It has been 6 years since we last saw the fan-favorite merc with the mouth. After two back-to-back successful movies, expectations were naturally higher from the next one especially when when Ryan Reynolds announced that it would be based in the MCU and that Hugh Jackman would return as the one and only Wolverine! It is Marvel’s only feature release this year, and the excitement for it was sky-high. Well, the moment that everyone has been waiting for, for so long is finally here.

 

First of all, this movie is a lot. It is an overwhelming experience, to say the least. The stakes are high and that is established very early on. People who were just expecting a light, breezy buddy comedy that is easy to follow, will be disappointed. This movie is none of those things. Let’s start with the merc with the mouth himself, Ryan Reynolds. Apart from being the star, he also co-wrote and produced it. He was surely at the heart of all the decisions, and from a business and fan satisfaction perspective, he made a lot of great choices. We’ll talk about the business and fan-service side of it later, but his performance is as bonkers as you would expect. He oozes charm, he has the style, and the moves (for action and dancing), and most importantly, he is super entertaining for the most part.

 

Coming to the hero most of us grew up watching, Logan/Wolverine was the brightest star in this galaxy. He is by far the best part of the movie. A lot of us thought we’d never see the grumpy, old, clawed crusader again after Logan (2017), but here he is at the age of 55 showing everyone, who’s arguably the most popular comic book character of all time in features. His physique is scary and it almost feels like he never stopped playing Wolverine. He is still as fierce and full of rage as ever and as brutal as he was in fight sequences. His fights with Deadpool are really cool and well-executed. Hugh also does most of the emotional heavy lifting here.

Among the rest of the cast, Matthew Macfadyen does well with what he’s given and so does Emma Corrin. Rob Delaney gets some good scenes as Peter. There are no other performances that stand out. On the flip side, fan-favorite characters like Yukio, Blind Al, and Dopinder in particular are utterly wasted. They hardly get screen time and just feel unfairly sidelined in this one. Vanessa does get a little screentime and the story justifies it for her, but for the others, there was a lot of scope to use them. T. J. Miller, another really fun character, isn’t even in the movie.

 

The writing is the most frustrating aspect of Deadpool and Wolverine. Nobody expected this one to have a great memorable storyline, but I did expect a decent one with a lot of heart and emotion especially when you have Logan. Structurally it’s a mess, and it has way too much exposition at times which makes it hard to follow. Some characters also come out of nowhere to spoil the movie’s flow just for a cheap gag. The story also lacks any real heart or emotion, even with such high stakes. The writers could’ve gone so much deeper into the bromance of our 2 leads, but they failed to and that causes a limitation in the level of chemistry between the 2 actors, it isn’t bad, but never fulfills its true potential.

 

The movie has a relatively decent run time, and clocks just over 2 hrs. But its relentless pace is its own worst enemy at times. There is no space or time to let the arcs properly cook, or to even develop and establish the characters in the first place. That is what holds back the characters of Cassandra Nova and Mr. Paradox from being interesting or menacing. This also results in not fully utilizing the range of Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen who are both superb actors. Fans also expect a great villain that they could hate, in modern superhero movies but Cassandra Nova is massively undercooked and ends up being a forgettable foe than a formidable one.

 

Even though the movie is called Deadpool and Wolverine, it still feels mostly like Deadpool’s movie, not to say that Logan doesn’t have his moments. If he wasn’t in it, we’d be having a completely different conversation, but thankfully he is and he delivers. Another thing that I noticed is that all the Deadpool movies have a common problem of starting off with a bang and then gradually fading away. I definitely liked the first half way more than the second, and that is largely due to a weak third act. The movie truly goes off the rails in the climax. Its primary concern seems to be fan service rather than tying all the knots and wrapping the story with a warm impact.

 

For me, that’s on Shawn Levy. I love him as a director, but he seems to be very reserved with his direction here and seems scared to flex his muscles at all. Yes, there is a lot of cool action here and the VFX is great, but he could have done more. His inexperience with R-rated content was evident here. Talking about action, it was mostly cool and very stylistic. But (Minor Spoilers) 90% of the fight scenes are between Logan and Wade. I didn’t come to this movie for that, we already had that in X-Men origins. Ultimately, I think the movie struggles to cope with the pressure of entering the MCU. It not only has to be a good Deadpool movie, but It also has to be a good MCU movie, which comes with its challenges. The writers try to adjust to the new landscape and fit in all the tools that they have at their disposal, but it only made the screenplay more messy in the larger context.

