REVIEW: Deadpool & Wolverine hits cinemas across the UK

NO SPOILERS

Real-life bromance Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have teamed up for the blockbuster of the summer. 

The third instalment of the franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine, has a running time of just over two-hours.

Admittedly, I haven't watched the first two Deadpool films in quite some time, but when I heard that Jackman would be joining the cast as Logan, better known as X-Men's Wolverine, you bet I booked my tickets.

Deadpool merchandise on offer at Odeon Wrexham Eagles Meadow (Image: Newsquest)

I visited Odeon Wrexham based in Eagles Meadow to see one of the first screenings. While it was released on Thursday, July 25 the cinema had special early previews at midnight, so I made sure to stay clear of spoilers on social media. 

As a general film, I loved it. But, as a superhero fan, I was left slightly disappointed...

Now, look. Deadpool stands out on its own, despite the superhero fatigue. The films never take themselves too seriously, and that's why they've proven to be such a hit. On the whole, it's a great addition to the franchise. But for me, it felt more like a standalone film as opposed to a committed sequel. 

Set six-years after the 2018 film, it starts with Wade Wilson living a normal civilian life, somewhat depressed, before realising that his universe is facing an existential threat and is slowly fading away. He has been given a new reason to live.

He teams up with Wolverine, recovering from his injuries in a parallel reality, to defeat a common enemy in a multiverse-hopping adventure.

I'll admit, the violence and fight scenes felt repetitive, the problem with a third go-around. Especially because, well, they cannot be killed. While well-choreographed, the action was lacking in parts. I will say that the opening sequence was my favourite being completely fun and gruesome, but tragically setting the bar a little too high. But hey, clearly the leading pair were having a ball.

I felt that the narrative was a little slow-paced to begin with. However, in true Deadpool-fashion, it was consistently and genuinely funny with its crude punchlines and for that reason alone I advise you go and watch it - especially if you enjoy the goofy side to Marvel. Which, let's face it, we all do.

As for the plot, it left me feeling 'meh' - underwhelmed with no real urgency and substance. After so much hype and anticipation, I was expecting to leave the cinema feeling truly wowed and impressed. It did, however, bring closure for the earlier Marvel eras which was satisfying to see.

On the other hand, the cheering moment cameos are brilliant - and that's coming from a non die-hard fan of the Marvel Universe. Director Shawn Levy was certainly not exaggerating when he said fans should expect "a lot" of them. For me, they were the highlight of the entire film. 

It also had far more emotionally impactful moments than I had anticipated. And it's these sincere and heartfelt scenes that tie in beautifully with the comedy.

Supervillain Emma Corrin was a delight to watch, although I wish her character had been developed even more to let the audience empathise with her throughout the film. 

Reynolds and Jackman are nothing short of excellent, and their real-life friendship allows their characters to bounce off one another really well. I appreciated the multiple 'breaking the fourth wall' elements, with Reynolds cuing the montage and telling the camera to pan up for a cool shot.

Overall, the film largely plays off. Despite the lack of tragic backstory I craved from an emotionally-complex Wolverine, the back-to-back humour truly makes up for it.

Did I think it was a necessary addition to the previous films? No. But it's certainly fun-filled and nostalgic, and both leads give a compelling performance.

I'd give it a 7/10. A must-see for Marvel and X-Men fans.