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Chaotic Deadpool & Wolverine delivers plenty of action and laughs

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman star in Deadpool & Wolverine.

The Deadpool series has been an antidote to the often self-serious or earnest offerings that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had to offer over the past 16 years. Even though technically not part of the MCU, the R-rated films have joyfully riffed on other comic book hero films while also delivering a level of violence that those films would never dare to show on screen.

The 2019 purchase of 20th Century Fox, which owned the rights to Deadpool and the X-Men, by Disney made it a lot easier to bring the Merc with the Mouth into the MCU, which is finally happening with Deadpool & Wolverine. Naturally, that integration is done with the trademark Deadpool flair via a veritable avalanche of jokes making fun of Marvel’s checkered movie history and Wade Wilson/Deadpool/Ryan Reynolds himself.

The film — directed by Shawn Levy and written by Levy, Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells — is such a jokefest that the story doesn’t really matter. Using the TVA (Time Variance Authority) from the Disney+ show Loki as a centering device, the film has Deadpool trying to save his own timeline from extinction. In order to do this, he needs to find an alternate timeline version of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to replace the one that died in Logan, a version that, according to the film, was crucial to that timeline’s survival.

That synopsis is really a bunch of nonsense to give the filmmakers an excuse to pair up Deadpool and Wolverine for two hours of mayhem. And, oh, is the chaos glorious. From the moment the two anti-superheroes meet, it is an almost never-ending series of profane insults, bloody fights that do little damage to the self-healers, and a litany of riotous cameos and sight gags that take fans down memory lane.

Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that the film brings in a bunch of other Marvel heroes to join in on the fun, but maybe not the ones you think they will. True fans will know that Marvel’s movie history did not start with 2008’s Iron Man, and many of those films are referenced in one way or another. Combined with the history of Deadpool’s first appearance in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, real-life media mergers, and other Hollywood blockbusters, there is a lot that the film can draw from to skewer and honor in equal measures.

Those who’ve seen the first two Deadpool films may think they know what to expect with this third outing, but they’d be wrong. There are the familiar elements like Deadpool breaking the fourth wall by talking directly to the camera or bouncing back from even the most heinous injuries, but the sheer number of targets for film’s comedy make it almost impossible to keep up. The opening scene sets the tone in a hilarious and grotesque manner, and the fun continues until after the credits end.

As he showed in the first two films, Reynolds is the perfect match for the character of Deadpool, as he knows exactly to deliver his trademark snark without becoming insufferable. Jackman, after years of playing Wolverine as a tortured soul (both physically and mentally), finally gets to let loose, and the result is as fantastic as fans might hope. That delight extends to all the supporting actors, especially Matthew Macfayden and Rob Delaney.

This may or may not be the last time the 47-year-old Reynolds stars as Deadpool, and if it is his final bow, he has given fans one of the most satisfying trilogies of all time. Each film, including this one, has defied expectations in its ability to take a one-note character and mine laughs from an amazing number of sources.

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Deadpool & Wolverine opens in theaters on July 26.

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weekend event planner

These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

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This weekend is definitely going to be a Wicked one.

The long-awaited movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical will be playing in theaters all over the place, and there will be some Wicked-themed events popping off this weekend. But we shouldn’t forget about live music from Lisa Morales and Christopher Seymore & The Western Cosplay, film screenings of a Pedro Almodovar classic and an animated manga adaptation from Japan, a couple of shucking-related events, and, last but not least, TURTLE-RACING!

Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, November 21

Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society presents Shuck Cancer Houston
The Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society will present the annual Shuck Cancer Houston. The evening will feature wine and oyster pairings and non-oyster cuisine from top local seafood eateries, live music, a silent auction, and more. The American Cancer Society will also recognize top achievements from the Shuck Cancer Pearl Honorees and community partners. 7 pm.

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Shucked
Speaking of shucking, if you’re a musical lover who’ll definitely see Wicked this weekend, you may also want to catch this show before it becomes a feature film. Shucked is a Tony-winning musical comedy featuring a book by Tony winner Robert Horn, a score by the Grammy-winning songwriting team of country stars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien. The corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy an appetite for great musical theater. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

Little Woodrow’s Midtown presents Thursday Night Turtle Racing
This weekend, Little Woodrow’s Midtown closes out its turtle racing season. The Turtle Master orchestrates this unique spectacle, where ten, red-eared slider turtles with outsized personalities compete for glory in four sets of exciting races. Every guest at Little Woodrow’s Midtown has the opportunity to select a card with who they believe is the winning turtle. Anyone holding the winning turtle’s card receives a complimentary drink from the night’s sponsor. 8 pm.

