Deadpool and Wolverine ★★★

THE 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a tough one to rate.

Deadpool and Wolverine is hugely entertaining and, as a result, has been extremely successful at the box office.

It features charismatic performances from two of cinema’s most popular stars, plenty of laughs and a swag of fan-pleasing Marvel character cameos.

But – and it’s a big but – the film is also an example of Hollywood’s worst attributes.

Stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman will of course argue that is the whole point of Deadpool, the character and film franchise that pokes fun at the world and everyone in it.

In this case that self-referential, irreverent and debasing approach extends to not just the studios behind the film, but even to Hugh Jackman’s real-life relationship with his ex-wife!

The film’s plot is really just an excuse to be able to bring together a myriad of characters from different locations and timeframes within the very loose Marvel Universe.

It also means there are absolutely no real stakes or threats for any character which means all you can do is enjoy the ride.

And there is plenty to enjoy, more so in all the visual gags involving the characters, rather than what they say, which is understandable when you realise Reynold’s character talks for the majority of the entire film.

Having said how much fun the film provides, I doubt I’ll watch it again. 

What I will watch, when we eventually get one, is a good Marvel action adventure that doesn’t rely mainly on humour, marketing and Hollywood’s willingness to eat itself.

Watched at the cinema.