Wolverine Review

What?

You are probably asking, why all the sudden is he e-mailing so much, right?  Well, this has been a long thought idea I have had.  It is a precursor to what I want to start in 6 months to year, depending on how much time I have.  I would like to start a blog for our family, and one of the ideas I had was "Chris's random weekly thought."  "Gitmo" was the first of those, and this is the second.  It also is an outlet for me in a highly stressed time.  As for the future of such articles and essays we will have to see if I keep this up.  So, here it goes.

The first high-action film to come out for summer 2009.  How was it?  What was cool?  What wasn't?  After three successful X-men films, now they have come out with one dedicated to Wolverine- played by the sexiest man alive, Hugh Jackman.  Jackman is an extremely talented actor with a wide range of capabilities, just look at Kate & Leopold compared to Wolverine.  In this movie we get to learn secrets coveted by comic readers of the 90's.  People paid premium dollars to unlock the mysteries behind this mutant, and we can get them for the price of a movie ticket.  

This movie was a very mixed bag for me.  There were things that a liked a lot, and a lot of things I didn't care for.  The story for Wolverine is a complex layered one, that is told in about an hour in a half.  Needless to say the director has a lot to get to and not a whole lot of time to do it in.  The soundtrack fits really well and is great to listen to.  The opening scene of Logan & Victor is one of the best opening scenes I have ever seen.  Even after the movie was over, Tamy and I were still talking about it.  Have you ever wondered why Logan was so glum, and serious?  Why is he a loner, independent, and the misfit of the group?  Where did he get those cool claws from?  The movie, Wolverine answers all of these questions and more.  Wolverine is the story about the searing of a man's soul.  Having said that, the movie is not a drama but a total action movie.  I tend to think that the movie would have been better as a drama.    

Victor & Logan

To me, this is where the movie shines.  You really get a feel for how deep the relationship goes between these two; poignant.  Victor's character is played extremely well and every scene with these two is a highlight of the movie; they do not disappoint.  I noticed a theme that is beginning to take place that started with the Joker from The Dark Knight.  Everyone pays tribute to how well Health Ledger played the Joker, and rightfully so.  But what people often forget or don't know is how much research was put in creating this character by the writer.  The Joker, by and large, introduces us to a new type of villain; one that is not complete without Batman.  That is very much how Victor feels about Logan, and it adds to the intensity and suspense of the movie.  All n all, Victor is a great character.

Other characters

Two other characters that debut in this film are Deadpool & Gambit.  I am preparing you, those who have high hopes for these characters.  Deadpool makes a great entrance into the movie, and his wit is humorous, but once the beginning is done, so is he.  As for Gambit, he doesn't show up until 2/3 of the movie.  Gambit is my favorite X-men, and my feelings are torn on this one.  The character Gambit in the 1990's cartoon was excellent.  Gambit in this one is more Billy-the-kid with a staff than Remy LeBeau.  His fight scenes are definitely showy with both his cards and staff, and you wont see him in action besides his opening scene.  I'll let you make the final judgement on that.  There are other characters that you will see, most from the beginning & the end.  They all make awesome scenes but you won't get much past what you initially see from each so enjoy.

Conclusion

The ending act is fun to watch and over way too fast.  It does tie everything together very nicely, and the last 20 minutes have lots of fun things that enrich the mythos of X-men; you'll see.  Once the movie ends, stay seated for a cut scene that will take place 20 seconds after it ends.  If you want to see another 10 second scene, stay until the credits are almost done; just little Easter eggs.  Once you finish Wolverine you can go watch X-men 2 and it will pick up right where Wolverine ends...years later of course.  Overall I am glad I saw it in the theater, but won't be running back to see it again.  I liked Mummy Returns and the Tomb Raiders just as much or more.  Better than X-men 3, doesn't hold a candle to Dark Knight.

Once you have watched the movie a would love to know what you're thoughts are about my analysis: agree/ disagree.  If it helped you prepare better, knowing what to expect, if you liked the article.  Also I would like to know the interest for everybody.  Do you like receiving these, or do you not have time to read them, find them boring?  Send me your thoughts, thanks.

Chris