Deadpool 3: Ryan Reynolds Disappointed Me ... Again

"Deadpool 3" was one of the most highly anticipated films in the superhero genre, but while it delivers plenty of laughs, action, and irreverence, it doesn’t quite live up to all the hype. The movie stays true to the Deadpool formula, packed with fourth-wall-breaking humor and over-the-top violence, but some of its plot choices and character arcs fall flat.

One of the more confusing aspects of the film is the "Wolverine" backstory. The timeline and the logic behind how the mutants were wiped out didn’t make complete sense. Mutants have always faced threats from humans, but with Xavier’s protection, they were well-hidden, and the scale of destruction required to wipe them out would likely have involved massive artillery or a bomb. In this case, Wolverine’s presence wouldn’t have changed much, making his inclusion feel more like a fan service nod rather than a coherent plot point.

While Elektra, Blade, and Gambit made solid appearances, it feels like the film missed an opportunity by not bringing in more impactful or relevant characters. If the angle was to focus on forgotten characters, someone like Luke Cage or another underused mutant would have been a more exciting choice. Alternatively, more comedic characters would have fit better into the film's irreverent tone. There was room to inject even more humor and nostalgia with a better roster.

One of the biggest letdowns was the "Deadpool breakup". It felt unnecessary and out of character for Wade Wilson to lose his way like that. Given Deadpool’s resilience and coping mechanisms (albeit dark and twisted), it didn’t make much sense for the character to go through a breakup-driven slump. A more fitting character arc would’ve involved the death of someone close to him, which would have had a stronger emotional impact while staying true to his world of chaos and loss.

That being said, the film still shines in its comedic moments. It embraces the R-rated humor even more boldly this time, with swearing and gore dialed up to the max. Johnny’s death, in particular, was a standout moment, as was the introduction of “"Nicepool",” a hilarious twist on the anti-hero trope. But while the jokes and irreverence hit, the villain "Cassandra"—a forgotten sister of Charles Xavier—fell flat. She didn’t seem menacing or interesting enough to be a true threat to Deadpool. Her introduction felt forced and came across more like a predictable “girl power” move rather than a well-developed antagonist. A more intimidating and established villain from the comics would have been a far better choice, adding more weight to the film's conflict.

The post-credits scene also left something to be desired. Instead of teasing the next "Deadpool" film or offering something substantive, it ended on a tired joke that lacked the freshness and surprise that fans have come to expect.

One of the missed opportunities was the absence of more "X-Men" characters. Cameos from the "X-Men" cast were always highlights in the previous films, and their lack of presence here made the movie feel more disconnected from the larger universe. For a movie that had such a long buildup, the plot lacked urgency, despite the characters having only 72 hours to complete their mission. There was too much dilly-dallying, and the action sequences sometimes felt aimless, making the pacing drag.

Overall, "Deadpool 3" is still an entertaining movie. The humor, violence, and self-awareness are all on-brand for Deadpool, and fans will get a kick out of the R-rated antics. But after such a long wait, the film feels like it could’ve delivered more—tighter pacing, a stronger villain, and better character choices. It’s funny and worth a watch, but it could’ve been something truly substantial with more focused storytelling and a more fast-paced plot.