FINAL 'WOLVERINE' FILM | 'Logan' Review
'Logan' marks the third and final 'Wolverine' film, and a fitting farewell for Patrick Stewart's Professor Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine (Logan).
'Logan'. The story of a near future where a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hideout on the Mexican border. However, his attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are in vain when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.
It's been a long seventeen years for both Stewart and Jackman since they first took up the mantles. Jackman states that it was time for him to part ways with the character that shot him into superstardom all those years ago.
It's a shame that Jackman's portrayal of the character couldn't carry one more film to the 'Deadpool' sequel that Ryan Reynolds was set on him participating in. However, the parting gift that 'Logan' leaves it's fans with could not have been a more perfect way for both Stewart and Jackman to go out.
And in speaking of 'Deadpool,' the film seems to have started a trend of high quality superhero films in recent years. Tired are the old formulas that we've seen countless times before. 'Logan' follows on in a similar structure to what 'Deadpool' established.
Despite its lengthy run time, it proves to be a captivating film. Each scene proves itself necessary to character development, and the humour is well-written. In regards to action, nothing seems forced.
'Logan' was a breath of fresh air amongst dark and sombre world of the DC Comics universe, and the arguable failure to truly fulfil in many of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films (though, there are a number of exceptions: 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' and 'Deadpool' to name a few).
What makes 'Logan' exceptional is its non-superhero focus. The film is packed with heart and humanity - brutal to the film's core. Between the mess of 'X-Men: Apocalypse' and the cinematic brilliance that was 'Logan', it seems the film's creators realised audiences wanted to meet the man behind the hero.
Interestingly, there have been reports of director James Mangold doing a cut of the film in entirely black and white - something that would suit the tone of the film well; though, its original colour is striking on screen.
Beyond its headlining cast members, Dafne Keen, who plays Laura - the girl whom Logan must escort north, really shines in this film. Her age emphasises her talent as she stands tall amongst her well-known peers, despite this being her first feature film. Keen handles her role with effortless grace and stuns the viewer with her acrobatic skills, truly convincing the audience that she could be the [SPOILER ALERT!] daughter of Logan.
This is by far the best 'X-Men' film so far. Finally, audiences are getting the 'Wolverine' film they deserve, after the 2009 'Wolverine' hiccup and the improved 'The Wolverine' in 2013.
To save yourself sitting through the end credits, there's no mid or post-credit scene.
'Logan' is now in cinemas worldwide.
