Across the journey of life, an individual may find themselves coming across an original character from the realm of comic books. This discovery may not be limited to that of a comic book, but through a programming block on network or cable television. An action figure in the toy department of a store. A discovery of a live-action adaptation of said character through an advanced teaser poster at a movie theater, or through an advertisement on television. Whether these characters were intellectual properties of Marvel, DC, or another outlet, these are characters that speak to the individual in some mannerism that live with them forever.
That is what makes Deadpool & Wolverine so special. Even though this is a movie centered around it’s title characters, and while the R rated presentation may not be on the same level of Avengers: Endgame in sense of delivery, the viewer is appreciative of the constructive story from a writer’s room of 7, and a direction from Shawn Levy (Free Guy). As the viewer sits in their seat and glides through the experience, they find themselves having fun. They reminisce on those aforementioned days with their favorite comic book character. By the time they viewer exits the theater, they have the biggest smile on their face as their inner-core has a full tank of nostalgia based fuel ready to reminisce on said discovery when they get home.
From a filmmaking standpoint, Deadpool & Wolverine is the first Deadpool feature to be released under the Marvel Studios banner, and it shows. A banger soundtrack featuring needle drops across four different generations is destined to send that nostalgia based fuel tank into triple digits. One in particular may highlight one of the story’s leading issues. Pacing.
While the comedy is on point in Deadpool & Wolverine, specific elements of friction may be overdone in the vein of Captain America: Civil War from 8 years prior. One needle drop in particular cued a showdown sequence that, while unique when constructed accordingly, felt redundant due to overemphasis on both comedy and violence. In addition, while the third act had it’s moments, hints of drag could be felt as Deadpool & Wolverine made it’s way toward the finish line — specifically in the midst of the final showdown.
A valid argument could be made lobbying the irreverence in humor may be toned down in comparison to it’s predecessors. Yet Deadpool & Wolverine still features a severe level of violence and profanity that, while a Marvel Studios release, is not a kids movie.
I REPEAT: Deadpool & Wolverine IS NOT A FAMILY MOVIE!!!
Unless parents are able to trust their aged 17 and older children as they enter the next transition into their lives, this is not a movie for children. Parents may find themselves having a conversation explaining the differences in reality and fiction. Others parents may find themselves further emphasizing these differences as they ground their children for seeing the film after the adolescents were asked not to.
Some individuals may find their enjoyment of Deadpool & Wolverine centered around the demeanor they take with them as they enter their experience. Other individuals may find themselves thinking that a specifically formatted experience (such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Real D 3D, 4DX, Screen X, etcetera) will elevate their experience even further. Is a specific cinematic chain’s promotion of Deadpool & Wolverine merchandise (such as AMC Theater’s popcorn buckets or chimichanga, whiskey slash and fourth wall specials at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas) the best experience possible? In reality, there is no right or wrong mannerism to experience Deadpool & Wolverine. It is a celebration of comic book characters once discovered — one emphasized by an epilogue performance from a returning Hugh Jackman. A celebration reminiscent of how one may have watched the Fox Kids television block one weekday afternoon, and witnessed through a countdown advertisement, how one is able to bring a memorable comic book character to life.
In closing, it is important to discuss one moment specifically presented in Deadpool & Wolverine. Even with a lobbying of character design, it is a presented moment that has no place within the arts or anywhere in the world for that matter. The wrong person may witness the scene play out, and be taken out of an experience designed to be an escape from the outside world — not a reminder. The moment was the usage of a blatant ablest slur. An inexcusable attempt of humor while degrading a specific group of individuals. As a society, we adapt with the changing of the world. We make our best efforts to be inclusive. Not exclusive. Though Deadpool & Wolverine is a work of fiction, we cannot go backward to a time where such behavior is presented to be thought of as okay.
It is never okay.
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3.7893585 on a scale of 5
Deadpool & Wolverine is Now Playing ONLY IN THEATERS
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