Danielle Solzman
Everybody’s favorite duo, Deadpool & Wolverine, are now available to watch from the comfort of your home on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD. The film was previously available through digital retailers. At some point, it’ll be available to watch on Disney+.
What follows is my review from the theatrical release with some additional spoilers now that we can talk about it:
Deadpool & Wolverine brings Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU in style as Marvel Studios delivers the ultimate team-up of the century.
To say that the film lived up to my expectations is not an understatement. It did all that and more as it brought a smile to my face. The film more than makes up for the fact that I cannot watch the previous two Deadpool films these days. I’m going to have quite a bit to say below the film’s logo (no major spoilers here) but there is a post-credit scene. Not only that but there’s a reel paying tribute to Fox’s Marvel films that runs during the credits.
The gist of the film is that the Time Variance Authority (TVA) brings in Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) because his universe–Earth-10005–is dying. Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfayden) informs Wade that it’s because of the universe losing its anchor. None other than fan-favorite James “Logan” Howlett/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), one of the best to come out of Canada. Wade does what he does best. He hits up the multiverse to find a Logan that can save his. Cue up the montage of Wolverine variants and plenty of easter eggs to bring fans the oddest of odd couples to hit the screen in one of the best road trip movies–so to speak–of all time.
There are cameos and they are just absolutely awesome. Especially Chris Evans. I started howling. We knew some of the cameos and of course, trailers just absolutely ruin some surprises. How a number of them did not leak is beyond me. I’m all the better for it because they are some of the best parts of the film and work in service to the story. They are not in the film for some mere gimmick. I just love how they generally incorporate Deadpool into the overall MCU. Not just this but we say goodbye to the Fox characters, too. I’m happy to see Johnny Storm again. This will be a spoiler to anyone that did not see the first trailer but having some understanding of Loki is essential to the film because of both the Time Variance Authority and the Void.
I’ve had high expectations ever since Hugh Jackman announced his return as Wolverine. Following 2017’s Logan, I never thought I’d see the day. They don’t dishonor anything that happened in the film. Because of Deadpool & Wolverine‘s R-rating, we’re seeing Logan like never before and in his comics-accurate costume previously teased in X-Men. It’s hard to believe that he’s been playing the role for a quarter-century but he doesn’t miss a beat here. Sorry to disappoint any fans of The Music Man but no, Hugh Jackman does not break out into showtunes.
The classic Deadpool humor doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the meta commentary and breaking the fourth wall. I’m not sure which scenes were filmed during the writers strike and which were picked up after the fact but there’s not a joke here that misses. Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and company absolutely nail the landing. Marvel itself takes a few hits for the state it is in after Avengers: Endgame. The film probably won’t do Endgame numbers but it’ll probably be the best MCU outing in five years if I have to guess.
But still, I cannot get over the appearance of Chris Evans. I love how Deadpool immediately makes a Captain America reference! Of course, it’s a big tease but then when they go for the reveal, you have to smile. Fox tried a few times with bringing the Fantastic Four to the screen. Unfortunately, they never quite hit it off with moviegoers. Regardless, it’s nice to see their characters get closure even if not everyone is around to say goodbye.
Deadpool & Wolverine not only delivers the team-up of the century but the best Marvel film in five years.
Bonus Features (varies by retailer)
- Finding Madonna: Making the Oner – Director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds break down a historic scene in the film: the “Oner,” which highlights the first fight in which Deadpool and Wolverine finally unite.
- Practical Approach: Celebrating the Art of Ray Chan – A tribute to longtime Marvel Studios collaborator Ray Chan, who sadly passed away in 2024 – the cast and crew recall anecdotes and echo the resounding positive effects of filming on the set he helped design, full of intricate details and Easter eggs.
- Loose Ends: The Legacy Heroes – Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and the cast and crew go through some of the mind-blowing cameos and the characters who finally get their deserved endings. They cover the intensive choreographed sequences, updated costumes, and assembling the iconic team.
- Wolverine – Hugh Jackman describes the return to his iconic role as Wolverine. Cast and crew discuss how he picks up his yellow and blue suit for the first time, brings variety to the role, and continues his legacy from previous films.
- Filmmaker Commentary – Listen to audio commentary by director Shawn Levy and actor Ryan Reynolds.
- Gag Reel – Watch some hilarious outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Deadpool & Wolverine
- Deleted Scenes
- Elevator Ride – Paradox explains the sacred timeline to Deadpool as they walk around the TVA.
- Do Nothing – B-15 instructs Paradox to stay out of trouble, rejecting his efforts to take action.
- Daddy’s In Love – B-15 and Peter strike up a romance. Peter announces he is in love to his friends, Headpool and Kidpool.
- “Fun Sack”
- Dr. Deadpool – Dr. Deadpool, Ph.D. very kindly informs us of the risks of testicular cancer and tries to convince Hugh Jackman to do a live checkup.
- Product Review – Deadpool shows off some toys and trinkets from the franchise, including one top-secret item that may or may not be a spoiler.
- Wade is Back – Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman promote a movie…but Ryan misleads Hugh on just exactly which movie they are there for.
DIRECTOR: Shawn Levy
SCREENWRITERS: Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy
CAST: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen
Marvel Studios releases Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters on July 26, 2024. Grade: 5/5
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