit (Channing Tatum), are left with unresolved arcs. X-23 or Laura (Dafne Keen), pivotal to Logan’s arc, receives minimal dialogue and screen time. Lady Deadpool‘s enigmatic portrayal adds to the frustration, culminating in a masked exit. The entire Deadpool Corps appears, only to battle Deadpool, their comic leader. The hollow narrative and poor execution heavily impact Deadpool and Wolverine’s potential.
A Villain Underutilized
Another critical flaw is the underutilization of the villain, Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). Cassandra, Charles Xavier’s evil twin, is a formidable comic antagonist responsible for the Genosha genocide. However, in the film, she is significantly weakened.
At one point, Cassandra is poised to eliminate Deadpool and Wolverine. Still, she inexplicably changes her mind after Wolverine’s speech, deviating from her comic persona. Furthermore, there is a glaring absence of direct combat between the heroes and Cassandra, with most of the movie focusing on internal conflicts between Deadpool and Wolverine.
Emma Corrin’s portrayal of Cassandra Nova is commendable, yet the film fails to harness her talents effectively. Her death is equally unsatisfactory. Cassandra, one of Marvel’s most powerful characters, had immense potential as a terrifying villain, but Marvel did not capitalize on this, resulting in an underwhelming antagonist.
An Overabundance of Cameos
The film’s primary allure was the inclusion of numerous actors reprising their Marvel roles. While it was delightful to see beloved characters, the sheer number of cameos made the movie feel overcrowded.
Additionally, Deadpool 3’s marketing promised significant changes to the MCU or canonical status, yet the film offers no evidence to support this claim. Although Deadpool is now part of the MCU, he returns to his timeline by the film’s end. Thus, his role as the “Marvel Jesus” remains ambiguous.
The only hint of his future significance is a scene with Thor mourning Deadpool, with Mr. Paradox indicating a distant future event. Despite repeated assertions of Deadpool’s importance in the sacred timeline, we receive no concrete details. A post-credits tease could have hinted at future developments, but this opportunity was squandered with an irrelevant clip, leaving audiences in the dark.
A Fan’s Perspective: Deadpool and Wolverine’s Appeal
Despite the aforementioned issues, Deadpool and Wolverine are undeniably entertaining. The film aims to emulate the experience of reading a classic Deadpool comic, a goal achieved for some viewers.
The action sequences are well-executed, notably, the opening scene where Deadpool exhumes Logan’s grave, dismantles his adamantium skeleton, and uses it to slaughter TVA agents, all while dancing to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye.” Ryan Reynolds excels as Deadpool, and Hugh Jackman remains the quintessential Wolverine. Despite its narrative flaws, Deadpool 3 delivers enjoyable entertainment throughout its runtime.
A Love Letter to Marvel Fans From Deadpool 3
Occasionally, a film transcends critical analysis, resonating with audiences on an emotional level. Deadpool and Wolverine is such a film. Since its announcement, fans have eagerly anticipated seeing Hugh Jackman in his comic-accurate Wolverine suit alongside Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool.
The film delivers nostalgia by featuring Channing Tatum as Gambit, Chris Evans as The Human Torch, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, and Wesley Snipes as Blade. The cameos, action sequences, and Wolverine donning his classic cowl while battling the Deadpool Corps elicited applause in theaters.
In essence, Deadpool 3 is a fan service movie. While the execution could have been better, it fulfills a long-held dream for Marvel and Wolverine fans. The technical flaws are overshadowed by the emotional gratification it provides, making it a cherished experience for its audience.
Deadpool 3: Pros and Cons
For many Marvel fans, especially those who are admirers of Wolverine, Deadpool, and Wolverine is essentially a fan service film that fulfills their dreams. In addition to surprising us with completely unexpected cameos, this film answered more than two decades’ worth of fan requests. Deadpool 3 stumbles miserably on the storyline, though.
Pros:
- Visually Stunning: Impressive CGI and action sequences.
- Nostalgic: Features beloved characters and actors.
- Humorous: Packed with Deadpool’s signature wit and humor.
- Great Soundtrack: Excellent music enhances the film.
- Surprise Cameos: Unexpected appearances add excitement.
Cons:
- Weak Plot: Underdeveloped and rushed storyline.
- Underused Villain: Cassandra Nova lacks depth and screen time.
- Character Arcs: Many characters are not fully explored.
- Pacing Issues: Uneven pacing disrupts the flow.
- Missed Opportunities: Fails to delve into deeper themes and dynamics.
Conclusion
Deadpool 3, while flawed, offers a blend of action, humor, and nostalgia that appeals to die-hard Marvel fans. The narrative’s shortcomings and underutilization of characters may disappoint some, but the film’s entertainment value and emotional impact cannot be denied. For those who have longed to see Deadpool and Wolverine together on the big screen, the movie delivers a memorable, if imperfect, experience.
