BY ROGER THOMAS
There have been nine films which feature the character “Wolverine” starting in 2000 and finishing up with the new release, “Logan.” I think there have also been a few Wolverine cameos in other films. Overall, Hugh Jackman has logged a lot of screen time playing this character, arguably the most loved among the X-Men universe. “Logan,” which is Wolverine’s given name, may be the exit film for this hero. Jackson seems to be saying he is done.
I can respect that. He is choosing a fine exit. Without revealing the story, this film is much harsher than the previous films. Take the “R-rating” seriously. There are quite a few words that would alone earn the film its rating. However, the blood and violence levels would have also pushed the film past a more friendly “PG-13.”
There are other things about this film that set it apart from all those which came before. The color palette of this film is much more subdued than the eight other films. There are no bright costumes, no colorful manicured lawns and prestigious school buildings. The story exists in a harsh world that needs the “X-Men” but they seem all be absent. I found myself wondering, will there be a film that bridges the gap between “X-Men: Apocalypse” and this film. I did not care much for “Apocalypse” overall, but that world was something completely different than the one where the events of “Logan” occur. However, if I heard correctly in the film, the events that played out on screen are happening in 2029. I am pretty sure we will not have “superhero” mutants in twelve years, but I certainly hope that we do not have a world like the one presented in “Logan” either.
One other difference between “Logan” and the earlier “X-Men” films is humor. The previous films certainly had serious moments and often times serious plot points and ideas, but they also excelled with humor. There are many examples of this throughout the series but I will only offer one: whenever Quicksilver demonstrates his giftedness the theatre was filled with laughter. The humor in most of the other films enhanced the overall appeal of the series.
However, once again, “Logan” is a different kind of film, telling a different kind of story. And there is nothing wrong with that. I respect the filmmakers and all involved who made the decision to make this story unique. Among not just the “X-Men” films, but the entire genre of “Super Heroes,” this film is something else.
I especially want to commend the three leading actors in the film. Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart have been consistent in their roles through the years. However, I do keep trying to remember how the films resolved the plot line when Charles spirit is transported into the body of another at the end of one of the earlier films. That aside, Stewart and Jackman are nearly matched by the performance of Dafne Keen. I look forward to her next project.
“Logan” ends with solid conclusions but also possibilities. Honestly, I hope there are more films like the early “X-Men.” I am looking for a more playful film in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” “Wonder Woman” also has an impressive trailer. At the beginning of “Logan” there is a trailer of sorts for the next “Dead Pool” film and it is very funny. In the midst of it all, there is also room for more serious fare as long as it is done well. “Logan” is a well crafted film. Better than I expected it would be, and much darker. Not for those under twelve, but to the rest who do not mind seeing their heroes struggle, “Logan” is a very fine chapter in the “X-Men” saga.
Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.
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