 

But keeping all that aside, there’s another thing that was promised to the audiences in this movie, cameos, lots and lots of them. They absolutely deliver on the cameos, it might even exceed some people’s expectations. I can imagine people howling in the cinemas at some of them. Most of them work well within the story. They also didn’t hamper the tone or the feel of the storytelling and were molded to fit the Deadpool brand and R-rating. The R-rating is well-used considering it’s Marvel’s first attempt at it, but for all the violence and blood in this movie, don’t expect a lot of gore. Do expect a lot of swearing and adult jokes.

Deadpool and Wolverine is the real Multiverse of Madness that delivers bucketloads of mindless fun, but ultimately gets buried under the weight of joining the MCU. The threequel delivers all the violence, vulgarity and needle drops that you would expect from a Deadpool movie. It brings fresh energy to the MCU and pays homage to the X-Men with a fully firing Hugh Jackman at the heart of it. It is truly a relentless R-rated romp for the most part, but it has a convoluted script that also lacks warmth and emotion, and leaves you wanting more from these characters. But thanks to its awesome soundtrack, a stack of great cameos, and almost nonstop meta-commentary, it still makes for an entertaining cinematic experience.

Deadpool and Wolverine will be released in cinemas on July 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73_1biulkYk&pp=ygUSZGVhZHBvb2wgMyB0cmFpbGVy

 

 

2017 has been a bit of a transitional year when it comes to the action genre. As expected the summer was full of the kind of big, tent pole films audiences have come to expect during the middle of the year. Interestingly some of the bigger franchises such as The Mummy and Transformers weren’t the surefire hits most were expecting. Meanwhile original fare such as Atomic Blonde and Baby Driver did better than expected. Even most exciting is the increasing number of female-led action franchises. Long-gestating projects like Wonder Woman and Kong: Skull Island being hits upon release. Even male-led movies like Logan and Thor: Ragnarok saw star-making performances from their female supporting cast.

With the year a bit transitional in nature it has led to a variety in not only stories and roles but in the types of action. In any given month you could get everything from Spider-Man soaring through New York City to a World War II battle orchestrated by Christopher Nolan. Even less critically acclaimed movies like Ghost in the Shell had some killer action scenes. So, before we look at the best action movies of the year here are some of the best individual action scenes of the year.

10. ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’- Crashing the Party

 

After years hiding out Xander Cage is found by the C.I.A. Initially unwilling to work for them he returns when he discovers that his mentor Gibbons has been killed by a mysterious group of assassins led by Xian. Realizing Xian’s group are after the mysterious Pandora’s Box, Cage forms a crew of his own to take down these rogue members of the xXx program.

The xXx series has always been the Mission: Impossible to the Fast & Furious‘s James Bond. The Fast series may be bigger but xXx was always more focused on having fun action set pieces. And even though The Return of Xander Cage is full of them the most enjoyable happens near the beginning. Tracking the terrorists to an uncharted island Russian soldiers invade looking for the film’s McGuffin, the Pandora’s box. What follows is Ruby Rose sniping the soldiers, international superstar Tony Jaa teaming up with UFC fighter Michael Bisping and concludes with Vin Diesel chasing Donnie Yen on motorbikes that turn into jet skis. It’s as ludicrous as it sounds which is exactly why it comes in at #10.

9. ‘Ghost in the Shell’- First Mission

In a futuristic Japan where most humans have technological augmentations the Major (Scarlett Johansson) leads an elite counter terrorism unit. Saved from a horrific crash the cybernetic Major is the perfect person to stop the increasing amount of technology based terrorism. In pursuit of the mysterious Kuze, Major learns something that will shatter her perception of what’s real and what’s not. Based on the ground-breaking anime the American remake tries to maintain the original’s themes of identity and self.

When it comes to the long-gestating Ghost in the Shell most press was negative for this anime adaption. From the awkward pacing to the white washing controversy the movie seemed to be taking it from every angle. The one positive thing everyone could agree on is that the film is gorgeous. Directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman) critics praised the film’s aesthetic. A pitch perfect adaption of its source material it looks like the cyberpunk anime brought to life. There’s no better proof of this than the opening action scene. As a deal for illegal cyber enhancements is going down both parties are attacked by enhanced soldiers and their spider-like robots. A feast visually it’s one of the coolest looking scenes in this uneven production.

8. ‘The Great Wall’- Protecting The Wall

Attacked in the dead of night European mercenaries William and Pero seek gun powder and refuge behind China’s Great Wall. Initially thought of as hostiles the two are taken as prisoners before witnessing wave after wave of monsters attack the architectural wonder.

