In franchises which have had a significant run, or at least long enough to have seen a change in cast and characters, fan service has become the go-to reward for the audience whom have stuck around. And, in an entertainment climate where pretty much everything successful is from decades-old brands, mutlimillion-dollar movies being glorified fan-service romps seem inevitable.
That is to say, fan service isn’t inherently bad… but it’s hardly ever good. Thankfully, Deadpool & Wolverine gets it right (mostly).
Things have been somewhat haphazard within and without the greater Marvel film continuities since Disney’s buyout of Fox Entertainment in 2019. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) conclusion of their 11-year-long Infinity Saga in Avengers: Endgame, the attention of many turned to the newly acquired rights to many of their iconic brands. Would Fox’s X-Men become part of the MCU? If so, would the cast remain? More importantly, would the films’ conflicted and divisive continuity be integrated?
Not even the fourth wall-breaking Merc with a Mouth has been spared the complications and contemplations with his threequel languishing in the MCU’s limbo of multiversal efforts for a good three years before finally getting the go ahead–and another three years before finally returning to cinemas. Thankfully, the long wait, and coming out on the tail end of Marvel’s transitioning period between sagas and licenses, seem to have given this Deadpool sequel the direction it may have unknowingly needed.
It is hard to speak of the movie’s strengths (of which there are very many) without spoiling some of the strongest aspects of the experience. However, those concerned by the film’s handling of the X-Men’s and Logan’s legacies can rest assured that all remains are handled with the utmost respect.
Well, as much respect as possible where Deadpool is concerned.
Unfortunately, while Deapool & Wolverine offers both a wild and hilarious adventure true to its preceding entries, and a deeply emotional and saisfying journey, the film isn’t without its missteps. There are moments where some scenes not only feel too long, but a touch too indulgent in its silliness. There is also the permeation of the now-trademarked gravitas-breaking humour for which the MCU is known. And, while you’d think that that would fit perfectly within the realms of a Deadpool flick, it does less well when considering this very Logan-esque return to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
A potentially larger problem with the movie is linked directly to the nature of its fan service, and is largely a double-edged blade. Which isn’t a problem if Deapool & Wolverine is seen as a conclusion to an era of superhero films pre-dating the MCU, but is a definite detriment to those who may have either hopped on during the more recent zeitgeist or simply aren’t spending all their free time keeping abreast of the behind-the-scenes developments of the greater Marvel film franchises.
Nevertheless, even those who have the slightest working knowledge of those films will be sure to at least get their screen-pointing “hey!” moment.
While there is no fatal flaw to Deapool & Wolverine, and the film is definitely an enjoyable experience, the final product is certainly somewhat of mixed bag. And, for those expecting a more significant big picture solution to the MCU’s recent unevenness, it may even be a disappointment. That said, trust Ryan Reynolds to somehow point out some very real problems the recent MCU films have been suffering from.
But, again, we’ll leave that to you to experience without us spoiling it for you.
Deadpool & Wolverine is out now in theatres, and is the perfect experience to welcome the returning cross-company franchise icons, as well as to bid an era of superhero flicks farewell. And, yes, there’s a post-credits scene.