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By: Stephen Skipper
After 17 years, Hugh Jackman has sheathed his claws and put out his cigar. Fox’s latest X-Men movie, “Logan,” released on Mar. 3 and was Jackman’s final performance as the no-nonsense mutant, Wolverine.
In the year 2029, Logan is among the last of the dying breed of mutants, with none having been born in two decades. He is lying low as a limo driver while also caring for the ailing telepath, Professor Charles Xavier, played by Patrick Stewart, another longtime X-Men favorite. His quiet life is interrupted by the arrival of the mysterious young girl Laura (Dafnee Keen) who has an interesting connection with Logan. Together, the trio of Logan, Xavier, and Laura must cross the country while evading the sinister corporation, Transigen, and their ruthless thugs.
While it is painful to say goodbye to Jackman in his most well-known and recognized role, he still gave it his best. Wolverine is still the same edgy fighter he has always been. The movie itself is rated R, giving the movie and the Wolverine character the grittiness it has long deserved, letting Jackman go out on a bang rather than a whimper.
Unlike previous entries in the X-Men franchise, which has had some action to it but still restricted by ratings, “Logan” holds nothing back, whether it be language or action, even the elderly Stewart manages to get his voice heard. This movie also acts as a nod to all fans of the series, referencing past movies and smaller Easter eggs for the more eagle-eyed viewers.
“Logan” is no ordinary superhero movie, though. Instead of faced paced action and battling alien invaders or any trope, director James Mangold takes it with a darker approach. Wolverine is not in the prime of his life in any way. He limps around most of the time, his body is significantly weaker to abuse, and he even needs reading glasses from time to time.
Past X-Men movies have had epic battles across entire islands, but “Logan” is all about one goal: running from those chasing the heroes. The plot may deter some from enjoying this movie, but that should not be in the way of what is arguably Jackman’s most serious adaptation of the Wolverine role.
Jackman also has bounced back from his latest two solo Wolverine movies of “X-Men Origins” and “The Wolverine,” both of which have been considered flops by fans and critics alike. “Logan” currently holds a 93% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, giving the movie a fresh rating, being enjoyed worldwide. The opening weekend saw a draw of $85.3 million in domestic box offices, a slashing success.
Granted, with this success, fans will be wanting the saga of the Wolverine to continue, so the big question to be asked is who will be the next actor to wear the claws? Overall, “Logan” was the missing link a solo Wolverine movie needed to be for so long, and viewers were finally granted that.
