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“Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Twisters”
While both films will be hits at the box office, “Twisters” is the better film. “Deadpool & Wolverine” plays out as if watching a stand-up comedy routine where I laughed far less than other members of the theatre audience. As one critic noted, the film is “rude and irreverent, funny and disgusting, weird and a little sweet”.
Though I am a great fan of both Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, this movie has them in constant battles trying to save the universe wrapped around Reynolds’ bloated humor. This film isn’t helped by Renolds’ frequent one liners being told through the mask that he constantly wears.
However, what offended me was the use of our stars in movie trailers where Jackman’s Wolverine used 4 letter curse words to mock audience members to turn off their phones. This was played to an audience of kids watching G-rated films and it was far more offensive than funny.
Regardless, “Twisters” is the far better film. Though “Deadpool & Wolverine” had some great special effects and music, “Twisters” had some captivating scenes as it focused on gigantic tornadoes traveling through Oklahoma.
Glen Powell follows up his great role in this years “Hit Man” as Tyler Owens, a charming storm-chasing egomaniac who likes the social-media coverage. Without saying more, he is won over by Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Kate Carter, a New York researcher who returns to her roots in the Midwest.
Ms. Edgar-Jones and Powell lead their crews on a terrifying quest as they journey into the center of multiple storm systems. They risk their lives as they seek to develop a system that reduces the strength of tornadoes.
Though this is far from a classic love story, their frequent trips into the heart of darkness elevates this film above “Deadpool & Wolverine”. You watch small towns being destroyed and many humans losing their lives.
In any event, see them both and let me know what you think. In the process, remember that Emma Corrin is the secret source of “Deadpool & Wolverine’s” success. Coming off her role as Lady Diana Spencer in “The Crown” (2016-2023), here she plays the sexy villain Cassandra Nova. She is the hidden strength of the entire film.
“Thelma”
June Squibb, 94, plays Thelma Post, a 93-year-old widow conned out of $10,000. She received a phone call from someone posing as her grandson (Fred Hechinger) and you watch her try to reclaim her money.
Thelma lives alone after her husband died two years earlier. Though she has a loving daughter (Parker Posey) and son-in-law (Clark Gregg), she sets out with Ben, an old friend, played by Richard Roundtree, on a treacherous journey across Los Angeles.
What makes the movie so special is that Thelma and Ben ride a two-person scooter given that neither has a car. Ben was living in an assisted living center and helped her steal a gun from a friend.
Ms. Squibb deserves an Oscar consideration given her darling performance at the tender age of 94. On top of that, this was Mr. Roundtree’s final performance given his recent death. You watch Thelma wave goodbye to him and suspect the film’s audience will be doing the same thing.
While Thelma misses her husband, she is nobly not succumbing to old age. She loves her 24-year-old grandson, and she wants to make every second count.
It was an inspirational performance.•
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Robert Hammerle specializes in criminal law as of counsel with Hackman Hulet LLP. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmothbobs.com. Opinions expressed at those of the author.
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