The Deadpool movies have garnered a massive following due to their unique blend of irreverent humor, high-octane action and a charismatic antihero who breaks all the rules. Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool is pitch-perfect, delivering rapid-fire quips and meta-references that keep audiences laughing from start to finish. The films balance this humor with intense, well-choreographed action sequences that showcase Deadpool’s abilities in brutal and creative ways. Additionally, the movies’ willingness to poke fun at superhero tropes and their self-awareness resonate with fans tired of more formulaic approaches. This fresh take on the superhero genre makes the Deadpool movies both hilarious and highly entertaining.

Deadpool & Wolverine marks the third entry in the series and the first time Deadpool brings his brand of raunchy action into the Disney MCU. This time, Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) discovers that his timeline is set to be erased by a rogue TVA member named Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen). To save it, Deadpool steals a TVA timeline tool and searches for a replacement Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to become the anchor being. However, Paradox has no intention of saving the timeline and banishes Deadpool and Wolverine to the Void, a wasteland for unneeded and unwanted individuals.

There, they meet several other heroes and unite to take down Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), the lost sister of Professor X, who rules the Void and holds the key to returning to their timeline.

Let me address the only complaint I have about Deadpool & Wolverine right away. From a storyline perspective, the plot is quite confusing. If an anchor being dies of natural causes, does that mean all timelines are doomed to deteriorate and die? Does this include the all-important “sacred timeline” mentioned in nearly every MCU entry since Endgame?

Additionally, even if you can enter another timeline and bring in a variant anchor being, does that truly resolve the issue? What if the being you bring in is the anchor for the timeline you took them from? When you really think about it, Deadpool & Wolverine fails miserably at explaining the ramifications of the choices made throughout the film.

But honestly, the story feels unimportant to the energy of the film. Audiences have been waiting to see Hugh Jackman return to the role of Wolverine, and Ryan Reynolds has made Deadpool one of the best comic book characters in cinema history. Their chemistry is so good together, it’s pure gold. So why did this pairing take so long to happen?

During its two-hour runtime, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers non-stop action and laughs from start to finish. Upon my first screening, I laughed so hard that I was sore the next day. Nothing is safe from the relentless barrage of jokes, including numerous condescending remarks about Disney and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These hilarious interludes echo much of the criticism Disney has faced from comic book fans for years, suggesting that perhaps the executives are finally paying attention. The fight scenes are choreographed spectacularly, blending intense action with Deadpool’s signature humor, even in the bloodiest moments. This combination of sharp wit, self-aware commentary and thrilling action makes this a must-watch for fans of both characters and the broader MCU.

Deadpool & Wolverine is a perfect five-out-of-five-star movie. In many cases, a plot that falls apart under scrutiny would be a fatal flaw, but this film compensates with an abundance of fan service. While it doesn’t entirely redeem the recent string of lackluster MCU entries, it serves as a much-needed palate cleanser. The return of Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers hints that the MCU is striving to get back on track with blockbuster hits.

Although Deadpool & Wolverine may not stand the test of time due to its reliance on cultural and timely jokes, it injects a breath of fresh air into a franchise that has felt stale. Despite its imperfections, it has the potential to be one of the best movies of 2024, thanks to its relentless humor, thrilling action and nostalgic nods to long-time fans.