Hugh Jackman returns to his iconic role with gusto!
From the director of 3:10 to Yuma and Knight and Day, James Manfold, and the producer of the X-Men series, Lauren Donner, brings you the second part of our hero’s story. Hugh Jackman (who also co-produced the film) reprises his role as the action hero everyone loves: Wolverine! Other cast members include: Famke Janssen (X-Men series, Taken), Will Yun Lee (Elektra, Die Another Day), Brian Tee (Wanted, Grimm), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai, Rush Hour 3), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Five Brides, Metro) and model Tao Okamoto in her debut film.
Logan, aka Wolverine is living his lonely life after leaving his former team behind for a while (X-Men: Last Stand). Whilst in America he meets a mutant called Yukio who can tell the future, who tells him that he must come to Japan because of an old friend, Yashida, whom he once saved during the Atomic bombing of Hiroshima, is now dying and wishes to see him to say his last goodbye. On the way he meets and falls in love with Yashida’s grandaughter, Mariko. After Yashida dies, Logan must now protect her against the villainess, Viper which is played brilliantly by Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova. Logan is also troubled by dreams of Jean Gray which gives you the impression that he still isn’t over her death which he caused in X-Men: Last Stand. As the story unfolds the truth about Mak’s Grandfather’s death is revealed. We learn that Yukio was adopted by Yashida so she could be his granddaughter’s friend, however that backfires because their friendship grows stronger and stronger thanks to Logan’s appearance.
As a massive action hero movie fan and a massive X-Men fan, The Wolverine smashed it big time! The action and storyline are brilliant! The funny one-liners from Logan were used to great effect! And the cast and crew delivered a solid production! The one thing that I find amazing is Hugh Jackman manages to go from making a musical like Les Miserable and then jump to a massive action film like The Wolverine and nail it amazingly! And you could never replace someone else to play The Wolverine. It would be wrong, and it would be offensive for X-Men fans such as myself! Some people would say that this isn’t the sequel to the first Wolverine film, but I would say that they are wrong. This film focuses more on Logan’s past and heartbreak of being immortal and losing those he loves around him. They filmed most of the film in Japan which makes it exciting to watch and you do end up learning a lot about the Japanese culture throughout film. The one thing I will say about the movie which annoyed me, is towards the ending when the credits finish, they show you a little clip (I’m not saying what happens and who appears in it) and when they do, the audience missed it because as soon as the credits comes up most will have left. So for those who are planning on seeing the film, stay till the credits finishes!
Highly recommended; But remember to stay and watch after the credits!
10/10
