Greetings again from the darkness. The secret sauce for movies based on comic books and superheroes has always seemed pretty obvious … give the hardcore fans what they want. Somewhere along the way, the industry shifted its focus from entertainment to pushing the boundaries of technology. The result was a (many) years long stream of visual extravagance with little heart and soul. Writer-director Shawn Levy and co-writers Rhett Reese, Ryan Reynolds, Zeb Wells, and Paul Wernick have managed to right the wrong and put things back on track. Of course, Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox and the Marvel Universe slowed down development, but they have finally capitalized on two fan-favorite characters developed by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza … Deadpool and Wolverine.
Billed as a ‘threequel’, this follows the 2016 and 2018 Deadpool movies that vaulted Ryan Reynolds to superstardom. His quick and colorful banter and wit were perfect complements to his physical gifts. When Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine first shared the screen in X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE in 2009, the spark between the two was clear. Here we are 15 years later, and the two characters share an entire film – and the real life friendship between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is well-documented.
This is not the place to come for spoilers or a recap of the story. No, that place would be the theater. What I will say is that it’s very impressive how the filmmakers get both Deadpool and Wolverine/Logan back in the saddle, while at the same time paying homage to the past. The tributes begin even as the movie starts with a new montage reminding us of those who have built the MCU. Additionally, the re-introduction of Wade Wilson’s circle (Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, etc), is remarkably simple, yet effective … and of course, Blind Al (the great Leslie Uggams) is especially fun. However, what’s most impressive and ingenious is the manner in which Deadpool tracks down Wolverine/Logan, one who was unmistakably dead at the end of LOGAN (2017).
Together they are to save Wilson’s world … and perhaps other worlds as well. This danger occurs due to Mr Paradox (an over-the-top Matthew MacFadyen) working at the direction of Time Variance Authority. It’s really not too complicated, which is why this works. Even those of us who don’t spend hours pouring over comic books will follow the story and understand how Cassandra Nova (an excellent Emma Corrin) is the key onscreen antagonist, although it must be noted that this genre demands surprises and director Levy does not disappoint. Whether it’s Rob Delaney, twists on the Deadpool character, the Wolverine cowl, or enough F-bombs to challenge a Tarantino movie, this first R-rated Marvel film is packed with aha moments. And yes, Jackman flashes his stunning physique and the slew of cameos are sure to satisfy.
World class zingers are delivered with charm (or Logan’s trademark grumpiness), and the laughs are many, though they work well with the heart and soul of what is not just a ‘save the world’ flick, but also a terrific buddy film. The two cautions I’ll offer here: it’s definitely a hard “R” and make sure you stay for the closing credits for a bit of nostalgia.
Opens in theaters on July 26, 2024
Posted by David Ferguson
Greetings again from the darkness. Discovering a new band that plays the kind of music you love is exhilarating. But what if that band has been around for years? And what if the bands you listen to were heavily influenced by this mystery band … and may have even sampled their work in songs? Tim MacKenzie-Smith profiles “the greatest band you’ve never heard of” with this documentary on the 1970’s British funk band, Cymande.
Greetings again from the darkness. Those that have lived through one often describe it as sounding like the roar of a freight train. Of course, they are referring to a devastating tornado … or “twister”. Oscar nominated director Lee Isaac Chung (MINARI, 2020) and writers Mark L Smith and Joseph Kosinski take on the follow up to Jan de Bont’s fan favorite TWISTER (1996). The earlier film featured a screenplay from renowned writer (the late) Michael Crichton and his then-wife Anne-Marie Martin, and the cast included the late Bill Paxton, the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Cary Elwes, and Lois Smith. In that one, we learned Aunt Meg’s gravy is a food group, and are left with the memorable line, “We got cows”.
Greetings again from the darkness. For me, the best horror movies aren’t a factor of jump-scare after jump-scare, but rather of the level of lingering unease and ominous atmospheric dread they generate. Writer-director Damian McCarthy has accomplished just such a movie with his second feature film. Oddly enough, ODDITY could be described as a murder mystery cloaked in supernatural horror, yet I believe most horror fans will welcome this one from the edge of their seat.
Greetings again from the darkness. Ten years ago, no one would have thought twice about a preacher traveling to a remote island with the given mission of converting souls – both indigenous and British – to Christianity. But much has changed in those 10 years, and writer-director Lee Tamahori (hit and miss with NEXT, 2007; DIE ANOTHER DAY, 2002; ALONG CAME A SPIDER, 2001; THE EDGE, 1997) and co-writers Michael Bennett and Shane Danielson take head-on on the “white savior” backlash that’s surely coming their way (not from me).
Greetings again from the darkness. Creativity is such an intangible topic … so esoteric in nature that those most driven by it are likely misunderstood by everyone else. The second feature film from writer-director Nicole Riegel (HOLLER, 2020) focuses on a talented, yet frustrated troubadour living in Cincinnati.
Greetings again from the darkness. In the twisted nature of many humans, there is a need for heroes and a corresponding sense of satisfaction as those heroes are knocked from their pedestal of idolization. Louis C.K. may not have been a hero, but as a comedy genius, he had reached the pinnacle of his profession while building a massive fan base. It may seem that five brave women knocked him from the proverbial pedestal, but the truth is … his own arrogance and behavior did so.
Greetings again from the darkness. We have accepted that a bartender can get elected as a United States Senator, and writer-director Liz W Garcia would have us believe a bartender may also become an astronaut … but only after submitting a fraudulent application with details, accomplishments, and references that NASA wouldn’t bother verifying until after admission into the program.
Greetings again from the darkness. “MY DINNER WITH ANDRE in a NYC taxi cab.” That’s my description of writer-director Christy Hall’s first feature film. Of course, that’s an over-simplification, as her film deals with gender roles, socio-economic topics, and a big ol’ dose of emotional baggage. It’s what’s known in the business as a two-hander. We have two characters and one setting and a whole bunch of talking. Casting being crucial here, filmmaker Hall did choose wisely with Dakota Johnson and two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn.
Greetings again from the darkness. A missing person story takes on additional weight when it involves a Native American, and this story from writer-director Erica Tremblay (“Dark Winds”) and co-writer Miciana Alise show us how culture and traditions remain vital to the family ties indigenous people struggle to maintain in the face of institutional hurdles.