DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: An Epic Marvel Buffet Of Meta-Awesomeness

When Wade Wilson discovers his multiverse timeline is in danger along with those he loves most, the antihero must do the heroic thing to save it — but not without his X-Men frenemy Logan by his side. Deadpool & Wolverine sees a multiverse collide with a reunion fans have long been waiting for, while also delivering one of the best Marvel films.

Back in their respective superhero suits, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman devour in this epic partnership. It’s wild to think that all of this began with a disappointing genesis in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. An introduction to an on-screen Deadpool that Reynolds was destined for but was buried by many mistakes.

After rights issues and decades-long acquisitions, the two characters are finally together under the mouse house at the perfect time for such a meta-heavy film franchise. Written by director Shawn Levy with Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells, they expertly weave into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and breathe new life into the, dare I say, lackluster current status.

There’s a lot that can be done with a multiverse story, but it can also be extremely convoluted for viewers, especially if someone isn’t caught up on every single film, limited series, Disney+ side special, etc. But they’ve done an impeccable job of delivering something that blends in nicely. It’s an amusing superhero adventure regardless, but there’s a delightful bonus if you catch all its references.

The references are what the Deadpool franchise has done best. As the character continuously breaks the fourth wall with viewers, we are treated to a feast of dialog and visual cues that hold nothing back with so much sardonic writing and self-deprecating humor.

While Reynolds leads the meta musings, almost every single character pokes fun at everything, from themselves, their body of work, their personal lives, and beyond. And when cameos start dropping, it gets even better and better.

And yes, the cameos are top-tier, and most are truly mind-blowing — I swear I’m not being hyperbolic. There’s so much fan service, but it works so well in the Deadpool universe. And for me, it had my 2000’s Marvel fan heart beaming.

The film also has incredible action sequences that are choreographed to perfection; featuring one of the most amazingly chaotic openings. So much of that lies within the wonderful stunt performers who worked on the film but also the brilliance in the physicality of Reynolds’s performance.

And while he brings the humor, Jackman brings the heart; still with the classic Wolverine surliness. It’s always amazing to see the range Jackman can give to his performances, and even amongst the comical shenanigans, he gives one of his best Wolverine performances, perhaps just behind Logan. Simply because Jackman still gets moments to show the complexities of Wolverine.

Luckily, the multiverse saga helps ensure the film doesn’t undo any of the beauty in Logan with his swan song. I hold that film in such high regard as it is perfection — but I also love that we get another go-around with Jackman as Wolverine; which the film also hilariously mocks in its signature fashion throughout.

There is so much I could continue raving about with Deadpool & Wolverine. It’s a delightful Marvel buffet that satiates everything my heart could have desired, going beyond expectations. It felt like the perfect reset for the MCU, which the movie unabashedly calls out for being at its low.

It has exhilarating fight scenes, a killer soundtrack, impeccable CGI work, Jackman and Reynolds at their best, and is also so unashamed in how absurd it wants to be. Do yourself the favor by seeing this in theaters and avoid spoilers at all costs. It’s truly a marvelous ride.