The solo Wolverine film has been some time in coming and threatening for release since the moderate success of Bryan Singer's first X-Men film; however, following the lukewarm reception granted X-Men 3, this was always a question of when the film would be released rather than if.
Hugh Jackman is a very solid Wolverine. He always has been and continues to be so here; I've always felt that Jackman suits this particular role more than any other. He's allowed to be an emotive character the audience can relate to, albeit with a shadowy-ish background, all the while kicking all kinds of ass in the process. There is never any question his Wolverine-form would continue here. It does. Simple as that; however, there was a question mark over whether Jackman could carry the film on his own, particularly after Van Helsing.
I'm sorry to say he doesn't quite manage it here either, although does fare better than his 2004 titular role. Despite the relative ease with the character, Jackman is at his best when bouncing off of another, in this case, Liev Schreiber's fantastic Sabretooth. Forget Tyler Mane. Schreiber delivers a superb feral performance as Victor Creed and is, in my opinion, the stand-out in this film.
Gavin Hood directs really well and pulls off the emotional scenes with effective empathy while delivering superbly in the action set-pieces. I was really impressed with his ideas for the credits sequence, a three minute section that surpassess even Watchmen's efforts. Hood tells the story of his two primary characters and the potential devolution of their relationship in just three minutes - and without words. Few directors could match that, methinks.
The action is really very good and to concentrate on it now, so soon after its release, would be a waste. Who am I to spoil anything?
There are some dodgy scenes, including cartoon claws that drove me to distraction. I would also loved to have seen more of Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool, a character who threatens to steal the film in the first ten minutes.
So, my verdict? Well, this is a competently directed piece, a good summer actioner, strongly acted (particularly Schreiber), and with some good nods toward its three predecessors; however, Jackman needs a partner who he can spar with or, at least, someone to share that limelight with, no matter how good or comfortable he is in the role.
*** EDIT: *** & Half
Oh, and three stars in my book equals Good. It's not quite the four-star excellent... oh, it deserves another half star!
cosmic hobo
a fair review there boy wonder, i on the whole enjoyed it.
Batmanuel
I look forward to seeing it.
But to be honest i am more exited by the new star trek movie...
i didn't just say that out load did i?
shit i think i may have
Reaper
That's fair enough seeing as the Star Trek was better than Wolverine.
I did enjoy Wolverine though found some of the plot devices and plot choices a bit iffy in places. Though generally I would agree with the Boy Wonders review of it.
