'Deadpool & Wolverine' Review: References Galore, Mixed In With Blood And Jokes

Deadpool & Wolverine Review: I just watched 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and there is a lot to unpack. Unfortunately, I can't include much of what I'd like to talk about as that would go into spoiler territory. I can't do spoilers, partly because I'm not allowed to, but mostly because that would spoil a great movie for you readers.

So I'll keep this review as brief and as spoiler free as possible so you can make up your own mind as to whether 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is worth a watch.

I personally think it is. Especially so if you've been following the two characters and their journey that led them here.

Deadpool & Wolverine Review: Quick Summary Of The Movie's Plot

The movie follows Deadpool on a journey to save his timeline with the help of Wolverine, all while he battles against enemies from different timelines, different dimensions and in some cases, even other versions of himself.

Fourth Wall Breaks? There Was Never Even A Fourth Wall To Begin With!

As is the rule with any Deadpool media, it's full of references. In fact, I'd argue that there are more references crammed into this movie's relatively long duration than the entire Avengers Saga. The movie is not subtle about it either.

There are obviously the classic fourth wall breaks that Deadpool does towards the audience, and also the references to previous films featuring either Deadpool or Wolverine. From the teasers and trailers, one could also sort of gather that the Time Variance Authority or TVA may also be involved. An organisation which made its first appearance in the 'Loki' T.V. series.

But the references go much further than that. There are bits talking about the Avengers, the X-Men, hell even very niche Marvel Entertainment works. Speaking of Marvel, they also got roasted by Deadpool, as well as Disney, and other companies who owned the character previously. No punches were pulled there, which really made it feel like the movie was made with passion and fun, rather than in some bland meeting room that had a formula for pumping out brainless hits.

There were even jokes about breaking the fourth wall. In fact, there was no fourth wall when I watched this movie. The movie didn't feel like an isolated adventure that we were watching from the sidelines. The number of references not just towards other movies, but also real life companies, products, and even people. You won't believe some of the cameos made in this film until you see it for yourself.

All of it made it feel like fans and members of the audience were part of the story as well. That everything we knew and felt about Deadpool and Marvel was also a part of the story being unfolded on the big screen.

This, of course, also means that those who've never seen many marvel movies or know much about the company will not be in on the jokes. For those of you who fall under this description, I'd at least recommend watching the 2017 film 'Logan'. It'll make sense once you watch it.

But while references are nice, are they all that this movie has to deliver? Nope, not even close.

Violence So Visceral That I'm Genuinely Afraid Someone Died On Set

When this movie was R-Rated, I didn't expect much. I was surprised that Disney was directly helping produce an R-Rated movie, and that too from the entertainment giant that is Marvel. I expected there to be a little blood, a little swearing, and maybe a few jokes relating to intercourse here and there.

What I didn't expect was for almost every other scene to have a whole lot of dismembered limbs and torn arteries. The last time I saw so much gore on a screen was when I looked up Mortal Kombat fatalities.

Every fight scene is choreographed beautifully, each filled with enough blood that if you donated it all to a hospital, it would probably last them for a decade. All the SFX talents at Marvel and Disney really knocked it out of the park with this.

I'm saying all this because if you're a fan of gratuitous violence, you'll love this film! If you happen to have a young kid with you though, I'd highly advise against bringing them to the movie hall. Not unless you're okay with them learning a little too much about human biology.

Violence is nice and all, but 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a comedy movie, which begs the question.

Is it funny? I think you already know the answer.

Somehow The Most Serious Characters End Up Being The Funniest

It was not until I watched this movie that I realised how well Deadpool's humour works with a straightman like Wolverine. Sure, the 'Merc With A Mouth' is funny enough on his own, but with the addition of Logan, it's taken to the next level.

Each comedic bit by Deadpool is met with either sighs, cynicism or extreme violence by Wolverine. Sometimes all three at once. This helps elevate the comedy better than any laugh track or joke character ever could. Wolverine has always had a tragic background, and as such has a very rough and tough demeanor. To see it all be broken down by Deadpool is a joy.

Surprisingly enough, though, the movie makes sure not to belittle the trauma and struggles both characters have faced in their lives. It respects the tragedy they both experienced, while being able to find the bright and funny side of the odd situations they find themselves in. For a movie that is loaded with edgy jokes, for them to not cross this line is something I respect a lot.

While Hugh Jackman plays a great part in many of the great bits and jokes throughout the film, this film wouldn't be where it is without Ryan Reynolds. The entire Deadpool franchise wouldn't be where it is without him.

On the way back from the screening of 'Deadpool & Wolverine', I saw that there was a new 'Hot Ones' interview out on YouTube which featured Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. The interview was to promote their upcoming movie, of course.

For context, all guests in 'Hot Ones' must answer questions while eating chicken wings lathered in hot sauces that ramp up exponentially in their levels of spiciness. While Jackman was regretting the life choices that led him to that interview, Reynolds kept pumping out joke after joke, bit after bit. He wouldn't stop promoting their hot sauce brands. He would make witty comebacks. All while his tongue and insides were on fire.

It really felt like Deadpool was giving that interview, wearing a Ryan Reynolds shell. 'Deadpool & Wolverine' as well as the entire Deadpool movie franchise owe a lot of their success to Ryan Reynolds.

Overall verdict of Deadpool & Wolverine

If you're a Marvel fan, please go watch the movie. If you're a Deadpool fan, please go watch the movie. If you're neither, watch the 2017 movie 'Logan' first and then watch the movie. If you're someone who doesn't like these types of films, I'm not sure why you're still reading. But if my words have made you change your mind, please give this film a shot.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' is not a revolutionary film by any means, but director Shawn Levy, actors Ryan Reynolda and Hugh Jackman, as well as the many other fantastic people behind this film have beautifully achieved what every Deadpool media has always set out to do. A lot of jokes, a lot of gore, and references galore!