Another film mired in Asian-representation controversy was the Matt Damon vehicle The Great Wall. Directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) it has been accused of whitewashing and using the white savior narrative. And while there’s certainly room for debate the one thing that can’t be denied it that it has some fun action scenes. Perhaps the most exciting being our first good look at the monsters attacking the Great Wall. With a simple concept Yimou crafts a beautiful scene that mixes bright, solid color with acrobatic action. Mixing Zhang Yimou’s usual visual flair with US production values, this scene is a perfect example of how great The Great Wall could have been.

7. ‘Logan’- Berserker Rage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFwOlEzzeFg

It’s 2029 and it has been years since mutants have made themselves known. No longer the next step in human evolution mutants have nearly gone extinct and at the center of this is Logan, the former Wolverine. Living in exile as a driver for hire where he takes care of fellow mutants Caliban and Professor X. His quiet life is interrupted when a mysterious woman approaches him with an important task, protect a quiet girl named Laura. Pursued by the evil Transigen corporation this makeshift family are forced to go on the run.

There have been plenty of cool Wolverine fight scenes over the years. Whether it’s on a speeding bullet train in The Wolverine or protecting the X-Mansion in X2, Wolverine tends to have a show stealing action set piece in the X-Men movies. And while the X2 scene has been considered the gold standard the Berserker Rage segment in Logan has topped it. When Logan overdoses on a serum that enhances his abilities unleashes a fury we have never seen. Pumped full adrenaline Logan lets loose like never before when he rips and tears his way through soldiers. Even cooler is seeing him teaming up with his clone/daughter Laura with the two working in perfect harmony. Logan may get acclaim for the acting and the finality it displays but we shouldn’t forget the stellar action it has on display.

6. ‘Kong: Skull Island’- Attack of the Skull Crawlers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3yJBwtRlwI

As the Vietnam War comes to an end scientists Bill Randa and Houston Brooks from the Monarch organization make a startling discovery. Beyond a never-ending storm is an undiscovered island. With tracker James Conrad, photographer Mason Weaver and a group of soldiers led by Colonel Preston Packard what they think is a scientific expedition becomes a fight for survival. And Kong, the giant ape, is the least of their worries.

Who would have thought that the best scene in the latest Kong film wouldn’t involve the big guy? As our heroes look for the lost soldier Chapman they find themselves in a mass grave. Trekking across the valley they are attacked by the monstrous Skull Crushers. What proceeds is some top-notch monster carnage. While the soldiers try everything in their arsenal the reptilian skull crushers tear through them like they’re wet paper. They retreat only after the use of poisonous gas (in a beautiful slow-motion shot) and luck.

5. ‘Headshot’- Police Station Massacre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_ZoVHOxsQ

Waking up on the shore of the beach a mysterious man is taken to a nearby hospital. Due to a serious head wound he has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Nursed to health by his nurse, Ailin, who names the stranger Ishmael. Unfortunately, the two soon learn not only who attacked Ishmael but his dangerous past with the mobster Lee.

Taken in by Interpol agents, Ishmael is handcuffed to a table when Lee’s killers attack the police station looking for him. With all of the police officers killed Ishmael has to face several deadly assassins at once. What ensues is some of the most impressive displays of martial arts of the year. Incorporating firearms, we see Ishmael take on attacker after attacker before going hand-to-hand with a former friend. Brutal and gritty this is one fight scene you won’t soon forget.

4. ‘Thor: Ragnarok’- Contest of Champions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgHVWhxP_0

Since the battle of Sokovia, Thor has been exploring the cosmos searching for the Infinity Stones. When he returns to Asgard he learns that not only has Loki taken over but that Hela, the Asgardian goddess of death, has returned. Immediately outmatched Mjonir is destroyed and Thor is exiled to the planet Sakaar. Forced to fight to the death the God of Thunder has to figure out how to return to Asgard before it’s destroyed.

Leading up to Thor: Ragnarok one of the big selling points was a gladiatorial battle between Thor and The Incredible Hulk. Thankfully I can report that it lives up to all fanboy expectations. Similar to the jabs thrown in the first Avengers movie, Hulk and Thor’s fight is a perfect blend of giant, over-the-top brawling and jokes. For time The Hulk tosses Thor across the stadium we get a bit of the God of Thunder trying to calm The Hulk down ala Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron. A perfect encapsulation what makes Ragnarok so fun it’s far and away the best Marvel Studios action scene of the year.

3. ‘Atomic Blonde’- Going Down

As the Berlin Wall is set to come down an MI6 agent, Lorraine Broughton, is sent deep into Cold War Germany. She is sent into the war-torn nation to take down a dangerous espionage ring that has killed another agent. Working with Berlin station chief David Percival the two search for a microfilm with the name of every British spy. KGB agents hot on her trail Broughton is in a race against time with the Western intelligence community on the line.

