Logan, the graphically violent Wolverine solo story, delivers on all-fronts, and represents a (hopeful) change in the way that these films can and should be presented. Director James Mangold (in his second time directing a Wolverine film) smartly delivers a film that is a part of a larger universe, but also feels fresh enough to stand on its own two legs. Like his other western (the fantastic remake of 3:10 to Yuma), it's a story of the lengths heroes go to do what's right.
The year is 2029, and mutants are almost wiped out. In fact, a new mutant has not been born in almost a quarter century. Logsan (aka Wolverine) has grown old. His healing abilities are greatly delayed. It seems that his once indestructible body is finally starting to betray him. He is left to take care of the once mighty Professor Charles Xavier (played with full piss and vinegar by the wonderful Patrick Stewart), whose own powers are betraying him. It's by chance that a mysterious girl falls into his lap and he's tasked with taking her to Eden, a safe haven for mutant kind. What follows is equal parts Mad Max: Fury Road, Children Of Men, and a blend of a the great Western Films of Hollywood's past. Wolverine has always been a reluctant hero. He's always struggled with his own demons, and this film is no different. However, as Logan seemingly nears the end of his life, we finally get to see Logan come to terms with his centuries of life on this planet. He is the aging gunslinger called back to duty for one final job.
This film is loosely based on the iconic Old Man Logan series of Marvel comics, and I have to say that it lives up to that series of stories quite well. It's a political film (tackling the theme of Us vs. Them), but it doesn't wear it's politics on its sleeves. It features a border wall and tackles racism (in this instance, mankind's attempts at wiping out the mutant race) in subtle ways. It also deals with aging and death in a way that no comic book movie has ever tried to do.
At the end of the day, this is Hugh Jackman showcasing his signature character in ways that have not been seen before. It's one of his better acting performances, not just in X-Men films, but in his lengthy career. It's the rare standalone film that comic book experts and notices can appreciate. There are scant references to the X universe scattered throughout that serve as call outs that are fun to find, but not necessary to appreciate this story. If this truly is Jackman's last run as Wolverine, he goes out on a high note.
Logan works because they've treated the material like it matters. It's not meant to feed the larger shared cinematic universe in any way. Both Mangold and Jackman are allowed to tell the story that they want to tell, and are able to concentrate on story and substance over dollars and cents. Sure, this movie will make a boat load of movie, but it will do so because it's a genuinely thrilling story where the stakes matter and the characters have meaning and depth to them.
I'm giving Logan 3.5 out of 4 stars. It definitely earns it's R-rating. It takes chances to focus on telling a singular story, and those chances pay off. I'd definitely see it whether it's your first X-Men viewing or your tenth. It's not a perfect film, but it's definitely got a shot at the best comic book movie of 2017. Hell, I'll bet good money it'll make my top 10 of the year.
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