Deadpool, as portrayed by the irresistible Ryan Reynolds (even beneath burn make-up and a bad toupee, literally stapled to his head), is the Marvel Comics Universe superhero for people who loathe MCU superheroes. His suggestive homoerotic patter is as hilarious as it is filthy (just wait for the "get out the special sock" line).
Deadpool's true superpower is his sharp tongue, and his attacks on movie studios and other pop culture phenomena are on full display in "Deadpool & Wolverine" (20th Century), the third installment in the popular series.
A retired Deadpool (Reynolds) is living his best worst life as Wade Wilson. He's a car salesman with a coke-addicted, foul-mouthed, visually challenged roommate named Blind Al (a flawless Leslie Uggams).
His one true love, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin, whose resemblance to Ashley Judd and Gal Gadot is uncanny), has moved on without him. But that meh life changes when, at his surprise birthday party, he is visited by TVA (Time Variance Authority) police and transported to the HQ of rogue agent Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen). Paradox has typical villain universe-destroying plans involving something called a Time Ripper.
Suited up again as Deadpool, on a mission to prevent the coming apocalypse, he seeks out Logan (Hugh Jackman) aka Wolverine as his cohort. Once Deadpool finds Wolverine, it takes some convincing, rehabilitation and some of the old ultraviolence to get him to commit.
Before they even have chance to insult or pulverize each other again, they are whisked into the uber-powerful clutches of Cassandra Nova (queer actor Emma Corrin), twin sister of Charles Xavier, the late X-Men mutant legend. Drawn-out fight scenes, delightful cameos and reunions, and a seemingly endless stream of hilarious and exhilarating moments, all combine to make "Deadpool & Wolverine" this summer's blockbuster to beat (to a pulp).
Reynolds, who also gets writing credit (as he did on "Deadpool 2"), completely outshines Jackman. For example, the addition of the long-haired, sexy, and very Canadian Nicepool (also Reynolds), and his unique canine Dogpool, gives the actor the chance to stretch and show off his comedy muscles.
The epic and over-the-top special effects deserve to be seen in IMAX, at least the first time. When you see it for a second (or third) time (because you will need to so you may catch all the zingers and visuals) seeing it on a regular screen shouldn't diminish the impact.
Regarding what sounds like a perceived backlash, courtesy of a pair of youngish writers at Out, Vox, and elsewhere, who are probably addicted to trigger warnings, it feels like much ado about nada. The character of Deadpool is comfortable in his queer (and scarred) skin. The sexual innuendos he spouts are about camp, not copulation. He's the pansexual poster-boy, who is still in love with his ex, Vanessa. Rating: B+
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