Anything is possible, and it works
Nonika Singh
X-men buffs know too well that Logan, aka Wolverine, died in the 2017 film ‘Logan’. So, how do you bring him back to life without ‘dishonouring his memory’? Heavy words for a ‘Deadpool’ film, which thrives on irreverent humour, where even words like necrophilia take a funny twist. The very first few scenes, with Deadpool talking to the skeleton of Logan he has just dug out, establish the madcap tone of ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’. Mark the words: “There’s nothing that will bring me back faster than a big bag of Marvel cash.” In line with the earlier ‘Deadpool’ outings, the humour is spot-on and insolent.
If Deadpool/Wade Wilson spells madness, he and Wolverine/Logan are a deadly combination, and Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman a magical one. A blabbering mouth, which we all know Ryan as Wade is, and the quietly strong Hugh as Logan, with sardonic witticism his strong suit, are a perfect foil to each other. Coming back to the original problem, how do you make Logan live again, after we have all bid him a teary-eyed adieu in ‘Logan’?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe of many verses, anything and everything is possible. Still, for the sake of a plot and not credulity, mind you, there is a Time Variance Authority. Deadpool is summoned by Paradox, who promises to fulfil his ultimate wish, to make him part of the coveted Avengers, provided he is ready to toe his timeline. Some mumbo jumbo about Logan as ‘anchor being’ and obliteration of the world and we are transported to this mishmash of different cinematic universes, which is as crazy as fun. Before we can say the plot thickens, action begins.
Deadpool takes out the ‘worst of all Logans’ to ensure his timeline survives. In the process, we also get to see many versions of Logan. What ensues all through is a volley of jokes and rib-tickling one-liners. Many jibes are directed at the industry and studios too, a majority of which land, provided you are clued in to the X-men and Deadpool world. But even if you are not, lines like a “man with forks for hands”, used to describe Wolverine, are likely to tickle your funny bone.
Not to say that the Shawn Levy directorial is a long litany of gags alone. Action, too, is paramount in this crossover of different worlds as this odd team of two ends up in Void ruled by Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). She is the twin sister of Charles Xavier of the X-men series, the founder of the mutant strike force. Cassandra can dig her fingers into people’s heads to extract information and possesses lethal powers otherwise.
The real action is reserved for later when the titular players regroup with a battery of other characters from other movies. Laura from ‘Logan’, Elektra from ‘Daredevil’, Eric Brooks from the ‘Blade’ film trilogy and many more, one could say it’s a crowd out there. But fan service never did fail and always induces mirth and whistle-worthy moments, especially when there is the handsome Chris Evans as Johnny Storm too.
Those of you who don’t believe in ‘what’s in a face’ and are missing the actual good looks of the ‘sexiest man alive’, Ryan Reynolds, take heart. No, the film doesn’t restore his disfigured face, which followers of the ‘Deadpool’ franchise know too well was burnt. But since we are dealing with multiple verses, in one of his avatars, he is at his handsomest best.
Apart from uttering those cheeky lines with panache, Ryan, also one of the co-producers, can take a bow for being part of the writing team (Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells and Shawn Lewy). Words rarely feel more light-hearted and pointed at the same time.
A small window alludes to a Wade and Thor union in future outings. But, for now, how the film climaxes needs no elucidation. For, your ‘educated wish’ is as good as ours. The world will be saved, Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, will matter and Logan might live up to 90 in this new world.
Even if fan service might be a bit excessive, cropping up very other moment, fans are not going to be disappointed as they traverse through a rollercoaster of comedy and action.
