Review of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): Watch It For Free

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) marks one of the most ambitious and eagerly anticipated crossovers in superhero movie history. 

This film, directed by Shawn Levy and produced by Marvel Studios, 21 Laps Entertainment, and Maximum Effort, successfully integrates the much-loved characters of Deadpool and Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) while staying true to their roots. 

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprise their iconic roles as Wade Wilson/Deadpool and Logan/Wolverine, offering fans a new chapter in the ongoing Marvel saga that is packed with action, humor, and a compelling storyline.

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Plot Overview

The plot of Deadpool & Wolverine takes off six years after the events of Deadpool 2. Wade Wilson, having retired from his Deadpool persona and working as a used-car salesman, finds himself thrust back into the fray when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) captures him. 

They inform Wade that his universe is collapsing due to the death of its stabilizing force—Logan (Wolverine). In a desperate attempt to save his timeline, Wade sets out to find a variant of Logan to take his place, ultimately teaming up with a reluctant Wolverine from another universe.

What follows is a multiverse-spanning adventure filled with plenty of fourth-wall breaks, action-packed fight scenes, and some of the best comedic moments in the MCU. 

Along the way, Wade and Logan encounter a host of familiar characters from Marvel's Fox era, including Pyro, Elektra, and the Human Torch. The film's primary antagonist, Cassandra Nova, played by Emma Corrin, is a powerful telepath and telekinetic villain who adds a new level of threat to the multiverse saga.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): Full Plot Analysis

Deadpool & Wolverine is a 2024 superhero film that blends Marvel’s unique brand of action and humor with a multiverse-driven storyline. This film marks the return of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) as they navigate a chaotic adventure filled with time travel, variant timelines, and high-stakes battles.

Deadpool’s Journey into the Multiverse

The movie opens in 2018, with Deadpool using Cable’s time-travel device to save his girlfriend Vanessa. After this event, Deadpool leaves his universe (Earth-10005) and heads to the Sacred Timeline (Earth-616), hoping to join the Avengers. 

However, his request is humorously denied by Happy Hogan, sending Deadpool back to his universe feeling rejected.

Fast forward six years, Deadpool is no longer the mercenary we know. He has retired from crime-fighting and works as a car salesman alongside his friend Peter Wisdom. Their mundane life is interrupted when Deadpool is captured by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), led by an agent named Paradox. Deadpool learns that his universe is unraveling due to the death of its stabilizing force: Logan (Wolverine), who died protecting his daughter, Laura.

The Search for Wolverine

Paradox’s plan to destroy Deadpool’s universe involves accelerating its decay using a device called the "Time Ripper." In an attempt to stop this, Deadpool steals a TemPad from the TVA and sets off on a quest to find an alternate version of Logan. After searching the multiverse, he finds a variant Wolverine but soon discovers that Paradox considers this Logan “the worst Wolverine” in the multiverse. 

When Deadpool realizes Paradox is acting against the TVA’s knowledge, he and Logan are sent to the Void, a place of discarded realities, where they are hunted by a powerful entity known as Alioth.

A Team Forms in the Void

In the Void, Deadpool and Logan encounter Cassandra Nova, a malevolent mutant and twin sister to Charles Xavier. She rules the Void and has made a deal with the TVA. After a deadly encounter with her forces, the duo narrowly escapes and teams up with a group of resistance fighters that include Laura (X-23), Elektra, Blade, and Gambit. 

Initially, Logan is reluctant to join, haunted by his failure to save his universe. However, through encouragement from his daughter Laura, Logan eventually agrees to fight against Cassandra and her army. 

The Battle with Cassandra

The final battle begins when Logan and Deadpool, along with the resistance, storm Cassandra’s fortress. To neutralize her telepathic powers, they use Juggernaut’s helmet to block her abilities. 

Just as they think they’ve won, Cassandra is saved by her ally Pyro, who then betrays her on behalf of Paradox. Cassandra kills Pyro, and the battle escalates as she opens a portal back to Deadpool’s home universe, Earth-10005.

Saving the Multiverse

As Cassandra attempts to use the Time Ripper to destroy all timelines except the Void, Deadpool and Logan are left with a difficult choice: destroy the Time Ripper themselves, knowing it could kill them. However, by sharing the immense power of the device, both manage to survive, and Cassandra is ultimately defeated.

In the aftermath, Paradox is arrested by the TVA for his unsanctioned actions. Hunter B-15, another TVA agent, commends Deadpool and Logan for saving Earth-10005 from destruction. However, she informs them that they cannot change the past in Logan’s world.

