THE WOLVERINE: SPOILER FREE (SORT OF) REVIEW

Gaining much of its inspiration from the collaborative efforts of Chris Claremont and Frank Miller from the early 1980’s, The Wolverine starring once again Hugh Jackman opened this past Friday. While of course like many adaptations, some liberties were taken but overall a well paced action film. This is the second film to just focus on the character Wolverine but its not sequel to the 2009 X-Men Origins: Wolverine film. Instead, its a direct continuation of X-Men: The Last Stand from 2006. Confused? Don’t be. Once you have all the films in your possession, it will all make perfect sense. After all, these are all based on comics where continuity isn’t always a priority. 

The Wolverine begins after the events of Last Stand. Logan is haunted by the memories of Jean Grey. He lives the life of a hermit until a mysterious girl named Yukio (played by Rila Fukushima) arrives. She brings him back to Japan and this is where the story takes shape. Logan‘s past heroics and his unique mutant abilities come into play when someone from his past makes him an offer he can refuse.

As far as villains are concerned, we get to see Viper and Silver Samurai. And although the origins have been altered, in particular for Silver Samurai, it works within the structure of the film. I’m sure there will be some who would not be happy with that change but from a big picture standpoint, it’s a forgivable change. This is easily one of the better X-Men related films.
Like so many recent comic book films, The Wolverinedoesn’t necessarily have the feel of such a film and that’s okay. It plays out more like a action/mystery. I thought at times it was very Nolan-esque. Especially some of the scenes in Japanreminded me in tone of Batman Begins.  Director James Mangold did a very good job of bridging the gap of the previous X-Men films and in keeping up with what Marvel has established in its cinematic universe. Not a small task to be sure.
My hope in tying in all the previous X-Men films together, Marvel is creating a cinematic universe that could someday lead to crossover event with the Avengers. How many of you wouldn’t want to see The Hulk and Wolverine on the same screen? Imagine how a conversation would go between Robert Downey, Jr’s. Tony Stark and Jackman’s Logan? Obviously only time would tell. But don’t think for one moment that Marvel isn’t keeping a careful eye on DC and its Batman/Superman match up slated for 2015.
Everything Marvel has done to this point has turned into box-office gold. They’re not in a hurry to lose that. I want competition between the two because the ultimate winner will be us… the fanboys & fangirls.
Here is your biggest spoiler… stick around for the ending credits. You’ll thank me later.
THE WOLVERINE *** (out of 4)
JPB
The Dork Knight
About The Dork Knight 520 Articles
James aka “The Dork Knight” is a blogger and writer based out of Upstate New York. For James, it all started with a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… when he dragged his mom to see The Empire Strikes Back 10 weeks in a row. He lives and breathes nerd culture. James is proof that a Star Wars fanatic can be a passionate Trekkie as well. So much so James dressed up as Captain Kirk to the premiere of Star Trek VI in 1991 and still has the uniform. When it comes to Comic Books, Sci-Fi or Fantasy whether in print or digital, in the theatre or on my TV screen, I’m all about it and I love it. So bring your Phaser (set to stun), Lightsaber, Sonic Screwdriver, a Wand, Mjolnir or the Ring to rule them all, because this site is for the dork in all of us.