People expecting this to be a typical comic-book movie may be surprised to learn that it's really not. The liberal use of the F word and the brutal non-cartoony violence may cement that point as well. The character of Logan is an ornery man with claws for weapons after all, so this movie not holding back from those elements actually makes a lot of sense. It should be pointed out that there are still some comic book easter eggs, and acknowledgement of the general X-Men mythology, so the movie doesn't completely ignore it's roots. However, the Wolverine in this film is now old, full of regret, and is tragically a mere shadow of his former glorious super-heroic self.
The more melancholic tone and careful pacing that Director and co-Writer James Mangold gave this, is what sets it apart from other comic book movies. As a longtime fan of these characters, it was easy to feel a sense of sadness in seeing their twilight years as depicted in this story. The premise itself of a reluctant man trying to just disappear from the world, who encounters a young girl in trouble that upends his desire to be left alone, is simply quite engaging. This man who represents the past, and this girl who represents the future, is a very effective combo and the heart of this movie. Thematically, this film offers a lot of compelling things to consider.
Story-wise, I wanted this to keep going past it's running time of 137 minutes. From the brutal opening that sets up the kind of action sequences that's to be expected from this, the chases and escapes, the quieter moments of people having dinner together, to the many scenes of Logan being an a-hole, plus Laura kicking ass, there's definitely a lot that I really liked about the plot. Especially those action set pieces. Overall the journey this movie took me from beginning to end was absolutely worthy of my time.
Hugh Jackman is amazing playing the role as the weary and ill-tempered old man Logan. Patrick Stewart is fantastic as the very old Charles Xavier, and adds some welcome comedic moments. Dafne Keen is also quite incredible playing the very dangerous Laura, and people might just be shock to see how deadly this young girl can get. The supporting cast of Stephen Merchant and Boyd Holbrook are also good in their roles as well.
Could "Logan" be one of the best "comic book movies" ever made? That may be a debatable argument in the general sense, but I can safely say for sure that this is the best movie that features the Wolverine.
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