[yasr_overall_rating]
In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
“Logan” is a film that follows the X-Men character of the same name in a future that is bleak and harsh as he protects those he loves and finds a new family in the midst dire circumstances. The once great warrior is now a weaker more pessimistic version of himself and director James Mangold does a fantastic job of taking Logan and blending him into the environment. Hugh Jackman does an incredible job creating a shell of the character that once ruled the world and still making him the hero everyone remembers.
Wolverine has always been violent but as he ages, hesitation is apparent. Logan is tired of fighting but will do just that if pushed and in the film, he is pushed quite a bit. Brutality is apparent in this story, more so than others but it fits into the movie because of the perfect tone that is created. I never questioned why there was so much blood during the fight scenes because the world I had been immersed in, let that fly; it had become the norm.
The film, at face value, is brilliant. There isn’t any lull in the story and the action isn’t overdone. The story progresses nicely but in the middle of things you will be asking yourself how did they get here, why is wolverine wasting away, where is everyone else? This is answered within the movie but if you don’t listen closely you will surely miss it. The information exposes itself between one-liners but doesn’t go into detail which could leave an average viewer lost without context. This isn’t something that reveals itself in the middle of the film, this problem is something that makes itself known right at the start of the movie. You just happen to be distracted with claws getting stuck in skulls so you don’t notice at first.
This film seems to be the opening for another series. One that may not involve Jackman or any of his original counterparts. It would be sad to see that but the newcomer, Laura, is a mutant which could no doubt lead an intense storyline all on her own. Actress Dafne Keen does an incredible job embodying a character who, on the surface looks lost and scared but then, once provoked, shows a sense of strength and control, much like that of Wolverine.
This movie deserves viewership and praise but maybe try reading up on the history first. It will help you when you most need it.
In theaters Friday, March 3rd
