Review Roundup: Deadpool & Wolverine

The initial responses to Deadpool and Wolverine have been overwhelmingly positive, which is causing some anxiety for me.

Undoubtedly, Deadpool & Wolverine is the most highly anticipated superhero movie of 2024, and for valid reasons.

Firstly, fans can anticipate the highly anticipated comeback of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the upcoming movie, which has been promised to include a plethora of exciting surprises, including unexpected cameos and hidden Easter eggs that require quick eyes to catch.

While some fortunate fans and critics have already had the opportunity to view the film and their responses are filled with admiration, I can’t shake the feeling of unease in my stomach that the movie may not meet the high expectations set by these glowing reviews.

An Endgame Size Shoe to Fill

One of the most remarkable praises I have come across regarding Deadpool & Wolverine is that it is being called “the most significant MCU movie since Endgame.”

I apologize for exaggerating, but this is one of the most extreme statements any Marvel fan could make about a new project.

Since its debut in 2019, Avengers: Endgame has been hailed as the pinnacle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with no other show or film able to match its prestige and fame.

Comparing Deadpool and Wolverine to the top Marvel options makes me hesitant about the potential quality of this film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMT5jBWdsGo

Deadpool and Wolverine final trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMT5jBWdsGo)

As a devoted Marvel enthusiast, I consider statements like this to be significant and, due to my extensive understanding of the franchise, I am highly doubtful that this comparison can be fulfilled.

It’s disheartening to hear that, as not every project from Marvel needs to reach the level of Endgame.

The conclusion of Phase 3 marked the culmination of a carefully constructed decade-long narrative that unfolded across numerous films.

Although I am confident that Deadpool & Wolverine will have moments that will make me laugh, cry, and cheer, I have no expectations that it will be able to evoke the same emotional response that Endgame did.

Too many surprises can ruin the fun

I will make sure to hold your hand while I say this, as I understand it may be a bit controversial: an excessive amount of cameos can potentially ruin a movie or show.

While it can be enjoyable when a piece of media includes some old characters or nods to past storylines, relying too heavily on fan service can make the project feel cheap.

Regrettably, the promotional material for Deadpool & Wolverine has made it apparent that the film will be overflowing with appearances from Dafne Keen and classic X-Men characters.

Dafne Keen in Deadpool and Wolverine — Marvel

This account was verified by individuals who have viewed it, with one journalist describing the film as a “nostalgia cameo-fueled ride.”

The statement’s boldness caused a shiver to run down my spine, as relying heavily on nostalgia and cameos can make a movie difficult to rewatch.

I had the opportunity to see Spider-Man: No Way Home twice and I must say, I absolutely loved it.

During a press screening, I was filled with childlike excitement as I encountered a variety of Spider-Man villains and heroes on the same screen, something I never thought I would witness.

Upon a second viewing, it became apparent that the movie was heavily focused on these unexpected moments, resulting in a disjointed overall storyline.

Despite the high expectations for the cameos in the almost two-hour runtime, there is a possibility that even Deadpool and Wolverine could be affected by this phenomenon.

It would be unfortunate if this particular film falls victim to this pitfall, as it is one of my most highly anticipated movies of the year. I hope to not leave the cinema with the thought that I will never watch this movie again, but the early reactions have given me a sense that this may be my new reality.

I am not trying to dampen the excitement or suggest that Deadpool & Wolverine won’t be a fantastic movie. As a fan of Marvel since the inception of the universe, I always find something to appreciate in the studio’s projects, regardless of their reception from the public.

Nonetheless, I am cautious about excessively praising a movie like this as it may lead to high expectations and ultimately disappointment for some individuals, including myself, as the credits start to roll.

The highly anticipated film, Deadpool & Wolverine, will be released in theaters on July 26. We also have exclusive insights from the sneak peek event, as well as our predictions for who will be portraying Lady Deadpool.