When it comes to action movies one of the most impressive things a fan can see is a tracking shot. Filmed to look like one continuous shot it is not only entertaining but one of the most technically impressive things an audience can see. The only major film to feature this was Atomic Blonde and it was one of the best. Starting outside of an elevator it features Charlize Theron’s spy fighting a seemingly endless horde of henchmen. What follows is nearly 10 minutes of brutal, bone crunching action. An explosive mix of firearms and hand-to-hand combat it’s the closest America has gotten to matching action from overseas in years.

2. ‘The Villainess’- The Motorcycle Chase

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUIXUrcduWg

Trained since birth, assassin Sook-hee is one of the deadliest women in all of Asia. When her lover is murdered she begins a new life working for a South Korean intelligence agency. Promised a normal life after 10 years, Sook-hee is put through rigorous training before being sent out on missions. Things seem to be going well for Sook-hee before revelations about her past comes back to haunt her.

While China may be the biggest name in Asian action cinema, South Korea has quietly emerged as one of the continent’s most exciting countries. And while movies like Oldboy and Snowpiercer are classics when it comes to pure action The Villainess is the best in years. Mixing Kill Bill with the reckless abandon of Asian action it has some of the most hard-hitting action of the year. The most notable being the film’s big motorcycle chase. With a hyperkinetic filming style Sook-hee is in a chase that mixed high octane motorcycle stunts with sword fighting. One of the most exhilarating and original scenes of the year it’s a must see for any fans of action movies.

1. ‘Wonder Woman’- No Man’s Land

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlwHKphUU_Y

Diana, the princes of the Amazons, has been raised to be compassionate and a warrior since birth. Her world is changed when pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on the island of Themyscira. When Steve alerts the secluded paradise of World War I Diana volunteers to escort Trevor back to England. Lured into the heart of The Great War, Diana is determined to battle Ares, the god of war.

While a film effecting people emotionally isn’t unheard of it isn’t common either. For the most part movies, particularly summer fare, are seen as more of a way to get away. There was something different about Wonder Woman though. Whether it was the movie’s more lighthearted tone or Wonder Woman being the first huge female superhero movie it connected with audiences in a way rarely seen and it all culminates with the No Man’s Land scene. Defying the wishes of Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman crosses No Man’s Land alone and liberates the small town of Veld. From a technical standpoint it is flawless. A perfect melding of typical fighting with over-the-top super heroics. It would have been great in any other movie. But what made it truly great was the reaction. Audiences across the nation raved about the scene. Social media was flooded with stories of cheering and crying in the theater. And when an action scene can elicit so much emotion it has to be ranked as the best of the year.

Fans of the recent Marvel film ‘Logan’ can rejoice. It would appear that the answer to the next step for the beloved character [Wolverine] has been answered in the form of an X-23 spin-off film that is now confirmed in the works. Fan favorite Dafne Keen will reprise her role as Laura aka X-23, a clone of Logan who debuted on the big screen this summer.

While Director James Mangold hasn’t nailed down a release date for the film, he has confirmed the movie is in its beginning phase:

“We’re just working on a script.”

Producer Hutch Parker was also tapped for information involving a possible spin-off for Dafne Keen’s character Laura. He reiterated the fact that this film is definitely in the realm of possibilities and that he loves the idea of a continuation with the X-23 character. He continued on saying, this would open the door to populating a new universe for these films.

“Yes, there are other facets of that character and some others potentially to explore in their own way. It may not be in the same exact tonality or with the same genre orientations as Logan, but I think part of what has been opened up in this universe to all of us now is, drawing on different genre traditions, there are new pathways to be opened for new characters that populate this universe.”

[kopa_blockquote style=”e.g: style-1 or style-2″ quote=”e.g:true or false”]
[kb_description]Laura Kinney [X-23][/kb_description]
[kb_author] Using the only available genetic sample from Weapon X, which was damaged, they were unable to salvage the Y chromosome after twenty-two attempts. Kinney proposed they create a female clone, and though her request was initially denied, she still went ahead and produced a viable female subject, prompting Sutter to reconsider. Despite resistance from his protégé Doctor Zander Rice, whom Sutter had raised after Rice’s father had been killed by a bestial Wolverine at the original Weapon X Project, Sutter allowed Kinney to proceed. As revenge for her insubordination, Rice forced Kinney to act as the surrogate mother for the clone, and she gave birth to “X-23”.[/kb_author]
[/kopa_blockquote]