Film: The Wolverine

It’s well recorded that X-men Origins: Wolverine was a disaster; a ridiculous adventure that explored his past without giving much information that wasn’t already see in the past X-men films. Along the way it also ruined several great classic characters, the worst portrayal being Taylor Kitsch as Gambit. So it was with low expectations I headed into this film, expecting more of the same. Thankfully this film does a lot right where the prequel went wrong. 

The story sharply focuses on Wolverine (played once again by Hugh Jackman) who after the events of X-men: The Last Stand has become a recluse, mentally scared by having to kill the woman he loved, Jean Grey. A young mutant samurai, Yukio (Rila Fukushima) tracks down Logan, inviting him to Japan to say goodbye to an old friend Mr Yashida (Hal Yamanouchi) who is dying. While there something happens to him, his mutant ability to heal stops working, leaving him vulnerable. He soon becomes involved with a battle between the Yakuza and the Yashida family, while falling for Yashida’s innocent daughter Mariko (Tao Okamoto). 

Hugh Jackman has perfected his portrayal of Wolverine at this point, balancing his gruffness and witty one liners. Not to mention that his physique is at the best level we’ve seen so far. After X-men 3 and then the first Wolverine film, I had thought myself sick of the character, but this film gives me hope that there is still life in him and new stories to tell. Throughout Logan is haunted by the ghost of Jean, nightmares of the horrible things he has done in the past, exemplified by his desire to be at peace.

Tao Okamoto makes her film debut here, but is given little to do, mostly acting as a scared young girl, though she does get a glimmer of strength in the film’s finale. Yukio becomes Wolverine’s sidekick, a surprisingly tough young girl that can foresee people’s deaths. She makes a good teammate for Wolverine, sharing his abrasive nature but with a sense of childlike wonder. Rila Fujushima does a good job in the role, made even more amazing by the fact that it’s only her second film role. 

The plot becomes a bit confusing towards the film’s conclusion, in particular the loyalty of a group of ninjas seems to dart all over the place. Logan and Mariko’s love story progresses a bit quickly, making it a bit hard to believe, it seems strange that Wolverine is so hung up on Jean yet can fall so heavily for another woman. In addition to the main villain, who remains hidden for much of the story, and the Yakuza, Logan has to face a mutant with the ability to produce poisons called Viper, as played by Svetlana Khodchenkova. She plays the character with too much hamminess, feeling out of place in the story. She essentially appears to exist to mask the true villain and give Yukio someone to fight in the finale. The final twist of the story is far too obvious, being predictable from early in the story.

The action scenes are for the most part fantastic, big brawls showing off how ferocious Wolverine can become when threatened. The showcase fight scene on top of a bullet train is a bit ridiculous but does have its moments, particularly when Wolverine lunges toward his foe impaling him. The fight scene in the film’s finale is a little bizarre, making odd story decisions seemingly just to get Logan to pick up a samurai sword, although the consequences may become clear in the next film. 

The Wolverine does a fantastic job exploring the character, breaking him down and forcing him to fight in a whole new way. While far from a perfect film, it’s an interesting new addition to the franchise.

P.S Stay behind during the credits for an epic preview of the next X-men film.