13 years after the premiere of "X-Men"
and four years after "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Hugh
Jackman ("Les Miserables") is back in prime physical form as
Logan/Wolverine.
An explosive and effective opening sets the expectations
high; thankfully, the movie continues to its momentum to the end. Flashing back to World War II, Logan saved
the life of a young soldier, Yashida (Hal Yamanouchi), during the nuclear
bombing of Nagasaki, shielding him with his body while getting burned to a
crisp. The soldier witnessed first hand
how Logan was miraculously self-healed.
In the present time, Logan lives as an isolated life in the
Alaskan wilderness. He's haunted by
nightmares of his dearly departed love, Jean Grey (Dark Phoneix), whom he had
to kill to save everyone when she turned dark.
Blessed with self-healing power, Wolverine may be physically supreme,
but emotionally scarred. Eternity has
its price; one may lose his purpose in life, outlive everyone and run out of
things to live for.
Logan is tracked down by a nimble, flaming-haired fighter,
Yukio (Rila Fukushima), who has the ability to see the future. She brings a message from her employer,
Yashida. The former World War II
soldier is now a business tycoon, and dying.
He has invited Logan to come to Japan so that he could say goodbye in
person.
When Logan arrives in Japan, Yashida, accompanied by his
mutant physician, snake-tongue Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova), entices him with
a tempting proposal, an end to his eternity by transferring his self-healing
power to Yashida. This will allow Logan
to live a normal life.
Yashida tells Logan that he's not ready to die yet as he has
to protect his business empire and granddaughter, Mariko (Tao Okamoto), from
the Yakuza (Japanese mobs). Logan knows
something is off as he catches Mariko try to commit suicide. He refuses Yashida's proposal, although it's
clear that something must have happened since his self-healing power has
diminished while he's fighting off mobs and ninjas during Yashida's funeral
procession.
Wounded and on the run with Mariko, Logan now has to adjust
to his newfound vulnerability. With
help from Yukio, who unwittingly becomes his "bodyguard" in his human
state of weakness, Logan and Mariko have to figure out how to survive, uncover
unsavory family ties, regain Wolverine's power and sense of purpose as a
warrior.
The movie makes a full use of the Japanese locale. It's a world of contrast between frenetic
and vibrant modern Tokyo with beautiful and tranquil ancient Japan. One outstanding action sequence is the
ferocious fight atop the bullet train.
This sequence really shows a real sense of speed and danger. Another standout is when the ninjas shoot hundreds of
arrows in the snow and target Wolverine's back like a bullseye. The closing combat with the robot samurai
is fierce and reveals a twist.
Directed by James Mangold, "The Wolverine"
delivers the beloved sharp-clawed mutant story on an emotional and visual level. Fast-paced, the movie is engrossing not only
during its action-packed sequences, but also quieter moments. The overall tone is serious, although there
are sprinkles of humor.
If you're a fan of "X-Men," sit tight as the credit rolls. The post-credit gives a glimpse of what's to come in the upcoming sequel of "X-Men: First Class," which is "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Wolverine will be back for another adventure!
If you're a fan of "X-Men," sit tight as the credit rolls. The post-credit gives a glimpse of what's to come in the upcoming sequel of "X-Men: First Class," which is "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Wolverine will be back for another adventure!
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