The largest, and without a doubt most anticipated, cinematic event of the year has finally arrived. And for the first time ever, audience are treat to seeing two of the most iconic comic book characters of all time on screen together - Wade Wilson & Logan, more informally known as Deadpool & Wolverine.
Seeing these two fan favourite heroes on screen together has been fantasised by comic book movie lovers around the world ever since we witnessed the first live-action solo production for the character of Deadpool back in 2016.
Throughout the first two instalments of the Deadpool trilogy, Wolverine's potential future involvement had been heavily teased a handful of times. From being acknowledged in the first scene of 'Deadpool' when referred to as the man who's balls Wilson had to twist in order to receive his own solo movie, all the way to seeing his dramatic death scene from 'Logan' reincarnated into the form of an interactive doll in the opening sequence of the sequel it goes without saying that both Wade Wilson and Ryan Reynolds had been dreaming of this team up for quite some time.
But not only is this the long-awaited reuniting of Deadpool & Wolverine on the big screen, it is just as much the long-awaited reuniting of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on the big screen. Two performers who are just as loved by audience members as their iconic characters are, so much to the point where it has famously become difficult to deter the differences between the actors when they are in character and when they are not (okay, maybe just for Ryan in this case).
Not only does this film involve the reincarnation of Wolverine following his famous on-screen death back in 2017 with 'Logan', but this film also marks the introduction of Deadpool & Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Now from the outside looking in, this could be seen as a bit of a headache for die-hard comic book fans who admire standards the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built up for itself over the past 16 years. And given the fact that the character of Deadpool has been known for breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience every now and then throughout the first two instalments of his trilogy, it wouldn't come as a shock to see some MCU fans politely shaking their head and saying 'No thanks' to the idea of Wade Wilson crossing over into the world of Disney and Marvel.
However, although this film is now officially the 34th cinematic production within the MCU, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' still deserves to be reserved on it's own bookshelf in the library, as the contents within are incomparable to it's brothers and sisters within the cinematic universe. For example, if Wade Wilson was to show up during the events of 'Captain America: Civil War', were not so sure Steve Rogers and Tony Stark would appreciate the constant breaking of the fourth wall.
One thing that will enhance the chances of this film being eternally remembered is the heavy usage of cameos throughout. Walking into the theatre, it wouldn't be too presumptuous to expect to see the odd cameo or reference to other comic book movies here and there, but the number of bones that the audience are thrown from the first minute to the last make the movie-viewing experience all the more enjoyable.
Although the faces of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are the ones putting bottoms into cinema seats, a special mention must go out to British actress Emma Corrin for her impressive first live-action portrayal of Cassandra Nova, evil twin sister of Charles Xavier. Corrin does an exceptional job of creating an intense and somewhat frightening villain that certainly goes toe-to-toe with two legends of the comic book movie genre in the shape of Reynolds and Jackman.
And finally, if you thought the first two Deadpool instalments were funny, be prepared for your abdominal muscles to receive the best workout of their lives post viewing this movie as it is far and away the most hilarious of the bunch. Reynolds is at his comedic best, and the dynamic between him and Jackman and the jokes they serve one another is nothing short of unmissable.
This film will take your emotions and smear them all over a canvas for precisely 127 minutes, one minute you'll be dying of laughter, the next you'll be wiping the tears from your face. And when it's all over, you'll find yourself singing your heart out to Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' on full volume on the car journey home.
PrimeTime Films Score: B+
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