You know times have changed when Deadpool is considered a Disney character on “Dancing with the Stars.”
But that’s what transpired Tuesday, when Danny Amendola stepped out for his take on “Bye, Bye, Bye” from the summer moneymaker, “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
Filled with plenty of the hand-biting Ryan Reynolds is known for, “Deadpool and Wolverine” (now on DVD) strikes a blow for all those lesser superheroes and isn’t afraid to knock the competition.
When one of those “guests” says something entirely unintelligible, Deadpool asks, “Who is your dialect coach? The Minions?”
He comments on the D.C. crowd, too, and encourages one of those cameos that should keep fans talking until the next “Superman” film arrives.
If superheroes could moderate presidential debates, Deadpool would be our choice.
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Ryan Reynolds in a scene from "Deadpool & Wolverine."
The story – like most superhero outings – is full of nonsense. Deadpool digs up Wolverine (a game Hugh Jackman) and, together, they take on Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) the twin sister of X-Men’s leader Charles Xavier. They’re all pulled into a timeline drama that could put an end to Deadpool’s tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Because it’s filled with alternate worlds, there are multiple Deadpools and Wolverines. There are also those underused superheroes who get a shot at redemption just by helping the unlikely heroes complete their mission.
Directed by Shawn Levy (who clearly gets Reynolds’ sense of humor), “Deadpool and Wolverine” has running commentary (not unlike a director’s cut) that doesn’t save anyone. “Death by day player,” Deadpool offers early on, and it never lets up.
While Jackman plays Dean Martin to Reynolds’ Jerry Lewis, he also gets a chance to scar the hand that fed him. He gets slow-mo walks, too, and a chance to silence Deadpool, if ever so briefly.
When the film looks like it’s headed for one of those unending battles, Deadpool addresses the obvious and promises it won’t linger. He attaches credits clips, too, but doesn’t preview whatever the next Marvel film might be. He goes it alone, digs into the archives and gets a tearful minute when you least expect it.
Reynolds, who’s also credited as a writer, manages to reference “Sling Blade,” the Honda Odyssey, Old Yeller and James Mangold, who helmed two of the Wolverine films. “Mad Max” gets in here, as well, and in the process of visiting the “sacred” timeline, gets parts for his entire family.
Because it has so many surprises, “Deadpool and Wolverine” deserves a second look – even if you were hesitant to take a first. It has laughs for everyone and plenty of profanity to make sure the wrong crowd doesn’t embrace it.
