The Wolverine
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada,
Director: James Mangold
Rating: 3.5/5
It was back in 2009 when we last saw Hugh Jackman take on the role of Wolverine in a stand-alone film.
Now, he is back as the much-loved Japanese story arc from the comics is brought to the big screen.
Wolverine (Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, finds himself in modern day Japan to say goodbye to a man whose life he saved years ago.
Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed.
This is not an origin's story; this is not a movie about saving this world, and this is not a film that is packed full of mutants - I am glad to report.
Instead is this more of a character study of our favourite mutant as he ties to decide which path he wants to take; does he want to live forever? Does he want just an ordinary life? Or does he want to die?
This is the most vulnerable that we have ever seen this character as he is haunted by the past and the killing of Jean Grey.
He is a more tortured character then ever before, and in these moments, Hugh Jackman delivers a dark and emotional performance.
This may be the sixth time that Jackman has taken on this role, but you can see that he still has the passion and the fire for it.
But it is when Wolverine is a bad-ass that he see this character at his very best; the last quarter of the movie sees the anger and fight return, and everyone in his path is going to take a beating.
This movie is not brimming with action sets pieces as you would imagine as Mangold uses these fight sequences only when necessary; Logan's fight with Hiroyuki Sanada and the adamantium samurai being two highlights.
Of course, there are elements in the film that I didn't like; Jean Grey popping up all over the place and the sort of love story didn't really do much to help the plot along.
I think the idea that Logan is haunted by the fact that he had to kill Jean in The Last Stand, but I really thought all the visions were a bit much.
The Wolverine is not an effects laden, run of the mill blockbuster that we have come to expect at this time of year. Instead, it is a drama about people, relationships, choices and the past - it just so happens to be set in a world of mutants.
It is certainly a brave and bold move by Mangold and co, and a move that pays off as it has far more substance to it then you would expect.
The Wolverine is a far cry from the not so great X-Men Origins: Wolverine and it really does put this franchise back on track.
The Wolverine is out now
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