DUBAI: Can Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool save the Marvel Cinematic Universe from superhero burnout? In an early scene in Shawn Levy’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the Merc with a Mouth promises to return glory to the MCU. I’m here to tell you he’s not far wrong.
Marvel’s only cinematic outing of the year — and its first R-rated one — is an earnest attempt at reviving a genre that reached its zenith with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
It reminds fans why we fell in love with it in the first place. “Deadpool & Wolverine” pokes fun at every flaw of the superhero genre, turning them into defining strengths. And while there is little plot to hold the film together, what you do get is a whole lot of jokes, cameos and love.
Depressed after being denied his request to join the Avengers, “Deadpool & Wolverine” sees Wade Wilson having spent the last few years as a regular Joe car dealer. When he’s recruited by creepy British Time Variance Authority agent Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Wilson learns his universe is about to be wiped from existence due to the death of its anchor being — Logan, aka Wolverine.
In a bid to save his universe, Deadpool/Wilson must find a new Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). This sets the odd couple duo on a trip through a place called the Void — a flimsy excuse for a parade of cameos, some of which are good, some great, and some downright transcendent.
The Deadpool-Wolverine bromance alone is enough to carry the movie, but its true strength lies in its devotion to the characters that paved the way for the two of them to be here. For anyone who has spent the last 25-odd years watching superhero films, this is a trip down memory lane.
And to all those who stay back to enjoy the mid-credits scene — I dare you not to run home and immediately rewatch your favorite superhero movies.
