B - Background
Deadpool & Wolverine features the return of Ryan Reynolds as the "Merc with a Mouth" (Deadpool) and the highly anticipated comeback of Hugh Jackman to the role of Wolverine. Now, I freely confess that have not seen Deadpool 1 or 2 because frankly, I don't care for Deadpool. Even when I was reading comics regularly as a non-Christian, some of the story lines featured therein made me uncomfortable. The casual killing (Deadpool is a pscychopath!) and the hyper sexualization of characters (including incest) just didn't appeal to me. And after reading reviews for the first two films, they simply seemed to follow suit. Some have even celebrated the films because they have brought the Deadpool of the comics to life.1 Which is great for Deadpool fans, but I am not one!
So, why see this one? Honestly, it is for multiple reasons. First, I have been wanting to write movie reviews for quite awhile on Truthbomb to offer a Christian perspective on both old and new films. Obviously, Deadpool & Wolverine is going to be a film that many are talking about so I thought this would be a good opportunity. Second, I have benefited for years from Christian movie reviews like those offered at Plugged In so I wanted to contribute my own perspective. My final reasons are admittedly less noble. I confess that I have a vested interest in the MCU and the return of Hugh Jackman. Further, the widely reported plethora of cameos of both old and new characters is appealing. One could easily judge that I am using this review as an excuse to see the film (and you might be partially correct), but I hope what I share from my experience will be beneficial to those who want to be able to talk about the movie from a Christian Worldview perspective. So, let's get to the movie, Bub...
So, why see this one? Honestly, it is for multiple reasons. First, I have been wanting to write movie reviews for quite awhile on Truthbomb to offer a Christian perspective on both old and new films. Obviously, Deadpool & Wolverine is going to be a film that many are talking about so I thought this would be a good opportunity. Second, I have benefited for years from Christian movie reviews like those offered at Plugged In so I wanted to contribute my own perspective. My final reasons are admittedly less noble. I confess that I have a vested interest in the MCU and the return of Hugh Jackman. Further, the widely reported plethora of cameos of both old and new characters is appealing. One could easily judge that I am using this review as an excuse to see the film (and you might be partially correct), but I hope what I share from my experience will be beneficial to those who want to be able to talk about the movie from a Christian Worldview perspective. So, let's get to the movie, Bub...
O - Overview
In the beginning of the film, we find that Wade Wilson (Deadpool) is in a bit of an existential crisis. After failing to be recruited by the Avengers, he has left his Deadpool persona behind. He is doing his best to work a 9-5 job as a car salesmen, but events occur that force him to don the red tights once again and go on a quest to find a Wolverine that can help him save his timeline2 from doom.3 This allows Deadpool to interact with numerous Wolverine's from various timelines (largely played by Hugh Jackman) until he finds one suited for the job. Together, they find them themselves involuntarily dispatched to the void where they must battle their way back to Deadpool's timeline to save it. This results in a fun, over the top adventure with numerous cameos from 20th Century Fox's Marvel films and the current MCU, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
M - Matters of Praise and Concern
M - Matters of Praise and Concern
Deadpool & Wolverine is a highly entertaining film that does a good job of introducing Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU while putting a bow on 20th Century Fox's Marvel films. Ryan Reynolds seems born to play the role of Deadpool, and to my surprise, the Deadpool of the MCU is much more heroic than the Deadpool I remember reading about in the comics. Although extremely vulgar and misguided, Wade desires to protect those he loves and is even willing to sacrifice himself to do so.
It is also difficult to consider Hugh Jackman's return to the role of Wolverine as anything other than a triumph. We finally see him adorned in his comic accurate yellow and blue suit that comic fans have been wanting to see for years. Furthermore, much like in the comics, this Logan is a cynical loner who has left his world behind. This invites the audience to follow him on his journey and in hopes that he'll return to the role of beloved X-man.4
It is also difficult to consider Hugh Jackman's return to the role of Wolverine as anything other than a triumph. We finally see him adorned in his comic accurate yellow and blue suit that comic fans have been wanting to see for years. Furthermore, much like in the comics, this Logan is a cynical loner who has left his world behind. This invites the audience to follow him on his journey and in hopes that he'll return to the role of beloved X-man.4
Aside from the excellent performances of Reynolds and Jackman, the film is also extremely funny and self-aware. Those familiar with Deadpool know that he is infamous for breaking the fourth wall and this is done with regularity throughout the film. And while this reviewer typically doesn't like fourth wall breaking, it seems Deadpool consistently makes it work. The fight scenes in this film (although very violent) are also well done, but the body counts are high. Finally, the supporting cast offers, as mentioned, numerous cameos that are fun and mostly meaningful.
