A number of critics were able to see the new X-Men movie, Logan, a few weeks early. With reviews coming in now, a few of us who saw the film last night share their quick reactions to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine send-off. Read our reactions below and check out for our official review of Logan here.
Mae Abdulbaki writes:
Logan was one of my most anticipated superhero films of the year. In terms of story and characters, it definitely delivers. It was bittersweet to watch because of it was Hugh Jackman’s last time playing the character. I’m going to be honest, I cried during the film. Wolverine, as we know him, appears in all of his ferocity, but this film is very much about Logan, the man. Logan is emotional, brutal in its violence, and hits all the right character beats. It’s the R-rated Wolverine movie everyone’s always wanted. The trailers didn’t really prepare me for the journey this film would take. I really liked that it touched on themes of belonging, as well as others that parallel the current world we live in. Without a doubt, Logan is definitely my favorite of the Wolverine trilogy and the superhero film to beat in 2017.
Jon Espino writes:
There is a war raging in the comic book cinematic universe where filmmakers think that these kinds of films should embrace their over the top, verging on campy nature, while others think they should be darker and made deathly serious. Logan proves that they are both wrong as it strikes a balance between all of those elements, while remaining true to the character. The film’s power lies in how effortlessly realistic it feels, channeling elements of a modern western while giving us enough tie-ins to the X-men universe to keep even the fanboys happy. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine/Logan has always been one of the best parts of the X-men films. In Logan, Jackman is finally able to show us his full range as his character becomes more emotionally complex. There is still enough gore and violence to satiate the staunchest Wolverine fan, but there’s also a bittersweet, complicated beauty surrounding it. If this is truly the last time we ever see Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, it is as fitting a good-bye as this much-loved character deserves.
Michael Fairbanks writes:
In an age where the glut of superhero movies and TV shows have essentially turned the genre into a parody of itself, it’s easy to forget how amazing these stories can be when given to people who genuinely love these characters. Luckily, Hugh Jackman and James Mangold have finally gotten to create the Wolverine story that they’ve been dying to tell. Logan is both a powerhouse piece of blockbuster filmmaking with stunningly brutal action sequences and an emotional, often tragic, character study. Jackman finally gives us the fully hardened version of the character we’ve been begging for, while Patrick Stewart gives an Oscar-worthy supporting turn as an ailing Professor Xavier. Even when it takes a couple of bone-headed turns towards the climax, it ultimately serves as a very fitting send off for one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.
Also, X-23 may be the most bad-ass child in movie history.
Gabrielle Bondi writes:
My first feeling as I was leaving the Logan screening was that I wish this movie came out when I was kid. X-23 is the kind of character I would have idolized – a powerful child who is quiet, smart, brave, and hispanic. While the intense violence and gore earns the film’s R rating, it makes me a tad sad that it will isolate a part of its younger violence who might not be able to see an R-rated film. However, I do feel like the amount of violence makes sense in order to finally see Wolverine and X-23 in their full glories – showcasing just how powerful they are, and the brutality exacted is impactful given the Logan’s more than relevant story line. This movie gives you plenty to think about, which in many ways makes it one of the best films ever in the superhero genre.
Aaron Neuwirth writes:
Logan is probably the most brutal X-Men movie audiences will ever be delighted to see. Hugh Jackman has returned for his last ride and once again fully commits to the role that made him a star. As a swan song, the film allows the character to reach an endpoint that is ultimately satisfying, even if it means more bloodshed in an effort to once again reluctantly serve his kind. Director James Mangold has made a violent road trip film, with a somber tone and fine supporting performances as well. Still, this is Jackman’s show and he delivers, even if the film is a bit too bleak and seems to suggest the life of a mutant will never be a happy one.
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Will Ashton writes:
Superhero movies, even comic book adaptations, rarely capture the existential contemplation of Logan. Mournful, solemn, tragic, painful and deeply meaningful, James Mangold’s return to the X-Men franchise is a bitter, bleeding, beautifully morose final chapter for Hugh Jackman. Uncompromising, unrelenting and largely unforgiving, it’s a long, winded travel to the end, and your heart will feel. Oh, how your heart will feel. This is not for the weak of heart. It’s sad. It’s bleak. It’s tragic, and it’s longing for deeper analysis and contemplation. It’ll earn more comparisons to ’70s Westerns than it will to, say, Deadpool or other X-Men blockbusters. For those who’ve wanted to see an undaunted, full-fledged attack to the heart from everyone’s favorite X-Men character, Logan doesn’t pull any punches. It claws right to your feelings, digs them out and expects you to bleed in the desert.
Evan Griffin writes:
I went into this film with absolutely no expectations. Since I was a kid, I have gone to see every X-Men movie in the theater on opening weekend, and have had a lot of growing with my taste in films in that period of time. As things stand for me currently, I can barely count on a single hand what X-Men movies I’d ever bother to argue are any good. Logan, in this regard, exceeds all expectations. In the same way we felt Deadpool redefined comedy in the superhero genre a year ago, I’ve realized I feel the same with Logan about drama in the same regard. Because of an R rating, Logan isn’t just the gratuitous Rambo-style final chance fans had at seeing Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine how they always wanted, but it also takes chances with storytelling, delivers a thrilling plot with a lean script and most importantly proves itself to be a good movie, not just a good superhero movie.
Stay tuned for more Logan coverage, including our official review of the new Wolverine film.
Logan arrives into theaters on March 3.
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