★★★★☆
I am reviewing the sixth instalment of the X-Men franchise starring Hugh Jackman,Famake Janssen,Tao Okamato,Ria Fukushima,Svetlana Khodchenkova,Will Yun Lee,Brian Tee and Hiroyuki, Score composed and conducted by Marco Beltrami,Based on The Wolverine by Chris Claremont,Frank Miller,Screenplay by Mark Bomback and Scott Frank,Directed by James Mangold
Wolverine. After the disappointing threequel and a prequel the studio decided to do a standalone feature film featuring everyone's favourite gruff superhero Wolverine. And it did not disappoint. Hugh Jackman is in top form showing off equally good acting and fighting ability. I enjoyed the way they were showing Wolverine's personality and how the events of X men:the last stand had effected him. I did enjoy this film more than Man of Steel[Even though I enjoyed it]and Iron man 3[My opinion of Iron man 3 has changed I don't exactly like it any more]. In my opinion this is one of the best CBM's[Comic book movies] of the year. Throughout the course of the film you are transported to Japan, it's culture,it's people and it's style. Completely different from New York or Metropolis
Firstly Wolverine is not a happy movie. It is sad. As the plot, twists and turns grow and mood gets gloomier and gloomier by the minute. The plot has a Shakespearian feel, family quarrels and fights, lovers betraying their loved ones. There is a twist at the end which is a shocking yet interesting. There are some humorous moments including the love hotel which do put a smile on your face but it dies down and doesn't last long. The villains including Viper [above] are a good addition although Viper has one fatal flaw: it feels like she came from a completely different film. The film makes unknown Japanese actresses and actors feel and act great. The finale is a little rushed, the love story is a little weird and everything a bit dull.
Wolverine deserves 4 stars because of its fast paced, hard edged, grounded storyline, it's suprising twist, it's characters, acting and composing while Viper is one of the only flaws
Wolverine is not the perfect CBM but it is a good hard edged thriller and is a great addition to the X men franchise.