Deadpool and Wolverine

 

Standard non comic book reader disclaimer applies for the following. 

After what seems like an eternity, Deadpool and Wolverine has FINALLY hit theaters. 

To say that I’ve been looking forward to this one is a bit of an understatement.  For maximum viewing enjoyment I purposely avoided watching or reading anything about the film to avoid spoilers, to the point of even limiting my trailer watching to the original teaser and last trailer.  Even with that I did see headlines from real critics and review sites decrying the film as trash. Not gonna lie, that made me quite anxious, and I thought about bailing on the movie. Nervously, I went anyway and all I can say is...damn!

For me there were a couple of scenes were the pacing dragged and I’m certainly feeling some kind of way about the Cassandra Nova character (I do thank my niece for filling in some key point(s) with that character), but I do declare my overall feeling is YES! It has been too long since a highly anticipated movie delivered the goods like Deadpool and Wolverine.

Apologies for any incoherence as I continue, but I really don’t want to spoil any of the joy to be had seeing this film.

Despite Deadpool and Wolverine writer’s/actor’s strike, superhero fatigue, and whatever else people are complaining about has accomplished what has been lacking in so many films, especially the ‘big” ones of late.  A well-balanced, strong script chock-full of wit, humor, heart, action, three dimensional characters, character development and drama. An absolutely killer soundtrack.  Well placed, surprising cameos that actually elevate the film.  Off the charts meta quotient. Purely chef’s kiss jabs and commentary.  Irreverent sass. Original actors from over a 24 year plus period once again bringing their characters back to the screen as well as new characters we'd like to see. Killer costumes. Action and fight sequences that are worth the wait. Hugh Jackman donning the claws once again and not missing a beat. OMG. Squee! I can go on and on. Believe me I want to, but you’d be better off just seeing the film for yourself.

Does Deadpool and Wolverine pander? Yes. Yes, it does, and I couldn't be happier. It's done in the best, most enjoyable way possible.  D&W is the now rare event movie where the excitement and anticipation are there before, during, and is sustained throughout the film. I was in a packed theater and the “shared experience” vibe was perfect. The entire audience was engaged. We all laughed, ooh and ahh-ed, exclaimed, pointed, cheered, clapped and marveled.  

Deadpool and Wolverine definitely needs to be seen on the big screen. I do, however, warn those of you with kids. This being an R-rated film the theater I went to was stringently enforcing the must be accompanied by parent or guardian rule so keep that in mind. Also, yes, you do need to stay through the entire end credits.  

I really want to see this one again and will be adding it to my person film library when possible.

Deadpool and Wolverine slaps hard, like a Honda Odyssey. It’s a 10 from me.

#DeadpoolandWolverine

Despicable Me 4

 

It’s too friggin’ hot to think so, getting down to tacks of brass for this one.

I’m a fan of the franchise and absolutely love the Minions so I was very excited to see this one. Having braved the 111-degree temps to get to the theater to watch Despicable Me 4 I was left sweaty and with the overall feeling of, “meh.” 

DM4 has its moments: the gas station scene, the pit crew minions, the final prison scene for instance, but overall, the film is flat.  Definite “pockets” of interest over the hour thirty-five-minute runtime, but they’re inconsistent at best. All of this makes the pacing slow as you wait for the interesting tidbits you get here and there in between the dull parts. I’d say maybe it was a “me” thing, but even the kids in the audience weren’t engaged and showed signs of boredom and listlessness throughout the movie.

There’s are multiple plots and themes that are or at least would be interesting except they are underdeveloped, and I was left feeling cheated with each as a result. The lack of focus, story, and character development made for a bland viewing experience.

Once again, here’s another movie where the villain isn’t really worthy of being considered a villain. A weak and forgettable antagonist. New and old characters alike are pretty much glossed over, lacking motivation and interest. A fact that hits the Gru family hard. The premise isn’t leaned into enough to spark much interest into their plight, so you basically don’t care about them.  

The bulk of the entertainment generated watching Despicable Me 4 comes in the form of the minions. Even more so than in the other films. However, that’s not enough. The been there seen that and lack of inspiration keeps even the minions and their antics from be able to save this film completely.  

Once again Pharrell Williams delivers another soundtrack that will bring a smile to your face and have you singing along. Good animation although I do wonder who Sofía Vergara ticked off to have her character look that way. 

Yikes. Scary.

For my time and money Despicable Me 4 is the weakest film in the franchise to date. It’s not horrible, but it’s definitely lacking and a disappointment for me. The few sprinkles of characterization, humor, relatability, and creativity aren’t enough to save this film from being a so-so movie experience easily enjoyed in the comfort of your own home down the line. 

For me, Despicable Me 4 wasn’t worth the effort of actually going to the theater to see, especially not in this heat.

Despicable Me 4 gets a 5.5 from me.

#DespicableMe4