Movie Review: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Starring Ryan Reynolds
The most anticipated movie of 2024 has arrived in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Directed by Shawn Levy
Written by Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells
Starring Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds
Release Date July 26th, 2024
Published July 24th, 2024
Deadpool & Wolverine is a fourth wall shattering comic adventure in which Wade Wilson/Deadpool is suffering from an existential crisis. Sure, he’s been ported over to the Marvel Universe from the Fox-Marvel Universe, but now what? After visiting the Avengers campus and being told that he’s not the world saving type, Wade is floundering. For the time being, he’s settling into being a working stiff, selling cars alongside his buddy Peter (Rob Delaney), and being generally miserable. Wade’s lack of purpose in this new world has had a negative effect on his relationship with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), to the point where he is back living with Blind Al (Leslie Uggams).
Wade tries to put on a brave face but his struggle is quite obvious. Then, a purpose seems to present itself. The TVA shows up at Wade’s birthday party and kidnaps him. Taken to TVA HQ, he’s told that he’s being brought up to the superhero big leagues, they want him to help save the Marvel Universe. Unfortunately, that begins with destroying his universe and everyone in it. Matthew MacFadyen plays Mr. Paradox, who gives Wade the bad news, everyone he cares about is going to die while Deadpool moves toward immortality among The Avengers. Despite his tendency toward being an unhappy loner, Wade chooses to be a hero and try to save his universe from the TVA.
To achieve this goal, Wade needs some help. Enter Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the legendary X-Man. Wade will need to convince Logan to help him save the world as Deadpool has no idea what being a hero means. And, that’s the arc, Wade learns to be less selfish and more whole as a member of a family and Logan, his journey will be one of learning to forgive himself for the failures of his past, a past filled with death and destruction and the loss of the few people whom he chose to care about. Along the way, Deadpool and Wolverine will fight each other to as close to death as either is capable of. Then, they’ll be sentenced to death by the TVA, and they will have to face down a villain so powerful there appears to be no way to defeat them.
Deadpool & Wolverine takes place in the Marvel Multiverse. This means seeing characters from across various different realities including different versions of both Deadpool and Wolverine and variations of our legendary Marvel heroes. I will not spoil any cameos as they are a big part of the charm and fun of Deadpool & Wolverine. I will only say that there are a few that you likely won’t be able t0 predict if you haven’t sought out spoilers like those on IMDB and Wikipedia. If you are in the dark and just guessing at who might be a cameo, you will have a hard time guessing a few of these characters.
Beyond the cameos, Deadpool & Wolverine is at its best when indulging in comedy violence. A fight scene set to a boy band anthem, and featuring a deeply transgressive use of a familiar dead body, is a standout sequence. And, of course, the long hoped for fights, plural, more than one fight, between Deadpool and Wolverine more than lives up to expectations. Bloody, hilarious, violent, and wildly entertaining, I could watch Deadpool and Wolverine fight each other forever. The film soars during these sequences of splatter and bone-busting violence.
That said, the film is only as good as director Shawn Levy can make it. Not the most dynamic or technically gifted director, Levy is more babysitter or caretaker than he is a filmmaker. Levy is here to make sure that the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is in frame and captured well enough to be carved into a coherent narrative. In that respect, Levy does just fine with Deadpool & Wolverine. It also means however that the movie is a little shapeless and indulgent. For Deadpool & Wolverine to become truly iconic, a more confident and technically gifted director was needed.
As it is, Deadpool & Wolverine works as shameless fanservice. It works well enough as a movie. It’s got a few big laughs, some terrifically surprising cameos, and a halfhearted attempt at sincerity that can vaguely pass as an attempt to expand the character of Deadpool. I enjoyed Deadpool & Wolverine but I can see where it could have been better. This could have been the definitive new direction of the Marvel Universe. This could have been a truly great movie, a full bodied superhero adventure that is also funny and ultra-violent. Instead, Deadpool & Wolverine is squarely aimed at satisfying fan expectations on the way to the box office pay window. And since it's pretty funny, that's good enough.
For me, I think more could've been done with Deadpool & Wolverine with a better director, one with more of a strong hand. Shawn Levy does a perfectly serviceable job delivering exactly what we all expected of the movie. I would prefer a director with a vision and the technical prowess to back up that vision. I think Deadpool & Wolverine could have been more innovative and essential. But, that’s not what anyone making this movie was going for. The team behind Deadpool & Wolverine is here to deliver exactly what the fans want. And since it's genuinely funny, I can say I recommend the movie, even as I thimk it could have been great and they settled for good enough.
Find my archive of more than 20 years and more than 2000 movie reviews at SeanattheMovies.blogspot.com. Find my modern review archive on my Vocal Profile, linked here. Follow me on Twitter at PodcastSean. Follow the archive blog on Twitter at SeanattheMovies. Listen to me talk about movies on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast. If you have enjoyed what you have read, consider subscribing to my writing on Vocal. If you’d like to support my writing, you can do so by making a monthly pledge or by leaving a one time tip. Thanks!
