A superhero film like no other. Rated R in America and 15 in the UK – Logan is a raw, brutal and emotional film that portrays all the characters we know and love perfectly. The question raised in this film is what actually happens to a superhero when they become old and weak – a question that has never really been addressed until now. James Mangold who previously directed ‘The Wolverine’ in 2013 is back with a bolder, bleaker and brutal portrayal of the character. The year is 2029, mutants are rare and there hasn’t been a mutant birth recorded for 25 years. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is currently working as a chauffer and chugs alcohol down like tap water whilst looking after Xavier (Patrick Stewart). Xavier is extremely frail and suffers from seizures that rattle his telepathic abilities and cause anyone near him to go into a form of paralysis. Xavier keeps mentioning to Logan about another former mutant although Logan bluntly shuts him down at every opportunity. Due to circumstances that I won’t go into (spoiler free review and all that), Laura (Dafne Keen) ends up with Logan and soon shows off her abilities.
If this film was released with no background or context, I personally don’t think people would class it as a superhero film and more of a sci-fi, western thriller drama – having said this, there is still elements from the genre that is bought in. The well filmed action sequences are brutal, in one scene Laura walks out with a bad guys head in her hands and just throws it on the floor. The only difference between the action scenes in this film compared to other Marvel films such as The Avengers or past X-Men films is that Logan doesn’t always win – and most of the time he barely makes it away from fights alive. This is a reoccurring theme in the film, that I really liked as it just made is that more realistic – even though you’re watching a guy with claws coming out of his hand.
Hugh Jackman is outstanding in this film – as is everyone but Jackman is a real stand out. After being Wolverine for nearly two decades you’d think that there wouldn’t be anything new to see from the character or actor, however despite this Logan is pushed to the limits. Hugh Jackman’s reasoning for why he decided to retire as Wolverine was because he believed that it is very important ‘not to run yourself dry’ and looking back on the film I think this was a very clever decision. You can tell that Jackman still has huge love for this character and because of this he gives one of the best performances I have ever seen. At times I was just staring at him and thinking Jesus, this guy is really broken and beaten. Even though at times it’s hard to see him like this, it really drives the film and his character development. In addition, Patrick Stewart is also amazing and tugs at the heart strings at every possible opportunity. Both actors on screen together are a delight to watch – their polar opposite personalities create an electric energy that keeps you fascinated. And finally, (Laura) Dafne Keen is amazing. Through out most of the film, she doesn’t have any dialogue at all but instead uses simple body gestures and mannerisms that make her look extremely bad ass. Again, the relationship between Laura and Logan is heart-breaking and magnificent.
This film isn’t entirely perfect however, there are times where the film dips. For me the first and third act were very close to perfection but due to what the characters have to do, the second act did feel a bit slow. Having said this, even though it was slow, it did happen for a reason and the depth of the story was still there. In addition, it’s not necessarily a bad thing but I am left with so many questions that I NEED answers for and I think for some people the ending may not be very satisfying for them. However, even though I could have watched more of the film I think they made a good decision in ending the film where they did.
This film is a very personal, sombre story and it does have amazing action sequences but it has just as much emotion as it does action. I’ve already seen people hating this film and calling it boring due to the depth of the story. Yes at times the film is very dismal and depressing but when you think about the characters and what they’ve been through, it makes complete sense. There are still a few comical one liners added in but overall this is a very serious ‘superhero’ film, which some people may need to realise before viewing it.
Overall, Logan is unlike any previous X-Men film, Logan is at the end of his rope, he is done with his life and I think this was the best way to end Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. He will be missed but thankfully, we have an incredible movie that we can keep re-watching when needed.
PS. Bring tissues. A LOT OF TISSUES.
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