Instead, Logan is offered a place in Deadpool’s universe. The film ends with Deadpool reconciling with Vanessa and inviting Logan to meet his friends.

Character Dynamics

One of the key elements that make Deadpool & Wolverine a standout film is the dynamic between its two leads. Wade Wilson and Logan are polar opposites in many ways: Deadpool is loud, obnoxious, and constantly breaking the fourth wall, while Wolverine is brooding, serious, and reserved. 

The film plays up their "odd couple" dynamic, with plenty of bickering, but also moments of mutual respect and understanding. 

Ryan Reynolds once again proves why he is the definitive Deadpool. 

His portrayal is as irreverent and meta as ever, delivering biting humor and plenty of fan-service moments. 

Hugh Jackman, meanwhile, steps back into his Wolverine role with ease, giving fans a more introspective look at the character, particularly as he grapples with the consequences of his actions in his original universe.

Themes and Tone

While Deadpool & Wolverine is an action-comedy at its core, the film also tackles deeper themes, such as redemption, regret, and the consequences of tampering with time. Logan's personal arc deals with his guilt over past failures, while Wade wrestles with his desire to save his timeline, even if it means bending the rules of the multiverse. These emotional beats give the film more depth than the typical superhero fare, making the audience care about the characters beyond their ability to crack jokes or take down villains.

The film also serves as a tribute to the Fox X-Men films, with many references and cameos from that era. It's clear that Deadpool & Wolverine was designed to bridge the gap between the Fox universe and the MCU, providing closure for long-time fans while also setting the stage for the characters' future in Marvel's broader cinematic universe.

Action and Visual Effects

When it comes to action, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers in spades. From epic multiverse battles to smaller, more intimate fight scenes, the choreography is top-notch, blending brutal combat with Deadpool's characteristic comedic flair. 

One of the film's highlights is a showdown between Deadpool, Wolverine, and Cassandra Nova, where the pair must work together to stop the villain from tearing apart the multiverse.

The film also benefits from high-quality visual effects, particularly in its depiction of the multiverse. The concept of traveling between universes is brought to life with vibrant visuals, and the film’s design team does an excellent job of creating distinct environments that feel both expansive and chaotic. 

Whether it's the dystopian landscape of the Void or the sleek halls of the TVA, each location is visually striking and adds to the film's overall aesthetic.

Humor and Fan Service

Humor is a staple of any Deadpool movie, and this installment is no different. The film is filled with Reynolds' trademark wit, meta-commentary, and Easter eggs for die-hard Marvel fans. From breaking the fourth wall to poking fun at other MCU properties, Deadpool & Wolverine strikes a balance between action and comedy, ensuring that even in its most intense moments, the film doesn't take itself too seriously.

Fans of the Fox X-Men films will also appreciate the abundance of callbacks and cameos. Characters like Elektra, Blade, and Johnny Storm return in unexpected ways, adding a sense of nostalgia while also giving the film an epic, multiverse-spanning scope. 

These appearances are not just gratuitous cameos; each character plays a role in the larger narrative, making their inclusion feel earned rather than shoehorned in for the sake of fan service.

The Villain: Cassandra Nova

Cassandra Nova, portrayed by Emma Corrin, is a formidable antagonist who adds a new layer of complexity to the film. As the twin sister of Charles Xavier, Cassandra possesses immense telepathic and telekinetic powers, making her a serious threat to both Deadpool and Wolverine. 

Her plan to destroy all timelines except the Void creates a sense of urgency throughout the film, as our heroes must find a way to stop her before it’s too late.

Corrin’s performance as Cassandra is both chilling and charismatic, making her one of the more memorable villains in recent MCU history. She’s not just a mustache-twirling antagonist; her motivations are rooted in her complex relationship with Xavier and her desire to reshape the multiverse in her image. 

This makes her a compelling character, and one that stands out among the usual roster of Marvel villains.

Integration into the MCU

One of the most interesting aspects of Deadpool & Wolverine is how it manages to integrate two characters from the Fox universe into the MCU while retaining their original tone. 

Deadpool’s humor and violence remain intact, even within the more family-friendly confines of the MCU. The film’s R rating allows it to push the boundaries of what’s typically allowed in Marvel films, with plenty of blood, swearing, and over-the-top violence.

However, the film also finds a way to weave in MCU elements, particularly with the involvement of the TVA and the concept of the Sacred Timeline. 

