FILM REVIEW | The Wolverine

Logan (Hugh Jackman), a.k.a. “The Wolverine”, is once again a lone wolf. After the devastating death of Jean Grey (Famke Janseen), Logan’s never been able to grasp what life should be like without her – and being immortal, it would be a long and lonely life.

The Story

The sub-story is Logan is trying to find a way to come to terms with the loss of Jean Grey. Throughout the film, Jean appears to him in dreams and visions beckoning him to come to her – that is, to die – which is impossible for his genetic mutation. The main story (that all the trailers showcase) is the idea that Logan has become human; needing the help of modern medicine and having someone to look after him, while simultaneously (and voluntarily) keeping a Japanese company heiress, Mariko Yashida (Tao Okamato), safe.

I personally liked the dual storyline that happens in this film. You have the main storyline that carries all the action, while the other serves as the underlying theme of Logan wanting to be human or normal. What I liked most about the story was it was focused mainly on The Wolverine. Unlike the first film (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and the X-Men Trilogy, there weren’t too many mutants in the one film. Since that was the case, you were able to grasps the story and believe the action playing-out before you.

The Cast

Hugh Jackman – Brilliant (as always) as he reprises his role as Wolverine. Like any role he’s been given, Jackman gives 100% and brings a delightful balance of humour, wit and seriousness to the role, and Wolverine is no different. Hugh was absolutely flawless.

Rila Fukushima – plays fellow mutant, Yukio, an adopted daughter of the Yashida family. Fukushima was a great sidekick for Wolverine, and at times became the main source for comic relief. It was great to see a female-bad-ass in combat boots and fiery red-hair. Kudus to Rila!

Svetlana Khodchenkova – plays another mutant, Viper, Yashida’s doctor as well as one of Logan’s nemesis in this film. Khodchenkova was vicious, sensual and, well, gross. Spitting everywhere as well as shedding her skin – it’s a given for a reptile-like mutation. But she was believable on both accounts – scientist and villain – so kudos to Svetlana as well.

Tao Okamoto – following the current trend of the paradoxical trait of being a kick-ass damsel in distress, Okamoto was a brilliant surprise in the storyline. I don’t want to say too much, because (a) you kind of see it coming and (b) every superhero needs something added to their story to keep audiences entertained – meaning all audiences. But I thought she did a great job contrasting the roughness of Jackman’s beastly character with the gentleness and grace of Mariko.

Famke Janseen – it’s always nice to see familiar faces, and Janseen’s is no exception. After her abrupt and colossus death in X-Men: The Final Battle, it was nice to see the Jean Grey that Logan fell in love with, rather than the Jean Grey that she disappeared as.

Setting

Setting the film in Japan was a great idea. Not just plot-wise, but as well as action and scenery wise. The beauty of several Japanese gardens contrasted with iconic Japanese skyscrapers, along with several provincial residencies were all excellent places to tell each part of the story.

Overall 

The film was a great addition to the Marvel collection of the X-Men Saga, but it’s also a great film that stands on it’s own. Marvel fans will love the simplicity of the story line as well as the execution. What I love the most about Marvel films is the transcendental inclusion of different languages, cultures and the histories that turns the differences into a similarity. You get a great sense of the Japanese culture in this film and really appreciate how history interplays with the world of Marvel. The only thing left for me to say is: GO SEE IT.

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

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