Friday, November 22

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular
Artechouse presents the first-ever, immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, an experience that brings the wonder of the season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. The event invites Houstonians to unwind and reconnect with the joy of the holidays through a captivating blend of digital art, sound, and interactivity. The limited-run exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) themes through digital landscapes. Through Sunday, January 5. 10 am.

Ebubay presents "Future Forward Africa"
Over at Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Ebubay will present "Future Forward Africa," an evening where modern and contemporary African art will be for sale. The exclusive one-day event offers collectors and art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire investment-worthy pieces by some of Africa’s most renowned artists. The sale will feature works from celebrated African talents such as Sam Ebohon, George Edozie, and Duke Asidere. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Pedro Almodovar’s All About My Mother tells the story of Manuela (Cecilia Roth), who copes with a tragic loss that leads her back to a home she left. She meets Rosa (Penélope Cruz), a pregnant nun, and ends up working for Huma, the actress Manuela’s son admired while touring A Streetcar Named Desire — the show that led to the tragedy with which Manuela is reconciling. MFAH audio-visual technician Rob Arcos will introduce the film. 7 pm.

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour
Comedian Lewis Black presents his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour. After over 35 years as a touring stand-up comedian, Black is parking his tour bus for good, marking the end of his world touring career. Black will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. But let’s hope he tells his famous bit about finding “the end of the universe” in Houston one last time. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 23

Comic Indie Con
Comic Indie Con is a celebration of independent media culture, exploring the world of indie comics, board games, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of comics and discover unique stories that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Throughout the day, there will be panel discussions featuring industry professionals, artists, and writers, who will share their insights and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to showcase their creativity by dressing up as their favorite indie comic book character. 10 am.

The Union Kitchen presents Wicked Brunch and Cocktails
All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate the release of Wicked with a two-day, Wicked-themed brunch. This spellbinding-themed brunch will thrill fans of the iconic musical finally coming to the big screen. Step into a world inspired by the Land of Oz, where guests will enjoy a delicious brunch amidst enchanting decor that echoes Glinda and Elphaba's magical friendship and rivalry. This brunch is perfect for fans ready to embrace their inner Good Witch — or Wicked side. 10 am.

Cactus Music presents Lisa Morales
Yes, Cactus Music will be getting into the Wicked spirit with a soundtrack listening party on Sunday. But the store will also welcome Lisa Morales to its live stage. Marrying different genres — Mexican and American, traditional and contemporary — has of course long been part of her wheelhouse, especially in Sisters Morales. But, as a solo artist, her vibrant melange of musical flavors and different languages is artful enough to distinguish Morales’ embrace of “Spanglish” not just as part of the mix, but as practically a genre unto itself. 1 pm.

Christopher Seymore and The Western Cosplay in concert
Christopher Seymore and his band, The Western Cosplay, will host a concert and record a live album at the Continental Club in Midtown. The show will be captured in a full documentary-style concert video as the band launches their album fundraiser. The evening will feature album pre-orders, exclusive merchandise, live shirt printing, and a custom bandana station. Johnny Falstaff & The Starlight Lounge will be the opening act. After the concert, there will be an afterparty at Two Headed Dog. 8 pm.

Sunday, November 24

Mutiny Wine Room presents Paella Sunday
Just in time for the holidays, head over to Mutiny Wine Room for a cozy culinary experience. Watch chef Eduardo Alcayaga cook his famous seasonal paella over a live fire on the patio while sharing his expert tips. Diners can enjoy wine and appetizers by the outdoor heaters before sitting down to savor the freshly prepared paella. A serving of paella will be $38, while a Spanish wine pairing will be $15 by the glass and $56 by the bottle. This event will also happen on Sunday, December 29. Seatings at 1, 4, and 6:30 pm.

Asia Society Texas Center presents Children of the Sea
Dive into mysterious waters with Children of the Sea, an anime film based on a critically acclaimed manga by Daisuke Igarashi. The latest feature from Japan's Studio 4°C and is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a score by award-winning composer and longtime Studio Ghibli collaborator Joe Hisaishi. This film screening is presented as part of the Japan Foundation New York's nationwide tour. 2 pm.

MagicSpace Entertainment presents A Magical Cirque Christmas
Currently on a 35-city tour, the world-acclaimed entertainers of A Magical Cirque Christmas will showcase a winter wonderland journey, immersing the audience in the spirit of the season and dazzling with their talents. The cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists will pull off some jaw-dropping stunts, pushing the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits. 7:30 pm.

$ARTECHOUSE\u2019S Holiday Spectacular$

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular.

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