After “X-Men: The Last Stand” came out in 2006 marking the end of the original “X-Men Trilogy,” Fox (pre-Disney purchase) green-lit a spin-off focusing on Wolverine’s early years prior to joining the X-Men. Hugh Jackman signed on to reprise his role as the character as the first film in a batch of spin-off prequels starting with X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
X-Men Origins: Wolverine was released in 2009. (same year J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek came out) It received negative reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Although a critical flop, it made enough revenue at the box office. Due to negative reactions, a spin-off on a young Magneto was scrapped in favor of a prequel trilogy starting with “X-Men: First Class.” Going back to where it all started with a bond between Professor X & Magneto forming the X-Men before they become enemies. In 2013, James Mangold directed a near-perfect second Wolverine spin-off. Four Years Later, he made “Logan.” The third and final entry to “The Wolverine” Trilogy.” Logan’s my fifth favorite film of all time.
Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine in “Deadpool 3.” This time, as a different version of the character set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short. Insomniac Games is working on a Wolverine video game. As of May 2023, no release date has been confirmed. Before both works come out, I wanna share my thoughts Wolverine’s botched origin story on the big screen.
I don’t care if SPOILERS are listed. This spin-off prequel is terrible.
Shiny & Rusty Aspects
Shiny: Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the titular character. He did an excellent job for his performance. He also co-produced the film along with the late Richard Donner.
Other Cast Members such as Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, will.i.am, Taylor Kitsch & Ryan Reynolds all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Action Sequences are a hit and miss. My favorite scene is the bike chase.
Harry Gregson-Williams (Man on Fire, Shrek series, Metal Gear Solid series) orchestrated the soundtrack.
My favorite part is the elevator scene with Stryker’s team stuck together. Deadpool jokes about the predicament. Heck, even “Spider-Man 2” had an elevator scene.
At first, the Opening Montage Scene with Wolverine & Sabretooth growing up in various wars was gonna be a tragic story about two best friends conflicted on working with Stryker and how did they become bitter enemies to each other. Building up to one of the biggest rivalries in comic book history.
Patrick Stewart makes a cameo appearance as Professor X.
Rusty: Gavin Hood (Ender’s Game, Eye in the Sky, Official Secrets) failed to give us Wolverine fans a compelling origin story.
David “DB” Benioff (25th Hour, Troy, Game of Thrones) & Skip Woods (Swordfish, Hitman, The A-Team) wrote the script. They didn’t stick to the landing. This won’t be the last time DB butchered a series. Care to explain Game of Thrones’ final season?
Unlike the comics, Wolverine and Sabretooth are brothers. What’s worse is in fact, their rivalry never delves deep.
Wolverine’s claws are entirely C.G.I. In the last three films, they were made with a combination of Practical and Visual Effects. Professor X’s digitally de-aged look doesn’t hold up. Look how far we came de-aging actors using Deepfake.
After nine years not appearing in an X-Men film, Fox done Gambit dirty. He gets easily beaten by Wolverine. It’s a darn shame Channing Tatum never got his wish to become the fan favorite. I have to Double Down this con for wasting him as a side character. Instead of a focal character like Rouge. They’re a couple in the comics.
Besides a one-dimensional chemistry, Wolverine’s love interest, Kayla didn’t make me care about her. Lady Deathstrike’s relationship with Wolverine had a meaningful impact. In the comics, they used to be lovers. After Wolverine escapes the Weapon X project, Deathstrike accuses him of stealing her father’s adamantium. An episode from the ’90s cartoon with Deathstrike had an emotional impact.
A stupid moment with Wolverine clawing a ladder to beat Gambit. Am I watching an X-Men prequel or a Slyvester and Tweety Bird cartoon?
Remember Wolverine’s flashback in “X2: X-Men United” with him covered in blood and he leaves the Weapon X facility opening the exit door? In this film, he claws a wall, punches it and jumps off a waterfall.
A Plot Hole involving why didn’t Wolverine use his animal senses to clarify if Kayla’s alive? She’s covered in fake blood.
A Second Plot Hole involving Sabretooth failed to recognize Wolverine in the first movie.
The biggest downgrade in comic book history is none other than Deadpool. As a fan of the Merc with a Mouth, I’m gonna have to subtract one flaw per point. Fox done Gambit and Deadpool dirty. As if Fox took a massive dump on their faces.
- His mouth’s sewed shut.
- His appearance looks like a crash dummy.
- He doesn’t wear his signature red costume along with his mask. Two Points Down.
- He doesn’t teleport and shoot frickin laser beams from his eyes.
- He never has retractable swords coming from his hands. He wields a pair of katanas. Two Points Down.
The Final Verdict: F, FOR FAKER!
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the second worst X-Men movie. I consider “Dark Phoenix” worse than the aforementioned movie. Both installments are textbook examples what not to do if you’re gonna make a movie centering on an X-Men character. I’m happy James Mangold got Wolverine’s groove back in two follow ups. Ryan Reynolds brought Deadpool justice. Maybe someday, Marvel Studios will give Gambit the love and respect.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 