Logan (Hugh Jackman) is back in a decidedly darker take on the iconic X-Men character, marking Jackman’s sixth appearance as the steel-clawed “mutant”. The film takes place primarily in Japan and sees Logan reconnect with a man he saved during WWII, Yashida. The plot from there, for the most part, focuses on Logan protecting Mariko (Tao Okamoto) – Yashida’s granddaughter – from the Yakusa and even members of her own family, with the Wolverine taking an “act now, ask questions later” approach.
This makes for a fairly frustrating film at the start, though once things get rolling it’s a fun ride. There’s also a lack of chemistry between the Wolverine and Mariko which does let the film down, as the plot does rely on their connection – perhaps Mariko, or even both of the characters, are just a bit too two dimensional – though some entertaining action sequences and just the general “what will Jackman do next?” appeal holds the film together, especially when Logan loses his ability to heal, making him borderline human and providing the most interesting element of the storyline.
New villains seem more of the Batman or Spiderman universe than what we’re used to in X-Men (Poison Ivy or even Doc Ock anyone?) but they keep the film flowing well – even if Viper seems to be a bit of a wasted opportunity by some measure. There’s also repeated moments where Logan continues to come to terms with the death of Jean Grey, one of the main plotlines of X-Men: The Last Stand. Super fans of the comics and those who have recently reconnected with the films may have remembered this immediately, though it took some Wikipedia plotline reading after the film to remember what happened there for yours truly. So there is a bit of assumed knowledge here; the film acting as a gateway between The Last Stand and Days of Future Past which comes out next year, something I didn’t realise heading into the film.
On the more technical side of things, Jackman’s claws look much better this time around, as do all the effects in general. This is a technically strong film, with fantastic sets, a strong score and some thrilling action sequences. The cinematography is superb and though you know it was filmed in Sydney, they’ve dressed it up well. Indeed, look out for appearances from Darling Harbour, Picton and the old Hopetoun Hotel – which, if the film is any indication, is still sitting there as is. Why won’t you come back to us!?
So, the verdict? The film is far from a disappointment, though it struggles to compare to the ensemble films, a problem also faced by the last Wolverine film. That said, as a darker, less comical version of what we saw in the critically panned X-Men Origins: Wolverine, director James Mangold has definitely made the superior film of the pair. This “darker” take, however, is a bit forced at times. They throw as much as they can at it, while ensuring it maintains the all-important PG-13 rating in the US. So, they throw the F-word in (which you’re allowed to do once) and quite a few “shits” to get that “gritty realism” across the line – a first for the franchise I do believe, though an unnecessary addition to be fair.
Thankfully, there is plenty of grit to be found elsewhere and Jackman is commanding in the role as always… though its two hour length is definitely pushing it. Fans of the series will enjoy the film, as will fans of the bulked up Jackman and his famed character, though you definitely leave the cinema wanting to have experienced a little more. But perhaps that’s its ultimate intention; The Wolverine will definitely ensure you anxiously anticipate the release of Days of Future Past next year.
On that note – and I’m sure it’s not surprise for you Marvel junkies out there – make sure you sit through the credits – there’s a scene to setup the next film, certainly leading to much of the aforementioned anticipation. With Singer back in the directors chair – the director of the first two films – all we can say is: bring it on!
Review Score: THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The Wolverine (M) continues to screen nationally in 2D and 3D. We reviewed the film in 2D.
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