About the Creator
Sean Patrick
Hello, my name is Sean Patrick He/Him, and I am a film critic and podcast host for the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast I am a voting member of the Critics Choice Association, the group behind the annual Critics Choice Awards.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Keep reading
More stories from Sean Patrick and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters7 days ago in Geeks
British Passports
A British passport is often seen as a simple requirement for international travel, but its significance goes far beyond airport security checks and border stamps. It represents legal identity, citizenship, and a long history shaped by the United Kingdom’s evolving relationship with the world. From its origins to its modern design and practical value, the British passport reflects both tradition and change. In today’s global landscape, where mobility, security, and national identity intersect, the British passport remains an important document with cultural, political, and personal meaning. The Origins of the British Passport Passports in Britain date back several centuries, though they did not resemble the standardized booklets used today. Early versions were letters issued by the Crown, requesting safe passage for travelers. Over time, as international travel increased and borders became more regulated, the need for a formal identification system grew. By the early 20th century, passports had become standardized documents, influenced by international agreements following World War I. These developments laid the foundation for the modern British passport, aligning it with global travel norms while retaining distinct national features. Design and Symbolism The design of a British passport has always carried symbolic weight. Traditionally featuring a deep burgundy cover, the passport displayed the royal coat of arms, reinforcing its connection to the monarchy and the state. This design became widely recognized around the world and associated with European Union membership. In recent years, changes to the passport’s appearance have sparked public discussion. The updated design emphasizes British heritage, featuring historical figures, cultural icons, and technological achievements within its pages. These illustrations serve not only as security features but also as a visual narrative of the nation’s past and present. Beyond aesthetics, modern British passports include advanced biometric technology. Embedded chips store personal data and facial recognition information, enhancing security and reducing the risk of fraud. Citizenship and Eligibility Holding a British passport is a confirmation of citizenship, but eligibility is not always straightforward. British nationality law includes several categories, such as British citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British nationals (overseas). Each status carries different rights and privileges, particularly when it comes to residency and travel. For most applicants, citizenship is acquired by birth, descent, or naturalization. Naturalization involves meeting residency requirements, demonstrating knowledge of life in the UK, and showing proficiency in the English language. The passport, once issued, becomes a tangible recognition of this legal status. Global Mobility and Travel Access One of the most practical aspects of a British passport is the level of international access it provides. British passport holders can travel to a large number of countries without requiring a visa in advance, making it a valuable document for business travelers, tourists, and students alike. While visa-free access can change depending on international relations and policy updates, the British passport has consistently ranked among the stronger passports globally. This mobility reflects the UK’s diplomatic relationships and longstanding ties with many countries around the world. Security, Responsibility, and Renewal With its benefits come responsibilities. British passport holders are expected to safeguard their documents, report loss or theft promptly, and ensure that their passport remains valid for travel. Many countries require passports to have several months of validity remaining, making timely renewal essential. The UK government has modernized the application and renewal process, offering online services that simplify submissions and tracking. Despite these improvements, applicants are encouraged to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons when processing times may increase. Passports in a Changing Political Landscape Political changes have influenced how British passports are perceived, both domestically and internationally. Shifts in immigration policy, border control, and international agreements have all played a role in shaping public conversations around citizenship and identity. For some, the British passport represents continuity and heritage. For others, it reflects adaptation to new global realities. Regardless of perspective, the document remains a key link between individuals and the state, symbolizing both rights and obligations. Cultural and Personal Significance Beyond legality and logistics, a British passport often carries deep personal meaning. For first-time applicants, it can symbolize independence or the beginning of global exploration. For naturalized citizens, it may represent years of effort and a sense of belonging. Families often pass down passports through generations, each one holding memories of journeys taken, milestones reached, and connections formed across borders. In this way, the passport becomes more than an administrative tool—it becomes a record of personal history. Looking Ahead As technology advances and global travel evolves, passports will continue to change. Digital verification, enhanced biometrics, and streamlined border processes are likely to shape the future of travel documents. The British passport will adapt alongside these developments, balancing security, convenience, and identity. What remains constant is its role as a bridge between the individual and the wider world. Whether used for travel, identification, or simply stored safely at home, the British passport continues to carry significance beyond its pages. Final Thoughts A British passport is more than a booklet issued by the government. It reflects centuries of history, evolving national identity, and the practical realities of global movement. From its symbolic design to its legal importance, the passport stands as a reminder of how closely personal freedom and national policy are connected. In a world where borders and identities are continually redefined, the British passport remains a powerful symbol of citizenship, responsibility, and opportunity.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in Geeks
Wild Card Weekend Recap: What Happens Now?
I think I figured out why I love Wild Card Weekend so much. It's because it's the first playoff anything of the calendar year. The NFL season starts in the fall, and once upon a time, the champion was crowned either on or slightly before New Year's. The evolution of the NFL schedule has resulted in the playoffs starting just into the New Year, and currently, the final week of the season falls on the first weekend of the New Year, with Wild Card Weekend coming a week after that. So yes, chronologically, the NFL's Wild Card Weekend serves as the first playoff anything of the calendar year.
By Clyde E. Dawkins7 days ago in Unbalanced
Comments (1)
enjoyed reading this, thanks for your review!