Obviously, as the film reviewer for In Focus-Magazine.com, I see a lot of films. And after seeing many of them, I sit down and write a review, giving some details, plot points, things I loved or hated, to encourage or deter you from seeing the movie. However, with Deadpool & Wolverine, I'm going to be as vague as humanly possible in divulging details so that you can get your own maximum delight from this crazy explosion of cinematic insanity. It's really that entertaining and I just don't want to ruin the surprises.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are reprising their iconic roles as Deadpool and Wolverine. If you're familiar with the MCU at all, you may be wondering how in the world Wolverine is now alive. Well, I'm not going to tell you. The film does NOT begin with a live Logan.  Something terrible has happened to Wolverine and his universe. And something equally horrible may be just around the corner for Deadpool and his friends.

Suffice it to say that in this film, there are many Deadpools and multiple Wolverines, of varying ages, heights, genders and number of feet. Reynold's Wade Wilson is still the sarcastic loudmouth who enjoys speaking whatever pops into his mind, completely unfiltered, just to get a rise out of his target. Jackman's Logan is almost always brooding, deep in his cups, wearing  his sorrow and guilt like a cloak. Yet these two must somehow join forces to defeat a common enemy named Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who rules over The Void and her would-be associate in the 'real' world, Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), who really is a paradox. One can't tell for which side he's playing, but he's gotten his hands on something called The Time Ripper. And who is this Cassandra and how does she fit into the MCU? Never gonna give that up.

What I must tell you is that the opening sequence is guaranteed to plaster a smile right on your face, one I double dog dare you to erase. The writing, again credited to Deadpool team of Reynolds, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, comes at you in triple staccato jabs, down to choreographing the dialog to match the poptune soundtrack.  The jokes are so multilayered throughout that while you're laughing, two of them just blew past you. Reynolds is continually, and intentionally, breaking the 'third wall', and the audience lapped it up.

In one scene, we're treated to a more sedate Wilson pleading with someone from the MCU office to let him be an Avenger. Purposely placed around the office are some extra-special not-to-be missed knick-knacks on the office manager's shelves. Wilson is told nope, not happening, no Avenging for him - he just doesn't have the right stuff. 

He gets depressed. He lockers up his superhero costume and takes a job selling used cars. And then, at a surprise birthday party, he gets sucked into a time accelerant plot to destroy the universe. Just roll with it, it's best not to explain here. After which he's launched into a journey to find the one man, or I should say, one Avenger, who can possibly help him save his world – Wolverine!

The two of them, definitely NOT friends from the get-go, spend a good deal of time trying to one-up each other even when they learn the secret contained in The Void. Gags about The Music Man, Mad Max, Disney, 20^th Century Fox, cocaine, superhero suits and so much, much more, fill up the film, which absolutely flies by. “You'll be doing this till you're 90”. No, I'm NOT going to explain that quote. Is there stunt casting and special guests? Most definitely.

Leslie Uggams, as Blind Al, is back and is in top form, a flirty, potty-mouthed riot, stealing many of the scenes right out from under Ryan Reynolds.  Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), the woman who means everything to Wade, is also on board. 

So many MCU nods go by in a blink, including the requisite homage to Stan Lee. This time, keep your eyes peeled for a bus with a placard advertising some sort of cleaning device called a “StanLee Steamer – Grime Fighter”.

Do D&W save the Universe? My lips are sealed. But D&W can, and certainly will, help save the 2024 summer box office.

Lisa Blanck is the Associate Editor / Movie Reviewer for In Focus-Magazine.com and is a member of the Critics Association of Central Florida.  Her background includes 30+ years of digital editing for NBC and CBS News affiliates.  She also edits national promotional spots for Matter Of Fact, the #1 nationally syndicated news & information program.  For 30+ years she has covered the Florida Film Festival & the World Peace Film Festival, and has additional award-winning experience in advertising, marketing, promotions and live special events with MTV Networks.