I almost cried during this movie.
I feel that’s important to say right from the start because very few films can actually make me cry. “Logan” is the kind of film that makes me think, “wow we would have never gotten this kind of movie 15 years ago.” The landscape of the comic book movie genre has changed so much since 2000 and the release of the first “X-Men” movie. A key factor in the success of the X-Men franchise has been the portrayal of Wolverine by Hugh Jackman, and after nearly 20 years of him playing this role it gives me great pleasure to say that they couldn’t have given Mr. Jackman a better send off because Logan is an absolute winner!
To say that this film is not for kids would be an understatement because this film is as depressing as it is violent. There are disembowelments, decapitations, and all manner of physical maiming in this film and it more than earns its Hard R Rating. The violence adds to the overall theme of the film in that the old high concept and hokey world of the X-Men is gone. This is a more brutal world that we are being shown. The action scenes are raw and powerful, and always serving to show just how harsh the world this film shows can be. This film is never boring and each scene serves to show our character’s harsh yet enthralling journey from the first blood soaked moment to the last.
At this point it is almost redundant to say that Hugh Jackman is excellent as Wolverine. The man has been nailing the role for close to two decades and this time is no exception. He perfectly captures the portrayal of man who is close to the end and is having trouble dealing with it and the people around him. Patrick Stewart is, of course, amazing, giving another amazing performance as Professor Charles Xavier. He gets a chance to utilize both his comedic and dramatic chops, often stealing the scene with the funniest or the saddest line. Not to be forgotten is the character of Laura, played by Dafne Keen making her film debut. WIth such an impressive first ever theatrical performance, this child certainly has a bright future ahead of her. She is able to handle the film’s bleak tone, violence and emotional scenes with apparent ease.
The film doesn’t really have a memorable villain, but it doesn’t really need one. The story is more about a hero’s journey and how it eventually must end. What does a hero become when he no longer helps others? What must a hero do to regain his legacy? All these questions are tackled with expert writing and top notch performances. “Logan” now joins the ranks of high quality X-Men films, along with “X-Men: First Class” and “Deadpool.” Speaking of Deadpool, there is a brief short film before the film which is really nothing more than an advanced teaser for “Deadpool 2” but is entertaining nonetheless!
“Logan” is a film that shows just how powerful superhero media can be and just how engrossed we all are in the story of Wolverine. Hugh Jackman has announced that this will be the final time he plays the character and the search is on for a replacement. I personally feel that his performance will likely never be matched. This film is a perfect swan song for Hugh Jackman’s time in the role of James Howlett AKA Wolverine. Go check it out bub’, but I warn you: don’t go see this one unless you have nerves as strong as Adamantium claws!