By incorporating these elements, the film opens the door for future multiverse stories while ensuring that Deadpool and Wolverine feel like a natural fit within the larger MCU. The post-credits scene, which teases potential future appearances for both characters, further cements their place in the MCU's ongoing narrative.

Box Office Report of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Deadpool & Wolverine has proven to be a massive commercial success. As of September 29, 2024, the film has grossed $631.4 million in the United States and Canada, and $694.7 million in other territories, for a combined global total of $1.326 billion. 

This remarkable performance makes it the second-highest-grossing film of the year and has solidified its position as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, surpassing the previous record held by Joker (2019). It achieved several milestones in the box office, including:

- Breaking the record for the highest R-rated opening weekend with $211.4 million domestically.

- Becoming the highest-grossing R-rated Disney film ever, surpassing Pretty Woman within just three days of release.

- Crossing the $1 billion mark within its third weekend, making it one of only two films in 2024 to do so.

The film continued to perform strongly in premium formats, earning $84 million globally from IMAX alone, making it the fifth-highest-grossing Marvel film in this format.

Critical Response to Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Deadpool & Wolverine received mixed to generally positive reviews from critics, with some calling it divisive but widely appreciated by audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 78% approval rating based on 402 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. 

The general consensus highlights the witty interplay between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, with the film being described as "an irreverent romp with a surprising soft spot for a bygone era of superhero movies." 

On Metacritic, the film has a more moderate score of 56 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.

Some of the key points from critical reviews include:

- Positive Reception: Many praised Hugh Jackman's return as Wolverine, and his dynamic with Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. Critics noted the film’s effective blend of humor, action, and nostalgia for the 2000s superhero films. The action sequences, self-referential humor, and the multiverse storyline were also highlighted positively.

- Mixed Criticism: While some enjoyed the humor and irreverent tone, others felt the plot was weak or derivative of previous Deadpool entries. There was also some critique of the pacing and the over-reliance on meta-jokes, which some found excessive.

- Audience Response: General audiences were more favorable toward the film, with CinemaScore giving it an "A" rating, and PostTrak audiences awarding it a 96% positive score.

Overall, Deadpool & Wolverine successfully catered to fans of both characters while breaking new ground as the first R-rated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though it polarized some critics due to its heavy use of humor and meta-commentary.

Deadpool & Wolverine Quotations 

Here are some memorable quotes from Deadpool & Wolverine (2024):

1. Deadpool (Wade Wilson):

   - “You know what they say about multiverses: it’s like a buffet. You never know what variant of trouble you’re gonna get.”

2. Wolverine (Logan):

   - "I’ve dealt with a lot of crap, but a guy in red pajamas dragging me through timelines? That’s a first."

3. Deadpool:

   - "The Time Variance Authority? More like the Time Vacation Authority. I’m already tired."

4. Wolverine:

   - "You really don’t know when to shut up, do you?"

5. Deadpool:

   - “What? The claws are just an accessory now? You’ve been downgraded, man.”

6. Deadpool:

   - “Oh look, another timeline. Does this one come with a spa? I need to relax after all this multiverse madness.”

7. Wolverine:

   - "I didn’t sign up to babysit. And I definitely didn’t sign up for your mouth."

8. Cassandra Nova:

   - “Time is a toy, and I’ve always loved breaking things.”

9. Wolverine:

   - "You're a pain in the ass, but for some reason, you’re the kind I’m stuck with."

10. Deadpool:

    - “Why fix one timeline when you can ruin a hundred? Let’s make a mess.”

11. Deadpool (Breaking the fourth wall):

    - "Look at us, the dream team you didn’t know you needed. Kind of like peanut butter and regret."

12. Wolverine:

    - “I’ve seen timelines fall apart before, but never one as messed up as this.”

13. Deadpool:

  - “Teamwork makes the dream work! Unless that dream is surviving this, in which case, we’re screwed.”

Conclusion

Deadpool & Wolverine is a triumphant return for both characters, delivering everything fans could want from a crossover film. It blends the humor and irreverence of Deadpool with the darker, more introspective tone of Wolverine, resulting in a film that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. 

Shawn Levy's direction keeps the pace tight, while Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman deliver performances that remind audiences why these characters are so beloved.

With its blend of action, humor, and heart, Deadpool & Wolverine stands out as one of the best films in Phase Five of the MCU. It pays homage to the Fox X-Men films while also setting the stage for future adventures in the MCU. 

Whether you're a long-time fan of these characters or a newcomer to their world, this film is sure to leave you entertained and eager for more.

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