Director James Mangold
Genre Action | Drama | Sci-Fi
Cast Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Rating R
Release Date March 3rd, 2017
“In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.”
From director James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted, 3:10 to Yuma, The Wolverine), Logan marks the 17th anniversary for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and Patrick Stewart as Professor Xavier. The X-Men films, which include 10 films in total, have grossed an astonishing $4.5 billion+. Needless to say, they have been quite successful. Now we find ourselves at the end of the road as far as Jackman and the Wolverine character is concerned, so fans have had their fingers crossed in hopes that Logan is the perfect sendoff they have been waiting so anxiously for. The cast also includes Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook, and Stephen Merchant.
Expertly acted, deeply emotional, and brutally violent, Logan is the exception to the rule for superhero movies and should be considered an Oscar favorite. I am a huge fan of the Wolverine movies much more so than the other X-Men films, primarily because they feel so real and intimate in comparison. That’s my personal opinion and I won' get into details as I am not much of a comic book guy (I did once read a few pages of Deadpool and I liked it), I simply enjoy quality entertainment. From the start you get a glimpse into what Logan's life has become, and it isn't pretty. Times are tough and he is getting old. Above all else, Logan is a survivor and he has a very high moral compass. Does that stop him from shredding human flesh with his razor sharp claws? Of course not, that would be boring. Logan is many things but boring is not one of them. It will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, and if you are like me, you will find yourself grinning ear to ear and simply shaking your head at the insane fight scenes that leave a body count that require a mathematician just to keep a tally. Once we meet Laura, things really get interesting! I don't want to spoil anything because that would be rude of me, but Logan unveils an incredible story of family and survival, and it reminds us of what an all-around great movie is supposed to look like.
The acting in Logan is absolutely exceptional, which comes as no surprise considering the A-list talent involved with the project. Hugh Jackman once again proves how seriously he takes the Wolverine character, and after 17 years of releasing the notorious claws on unlucky enemies, he has this superhero thing down pat. In arguably his most impressive role due to the sheer emotion it required, Jackman should receive an Oscar nomination and has a legitimate chance at taking home the gold. I can say much of the same for veteran actor Patrick Stewart, who has been playing Professor X for nearly two decades. The chemistry he shares with Jackman is awe inspiring, and the sheer bond they share is something special to experience. Last but certainly not least, I need to mention how blown away I was by Dafne Keen. The daughter of television actor Will Keen, Logan is only Keen's 2nd film. Now granted she has very few actual lines due to the character she portrays, but her attitude, mannerisms, and sheer intensity, make her one BA little girl, especially considering her 4' stature. I sure as heck wouldn’t mess with her, let me just say that. Hopefully the success of this film opens a few more doors for her, and I would be surprised if we don’t see her again in another X-Men film (again, not a comic book guy, that may already be set in stone).
If this really is the end of the road for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, to say he made it count would be a severe understatement. Logan is a glimpse at a Wolverine character many of us aren’t used to seeing, one with immense vulnerability and something to lose. Whether you're going in expecting one of the best superhero films in recent memory (it's difficult not to), Logan will undoubtedly impress you and meet your expectations, and then some. Hugh Jackman, on behalf of viewers everywhere, thank you for being such a BA MF for so many years, you made us proud. Also, don't forget about the awesome Deadpool 2 teaser scene right before the start of Logan. I can't wait for that! Highly recommended.
