Thanks to “X-Men: First Class” reinvigorating the X-Men films after the horrendous spin-off prequel “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” 20th Century Fox (pre-Disney purchase) developed a second attempt to make Wolverine spin-off titled, “The Wolverine” with Hugh Jackman reprising his role. This time, James Mangold (Girl Interrupted, Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma) takes over Gavin Hood’s directing duty.
Released in 2013, (same year Prisoners came out) it was an improvement both critically and commercially. As a result, Mr. Mangold directed Wolverine’s third solo film “Logan” earning critical acclaim as the best solo Wolverine film and also one of my all-time favorite films. Insomniac Games is working on a standalone Wolverine video game for the PlayStation 5. As of mid-2024, no release date has been announced.
Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine, but from another universe in “Deadpool and Wolverine” set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short. Hugh’s buddy, Ryan Reynolds will also reprise his role as Deadpool. Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film will be released on July 26, 2024. Approximately three days after my birthday. Before I see my favorite Marvel superhero teaming up with the Merc with a Mouth, I wanna share my thoughts on Wolverine’s second solo film.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Sharp & Rusty Elements
Sharp: Hugh Jackman did an excellent job as the titular character.
James Mangold did a decent job directing.
- Fun Fact 1: Darren Aronofksy was originally gonna direct The Wolverine. He bailed due to scheduling conflicts with “Noah.” Had Darren made The Wolverine & Logan, this could’ve been his “Batman Begins” & “The Dark Knight.” Both, Darren & Christopher made similar films and worked with Mr. Jackman. You know, Marvel vs. DC, but with two filmmakers.
- Fun Fact 2: Besides Batman, Frank Miller made Wolverine a bonafide badass. Coincidentally, Christian Bale & Hugh Jackman played friends turned rivals in “The Prestige.” The closest thing to a “Batman vs. Wolverine” film.
- Fun Fact 3: Mariko makes her first appearance. A younger version appears in “Deadpool 2.”
Mark Bomback (Live Free or Die Hard, Race to Witch Mountain) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) & Scott Frank (Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Minority Report) co-wrote the script. The latter also co-wrote Logan.
Action Sequences are amazing. My favorite part is when Wolverine launches himself in air by stabbing a thug during a high-speed bullet train. It’s ridiculous, but awesome like Dominic Toretto launching himself in the air by catching Letty. I’m giving The Wolverine credit for introducing me to bullet trains.
Marco Beltrami (Scream 1-4, Hellboy, A Quiet Place) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography didn’t have any technical problems.
Visual and Practical Effects were balanced carefully.
The Wolverine’s influenced by Frank Miller’s early Wolverine comics and samurai films.
Famke Janssen reprises her role as Jean Grey in a few scenes.
I spotted a few references in other works.
- Logan heading to Japan to reunite with an old friend is similar to Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid Part II.”
- Logan’s haircut takes cues from “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.”
- Numerous ninjas shooting arrows at Logan pays homage to Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood.”
- Logan calls Noburo, Nostromo. The ship from “Alien.”
- Logan removing a parasite is kinda similar to a scene from the OG “Total Recall.” Quaid removes a tracking device in his nose.
Logan says the magic words, “Go f**k yourself.” A callback to his cameo from “X-Men: First Class.”
Logan says the title of the movie makes it even more awesome. He’s the best in what he does.
An early romance between Logan & Mariko happened too soon. In real life, it would take a few weeks for two people to get to know each other, until a relationship is fully established.
Without giving anything away, the bad guy’s suit of armor doesn’t look anything from the comics. If you’ve seen the film, you know why.
A Mid-Credits Scene sets up “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BADASSERY
The Wolverine’s a big improvement making up that godawful X-Men Origins: Wolverine. If it weren’t for two boo boos, I would’ve given the former my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. If you’re gearing up to see Deadpool and Wolverine like me, rewatch all X-Men and Deadpool movies. They’ll refresh your memory. I cannot wait to see Wolverine in his yellow and blue suit from the comics on the big screen. My childhood dream come true as my late birthday present.
You gonna get the Wolverine popcorn bucket? Let me know in the comments.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 