The Wolverine Review

Silver Samurai vs. Wolverine - Courtesy Marvel Comics

As always, Hugh Jackman did an amazing job as Wolverine. In fact, this is probably his best performance as the X-Men character yet. If you are not willing to give the movie a try, at least do it for the guy's performance.

Pain, regret and the question of mortality are all central themes in the plot to the story. Something that was clear and evident even in the trailers.

This film had something X-Men Origins: Wolverine lacked, focus and a clear plot rather than trying to cram a bunch of characters down your throat without letting them develop first. It was successful at really developing the character we have seen so many times before.

See it or skip it?
Before I get into details of the film here is my verdict: I say definitely see it. Though the film is not a perfect reflection of the stories in the comics (as expected) it is not so far from the original story that it takes away from Wolverine and the plot of this particular film. Comic fans and non-comic fans will both like it.

If you have liked any of the films where Wolverine had a large role, this one will be your favorite. Great acting for the most part, great plot and very well executed.

Now to the nitty gritty. [SPOILER ALERT]
James Mangold does a terrific job of setting up the story for us in the beginning of The Wolverine. Just minutes before the bombing of Nagasaki we see a man (one of the allies) so dangerous that Japanese have him locked up, isolated in a deep ditch with a heavy metal lid.

Clearly, this is not a man to be messed with. However, in this same scene we see his selfless attributes as he puts himself in harm's way to protect those that imprisoned him. This glimpse of Wolverine's past was one of my favorite scenes in the movie. We learned so much about the character in about a 5 minute time frame and very little dialogue.

After this we are fast forwarded to present day. This is where the storyline gets a little rocky. Wolverine is still bitter and depressed over Jean Grey's death (mainly because he was the one that killed her in X-Men: The Last Stand). While I completely get the significance of this in the story, I think it was a bit overplayed. I admittedly grew tired of seeing the character after her second or third appearance. She seemed very out of place at times.

Let me just throw this out, Wolverine losing it and nearly breaking his promise to Jean of never hurt anyone...over a bear was a bit out there, don't you think? I mean he was pretty much going to kill a group of drunk hunters for injuring a bear. But anyway, let's get back on track. Just a side note, despite my bashing, I did feel bad for the bear.

Once Wolverine makes it to Japan the story starts to pick up a little more. He is tantalized with the offer of mortality (or threatened), the good he has done comes back to haunt him in the form of Mr. Yashida (the man he saved in Nagasaki) and he meets Mariko Yashida (his true love).

Another great acting performance to note was that of Hiroyuki Sanada which plays Shingen, Mariko's father. The characters he has played in the past are very honorable and respectful as seen in The Last Samurai. It was interesting to see him step out of his shell and embrace the role of the clever and evil Japanese crime lord.

Speaking of Samurais, I did take some issue with The Silver Samurai in this film (part of the reason is the comic geek in me). First of all, he is suppose to be a skilled samurai warrior (Yashida's illegitimate grandson) not a dying old man in a robotic suit. Secondly, he was pretty much a robot in this film with no mutant abilities. Lastly, his mutant abilities allow him to cut anything with his sword EXCEPT adamantium. In this movie he easily cuts through Wolverine's adamantium claws. All I'm saying is, you better bring those claws back somehow in the next movie!

Other than that I really did enjoy The Wolverine. It was no X-Men First Class, but it was much, much better than X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Redemption at its finest.

If you stayed until the end credits (you should look into this NOW if you have not) you will see a little glimpse to X-Men: Days of Future Past. Once you watch that take a look at this link from Trask Industries which includes an even bigger sneak peak to the upcoming X-Men film. It is like entering the world of the X-Men.

So with that awesome link I will leave you. If you saw the movie, let me know what you liked or did not like in the comments section. If you did not, let me know what you are excited about.What do you expect from the next X-Men movie? Share your thoughts.

Until next time Metta-X'ers!

The Sentinels - Courtesy Marvel Comics