With all this being said, the problems with the film are many. Quite frankly, Deadpool is obsessed with sexual jokes of all kinds. Reviewer Emily Tsiao summarizes this fact as follows:
"Deadpool & Wolverine shamelessly embraces a nonstop stream of raunchy, ribald and sexually suggestive humor, the likes of which Disney has never seen. These jokes include references to child predators, STDs, same-sex encounters, all forms of sex and crass descriptions of human anatomical features. Over and over and over again."5
This reviewer can confirm that this assessment is spot on.
Moreover, the profanity throughout the movie is heavy. Much has been made of this film being the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first R rated feature and it certainly lives up to that billing. F-bombs are constantly dropped and the Lord's name is abused liberally throughout.
Moreover, the profanity throughout the movie is heavy. Much has been made of this film being the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first R rated feature and it certainly lives up to that billing. F-bombs are constantly dropped and the Lord's name is abused liberally throughout.
As I mentioned above, the movie is quite violent. Although I freely confess that I enjoyed the fight scenes, viewers who are squeamish about flying limbs and splattering blood should avoid this film.
There are also some scenes that feature one of the main characters putting their hands into people's heads and her fingers coming out of their mouths, eye sockets and faces. No blood or gore is shown, but this could trouble some viewers.
B- Bottomline
One of the things I have enjoyed most about the MCU is watching it with my family. For years, in my household, we have often quoted Marvel films. We rose out of our seats when Cap caught Mjölnir. We cried when Tony died and Steve finally got his "last dance" with Peggy. We cheered together when Tobey and Andrew walked through the portals. And although Deadpool &Wolverine does feature some surprisingly moving moments, this is not a film I would ever want to watch with my wife or daughters. And one may respond, "It wasn't supposed to be." And that would be fair enough. However, I don't think it had to be that way. I recall when Wolverine went all "berserker rage" on those breaking into the X mansion in "X2: X-men United." He was a force to be reckoned with and I didn't feel I was getting a water downed version of Logan. I actually remember thinking, "Now THAT is Wolverine." Yet no limbs flew and no F-bombs were dropped. Further, Deadpool can be done in such way that he could easily be included in the PG-13 MCU while still honoring his sense of humor. This has been done in animated features, comics and even with "Once Upon a Deadpool."6
I realize as I write these words, I am in the minority. Deadpool & Wolverine is currently the #1 movie in the world and it isn't hard to see why. I freely confess that it is wildly entertaining and funny. But it leaves me wondering, "Did it have to be so vulgar and violent to be successful?"
Even with all the vulgarity and perverseness, Deadpool & Wolverine can't get away from the ultimate story - the Christian story. Deadpool proclaims that he is "Marvel Jesus" who's mission is to not only save his timeline, but it is hinted at that he needs to save the MCU as well.7 He even proclaims, after returning from a near death event, "He has risen!" These comments can be used to discuss the gospel with unbelievers. Here, we find clear allusions to Jesus sacrificing Himself to save humanity and His resurrection from the dead. As H. Michael Brewer writes in his book Who Needs a Superhero?:
“If half the world’s stories are about good overcoming evil, the other half are love stories. Both themes meet in the crucifixion. God purposely chose a means of salvation that would reveal the depths of God’s love for us. The cross is His way of saying, 'Look how much I love you! See how much you matter to me…no price is too high to pay for you, not even the death of my own Son.'”8
“If half the world’s stories are about good overcoming evil, the other half are love stories. Both themes meet in the crucifixion. God purposely chose a means of salvation that would reveal the depths of God’s love for us. The cross is His way of saying, 'Look how much I love you! See how much you matter to me…no price is too high to pay for you, not even the death of my own Son.'”8
And indeed we see the themes of good overcoming evil and love meet when Deadpool must decide whether or not to sacrifice himself to save the people he loves.
Ironically, it seems even the "Merc with a Mouth" cannot avoid Jesus - "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends" (Mark 15:13).
Courage and Godspeed,
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Footnote:
1. I actually was disappointed when Disney decided to bring the R-rated version Deadpool into the MCU because I think the character can actually be very humorous and maintain his "anti-hero" aura without all the vulgarity. For an example of this, check out the animated feature "Hulk vs. Wolverine."
2. The movie leans heavily on the TVA and the sacred timeline established in the Loki show.
3. Here, I don't mean Robert Downey Jr,, but actual destruction!
4. It should be noted that Jackman's Wolverine in this film follows the Wolverine from the "Logan" film. He is much more vulgar and uses the F-word liberally.
4. It should be noted that Jackman's Wolverine in this film follows the Wolverine from the "Logan" film. He is much more vulgar and uses the F-word liberally.
5. Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine, Emily Tsiao, PluggedIn.
6. This is a PG-13 version of Deadpool 2.
6. This is a PG-13 version of Deadpool 2.
7. Deadpool hilariously roasts the MCU for some of its failed projects and over use of the multiverse concept.
8. H. Michael Brewer, Who Needs a Superhero?, p. 200.
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