Any fan of the comics and/or film series the "X-Men" were bracing themselves for an icon to step down from the role of one of the greatest super heroes of all time on March 3rd, 2017. They could only hope that Hugh Jackman's last ride as famed X-Man "The Wolverine" would be a good one and give the character what he deserved as he got ready for his last film performance of this long running franchise (assuming they don't reboot him in the series). Luckily we got two bits of good news during production: It would be (loosely) based on the famous graphic novel "Old Man Logan" and it would be rated R, giving the character a true depiction of his rage and violent persona that was lacking in past installments. The trailer showed what would be a gritty yet emotional human drama of redemption with supporting characters Charles Xavier (played by the impeccable Patrick Stewart) and the introduction of X-23, while set in a dystopian future out in the west.
The film did not disappoint.
While we're only two and a half months into the year, as of now Logan is easily the best of the 47 films released so far, with one hug(h)e (pun intended) reason: Hugh Jackman.
The film's nucleus is of course it's title character. Like Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool, the film allows Jackman to let it rip in his final performance. Anchoring the film and driving it at the same time, Logan is one of Jackman's finest performances of his career. Rarely is there acting like this in super hero flics. I'll admit, Wolverine was never one of my favorite heroes and I was never completely sold on Jackman in the X-Men movies due to the changes made from the comics. He was more of the emotionally typical superhero and not nearly as scary and rage-filled compared to the comics. Jackman was great in the films, don't get me wrong, carrying the franchise for what has now been 18 years, but it was the "Hugh Jackman Wolverine" on the screen and not THE Wolverine walking around with those razor sharp claws. But after watching Logan, I realized the filmmakers were just holding back the beast due to family friendly films. Writer and directer James Mangold along with Jackman worked hard on the story's interpretation as Jackman had an earnest desire to give the character justice compared to past films, and the lengthy work paid off most definitely.
Throughout the movie, Jackman brings an emotion that's needed for a now hopeless man just living life until he dies, but he makes it more subtle and creates an anger-driven and closed off character that's more accurate to the comics. Scary, violent, with some comical moments that all make up the greatest X-Man, Jackman was amazing and stunningly brilliant and it truly felt like The Wolverine was gracing our screens in full form (without the yellow spandex, of course). This performance easily shoots Jackman's portrayal up there with the greats like Chris Reeve and Robert Downey Jr. It's no wonder he has garnered universal acclaim for this spotless performance.
Hugh has been criminally underrated for his performances during his 18 year tenure with the character and is only now receiving the praise, respect, and honor due to his hanging up the claws. Let's not take wonderful things like Jackman's dedication and portrayal of Wolverine for granted, shall we?
Hugh Jackman's best and final performance as James "Logan" Howlett aka The Wolverine has been universally praised by fans and critics alike.
The film perfectly balances a gritty, intense, and violent dystopian atmosphere while implementing a human element and emotional intimacy, specifically with Logan and Laura, the young girl whom he is tasked to protect and bring to safety.
Set in a modern day western, this is a slow paced drama with scenes of high energy action that are gory and not for young eyes. It is an accurate depiction of the broken hero who has killed The Wolverine persona, sticking with just "Logan," who now goes around as a limousine driver. Having dealt with loss and pain, Logan copes with it with brandy, sitting around waiting for death which he welcomes with open arms; he has accepted the fact that life is meaningless and there's no point in living for anything. Despite only taking certain aspects of the novel it's supposedly based on, Mangold perfectly adapts to the screen an older, worn down hero from the story.
While the film has lots of action, it's held together by the human element and themes subtly inserted into the film, covering the topics and ideas of death, redemption, family, and the ties that bind, while also incorporating flashes of Biblical perspective and God, which tie in with the theme of death and what it represents. Pushing good morals (aside from the stab stab mentality of Logan and Laura), the film is thought provoking on multiple levels and will leave you chewing on many things after leaving the theater.
Note: There's a wall on the US and Mexican border. Interesting for that to be added, considering the film is set in 2029.
All in all, Logan is a perfectly executed farewell film for Jackman. Though it's bitter-sweet, it's a story that strays from the typical grand and big superhero finales, instead going for a slow, subtle, and moving character driven story that stands on it's own, creating a plot that you can enjoy without needing other films in the franchise to help give it purpose. It's a movie that I can't seem to find any fault with and if you enjoy a good western styled human drama with high intensity violence, this is meant for you. Hugh Jackman alone makes it worth the watch. A gusty film that could have sunk Fox studios, this is a perfectly made film that will stand high in the superhero genre and is the best X-Men film to date.
Period.
Not X2, Not Days of Future Past, not Deadpool. Logan is head and shoulders above the rest. It's a story that doesn't feel like a superhero story, which adds to its appeal. Sadly, they just don't make superhero films like this. Hopefully Logan will start a trend.
And one can only hope.
Final grade: 10/10