The final chapter in Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine story is bittersweet, to say the least. After Deadpool paved the way for “rated R” comic book possibilities, X-Men fans were treated to this character’s swan song in the best way possible. As we say good-bye to Jackman, we can only wonder if anyone else will be worthy of unleashing the adamantium claws. While the fanbase knew this was coming, Patrick Stewart took this time to throw his retirement of Professor Xavier into the mix. While this certainly marks the end of a legacy, Logan certainly is a film to go out on.
A Dark Time For Mutants
In the year 2029, mutants are on the brink of extinction. The time of the X-Men has long past and James Howlett, aka Logan, aka Wolverine, is struggling through his illness rattled life working as a chauffeur. He lives with an ailing Charles Xavier and a mutant tracker, attempting to live a quiet life when a mysterious woman enters his life. Gabriela Lopez pleads with Logan to help escort a young girl named Laura to North Dakota to a place called “Eden.” After an initial refusal, it becomes very apparent that Laura is no normal child when a legion of soldiers known as the Revenant tries to track her down.
Logan is trapped in a crossroads between caring for Charles and protecting this girl, but much more is at stake than he may realize.
Not Your Typical Comic Flick
While the title would make it seem like this “should” be a comic-bookie flick, I assure you it is not. After the first few scenes, it’s very clear that this movie is rated R for a reason. That being said, it doesn’t try to hit viewers over the head with it. There is swearing, a fair amount of gore, but the movie isn’t rated R just for the heck of it. The film is able to hit the right narrative tone because of it.
We are introduced to a worn and weary Wolverine and it is obvious that he’s a shadow of his former self. The story is heavy with the reality that the world has changed; mutants are no longer a part of it. At the same time, with the introduction of Laura, there is a glimmer of hope. There is a lot of heavy tension throughout the film. It’s balanced with some quiet moments and character building. The narrative was very character focused and it really hit all of the feels. The only thing the film seemed to lack was action.
Don’t get me wrong – there was action. However, it was spaced out (probably to allow the audience to catch a collective breath.) When the action scenes did commence, they were worth the wait. There was one scene in particular that really captured that old Wolverine magic, but it was very brief. I guess that’s part of Logan’s theme: passing the torch to the next generation. I only wish I got to see a little more of that generation.
