Logan
Released 3/3/17
It seems since the Marvel Cinematic Universe soared to meteoric heights every year in this decade has seen a rise in the number of comic/superhero-related releases. In 2017, fans will see the release of no less than six such films. The first of those films sees its release this week with Logan, who might be better known by his other name, the Wolverine. Wait, that was a different movie wasn't it?
All kidding aside, this is Wolverine's third solo venture and ninth film appearance overall if you count the X-Men appearances. As we all know, outside of the X-Men, the Wolverine solo movies have had varying degrees of success with their audiences. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (along with X-Men: The Last Stand) is persona non grata of 20th Century Fox's X-franchise. The Wolverine improved on Origins a great deal, but, it still had its hinky moments (Silver Samurai, just no). So, Logan wasn't necessarily going to be a slam dunk by any means.
James Mangold returns to the director's chair for his second go at the clawed mutant. Patrick Stewart comes along for this newest ride as the older Charles Xavier. It's funny you have to say that now. And, of course, Hugh Jackman returns for his final appearance as Logan/Wolverine. But, does the character leave with a bang or a whimper?
Logan finds our favorite feral mutant at a rough stage in his life. Are there any other stages for Wolverine? The year is 2029. Mutants are on the verge of extinction. There hasn't been a mutant birth in decades. The X-Men are no more. Logan is making a living as a chauffeur while caring for an ailing Charles Xavier. Logan himself isn't in such great shape either as his own mutant healing factor is starting to fail him and the adamantium in his body is slowly poisoning him. He needs the assistance of another mutant, Caliban, to help care for Xavier while he's working. And, as you will see very early on, the most powerful mind on the planet needs constant supervision.
Trying to keep Xavier, Caliban, and himself off the radar on the Texas/Mexico border, he's approached by a woman, Gabriela, with a female child in tow for help, a woman who seems to know who he was during his X-Men days. Initially wanting no part of her problems, he reluctantly becomes embroiled in the drama when he's also approached by an operative of the Transigen Corporation, Donald Pierce, an enhanced soldier on the trail of Gabriela and the young girl. As things tend to go South in a hurry for Logan, he unwittingly brings the girl, Laura, to the compound where he's hiding Xavier. That also means he unwittingly brings Pierce and a small army down on his head when they try to acquire her. So, what is it about this girl that's so fascinating? Xavier, even in his weakened mental state, seems to know. The truth will be shocking for Logan.
If this really is to be Hugh Jackman's final hurrah as Wolverine, then I will say he's going out with a bang. He captures the essence of a world weary, heavy drinking Logan perfectly. He also adds a physical element to the performance by walking with a limp and physically fighting even common hoods at a slower pace than what you're used to seeing. He's showing definite signs of severe battle damage. Plus the character's general orneriness is something Jackman has always been good at in my opinion.
Patrick Stewart gives his normally solid performance as Xavier transitioning from lucidity to dementia-stricken sickness more than once. And, it's a bit of a culture shock hearing the character drop as many F-bombs as he does. The standout performance, however, comes from Dafne Keen, the young actress who portrays Laura. I'm not saying she actually stole the show from Jackman, but, she came pretty close. She was by far the most fascinating character outside of Logan himself, and, in some ways even more fascinating. Her role wasn't an easy one as she had to be expressive through most of the film without speaking. And, she pulled it off brilliantly. Anger, joy, confusion, petulance, and just an overall strangeness comes through her face. She radiates danger from the first moment you see her onscreen. And, she has one of the funniest moments in the film when she finally reveals she was able to speak the entire time more than halfway through it.
One thing that made Logan better than most other depictions of Wolverine on the big screen was the R-rating. This is the first time I felt Wolverine was allowed to be Wolverine. He's not a boy scout. He's vicious and brutal in combat. So, it's only fitting to see severed limbs and claws penetrating skulls, right? If you've been missing that, there's plenty for you in Logan. And, it's not just Wolverine himself who brings the brutality. Laura opens up a few cans of butt-kick herself, arguably better than Logan. Let's just say that with number of dismemberments and the language, Logan more than earns its rating. And the character is better for it.
Logan is a terrific standalone Wolverine feature. However, it is still part of the greater X-Universe that 20th Century Fox has constructed. And, if there's one complaint I have, that's it. While it wasn't a hindrance for Stewart's Xavier to be in the film, it wasn't completely necessary either. And, it was just that ever present reminder of just how jumbled the film continuity really is. The last time we saw Wolverine, he was escaping from the Weapon X facility in the 1980s only to show up again in 2029 on his last legs in the aftermath of another mutant apocalypse that is hinted at being caused by Xavier himself. Guess all that trouble everyone went through in Days of Future Past was kind of a waste of time. It'll make your head hurt thinking about it, so, it's probably best that you don't. Trust me, it's better that way. I can't say that I would be mad by a hard reboot of the entire franchise. But, that's not likely in the cards.
Logan is one of those movies in the genre that transcends being just a good superhero movie. It's just a good movie. Period. It will make you laugh. It will thrill you. It may leave a lump in your throat. But, I guarantee, you won't forget it anytime soon. And, the final scene. Oh, does that just put a nice big bow on things for the geek set. It's such a great symbolic statement.
Before I forget, let me just point out that there might be a major surprise playing just before Logan starts for you. I don't know if it will play in every theater. I would hope so. It's just the right thing to get you in the mood. Can you say...chimichanga?
The Dark Lord of the Sith says:
****1/4 stars
Ratings Legend
Zero *= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Worth a look. Better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. I'm doing my happy dance!
5 *= Pure eye candy. I have seen the top of the mountain, and it is good
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