I always look forward to superhero movies. For me they are always exciting event films, and often times the tie-ins (t-shirts, etc.) are just eventful as the film. However, over the years there have been disappointments and outright disasters. “Catwoman”, “Daredevil”, and the “Fantastic Four” films come to mind as epic misses.
The latest superhero film to grace the big screen is “Logan”, featuring Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine. I have really enjoyed Hugh’s other ventures as the adamantium clawed hero, which include solo adventures and “X-Men” appearances. The new effort starring Jackman, “Logan”, his supposedly last time starring as Wolverine, left me cold. I really don’t know where to begin concerning this film. The first part of the film, set in 2029, plods along at a deadly pace, while introducing us to the current state of Logan, which is grumpy and sickly, no doubt caused by the adamanitum in his bones which has started poisoning him. Logan is currently working as a chauffeur, and when he is not working he lives with an albino mutant named Caliban (Stephen Merchant) and Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease just across the border in Mexico. Depressed yet? One day during his job, Logan answers a call from a mysterious woman who harbors a young mutant, who just happens to be a female clone of Logan, named Laura/X-23 (Dafne Keen).
After meeting the duo, Logan eventually takes Laura under his wing, and the duo along with Professor X hit the road in an attempt to flee a villainous group of humans who are out to destroy all mutants. The group of humans, called the Reavers, are led by Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), who appears to be a reject from the “Fast & Furious” film series. Donald is making every effort to catch Laura and her other young mutant friends, and no manner of bad acting will stop him. The film also features Logan fighting a clone of himself, X-24, in one of the films best moments. Wolverine vs Wolverine would have made a great stand alone film, but alas was not meant to be. Eventually a showdown between the Reavers, Logan and the kids, results in a tragedy, and I don’t mean just the film. This film ran at least an hour too long, and could really have used some editing. The dark and depressing story-line left me squirming in my seat, and I kept wondering when the film would ever end. With the exception of a few scenes, Jackman didn’t exactly appear to be having a good time in the role, but as grumpy as the character was most of the time, it was hard to tell. Meanwhile, his co-star Keen, nearly stole all the scenes from Jackman, but even at times she was annoying.
I really tried to like this film, but I simply could muster any excitement during the film. This dark, dank, joyless film would leave even the most ardent film fan feeling down. Comic book fans, of which I am one, may feel different, but I am not among them. The best part of the film was the fight between the two Wolverines and the Deadpool teaser that ran before the film, which had nothing to do with “Logan”. For me sitting through “Logan” was pure torture, and with this film I am one and done. What a sad way for Jackman to end his run as Wolverine. Go see “Logan” at your own risk. You have been warned.
(Rated R) / 1 1/2 X-Men (out of 4)
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