Review: ‘Logan’ is the Bloody, R-Rated Wolverine You’ve Always Wanted!

Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine in his best performance as the character to date.

As the synopsis states, it is 2029 and many mutants have nearly vanished. A hidden and perplexed Logan (Hugh Jackman) is in a hideout near the Mexican border and working as a driver for hire. Taking care of an ailing Professor X, who is hindered by maddening seizures. However Logan’s attempt to go away in the world and his legacy abruptly end when a mysterious woman appears with an urgent request–that Logan shepherd an extraordinary young girl to safety. Soon, the R-rated claws come out as Logan squares off against dark forces and a villain from his own past on a serious, life-altering mission and one that will set the beloved warrior on a path toward fulfilling his destiny.

Cinematics (Cinematography, Acting, Plot, etc.) – 4

Director James Mangold brings Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine to the conclusion it deserves ending on a high note. This portrayal of the harsh X-Man is anything but cartoonish! Calling this “the best stand alone Wolverine movie” is simplistic considering how low the bar is set for the first two movies. (The second one isn’t as good an many fans think it is.)  Genuinely gritty and apologetically violent, “Logan” wears. Thematically grim as a Nolan Batman movie, “Logan” understands how dark and cruel the world can be.

Rarely does a comic book movie feature such solid acting. Actor Hugh Jackman delivers his best role portraying the beloved, but conflicted superhero to date. The versatile actor brings his more complex roles he gave in “Prisoners” or “Les Miserables” to the iconic comic book character. We watch an aging Wolverine burdened by his physiological wounds that can’t heal as fast as his physical ones. He has great banter with Professor X (Patrick Stewart), who shows us a side we haven’t seen of the wise leader of the X-Men.

The gripping plot involving vulnerable children kept me very enthralled. Where it take the viewers is exciting. In the meantime, the movie was anchored by a very good performance from Dafne Keen in what will surely be one of the best breakout child performances of the year. It slightly wavers when she speaks, but her silent moments and facial expressions were some of the best work I’ve seen from a kid in a very long time! Many of her scenes are quiet and perfectly executed with her silence. A moment of sudden rage is unsettling as this damaged child expresses the uncertainty and anxiety of her situation.

Entertainment Value – 4.5

“Logan” is extremely entertaining. This is the violent, R-rated comic book movie that reflects the brutal savagery of the iconic X-Men character. It goes without say that “Logan” wears its R-rated heart on its sleeve. Even though there was a random scene of a woman’s bear breasts as if the movie is bragging it is for adults only, the mature content doesn’t over stay its welcome (i.e. “Deadpool” – yes, I am in the minority who complains about this sophomoric antics of a movie that peaks in the first 20 minutes).

One of my favorite moments involves a collection of scenes involving a family on a rural farm. I don’t want to reveal what else happens, but I appreciated these quieter moments and where keys scenes advanced the story. I found it refreshing. I couldn’t imagine anything like this 20 minute stretch existing in an “Avengers” movie with non-stop action and snark. Many Marvel movies feel bloated to me, but every scene felt necessary. I was enthralled especially with unexpected places this goes in the second act.

Re-Watchability – 4

This will be a re-watchable movie unlike many Marvel movies that sell the next installment. I will be re-watching this in a movie very soon! “Logan” makes a very good installment in the X-Men canon that stands on its own as a movie. If you have a young kid who likes superhero movies and wants to watch this one, you can wait a few years. It will age through the years. You can watch it with your older children who shouldn’t be subjected to its harsh violence anyway.