After seventeen years and nine film appearances, the mythology of Logan/Wolverine comes to an emotional and gratifying conclusion. The year is 2029 and all that’s left of the X-Men are Logan (Hugh Jackman), who has distanced himself from the X-Men legacy by working as a limo driver, drinking himself into an oblivion while taking care of the ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart).
A mysterious woman who claims to be a nurse suggests that there is a new breed of mutants in danger and she and a young female (Dafne Keen) need Logan’s help.
This is not your older brother’s X-Men and is a much more profound and definitive take than the previous two entries. Jackman and Stewart truly work their magic with more intimate dialogue and with top-notch action. James Mangold takes a superhero/western approach that works itself out quite nicely, offering some stylish settings revolving around the Midwest. Our main characters had more to say then the film allowed for with an ending that comes off rather weak.
Those who have not experienced the rest of the films in the X-Men series may not see the importance of this particular entry. Pacing and the stunning action sequences provide a solid balance while maintaining a satisfying experience throughout the film. For better or worse, it certainly is a much more intricate superhero-based film; even though it may seem simple in its premise, there is a depth that always seems to be missing from other Marvel entries; our heroes may not always be the “ideal person” we expect them to be. And, that’s the best bit about “Logan”. Its structure touches on the fictional realm of comics crossed over into reality. Logan is the hero and he goes out for one last ride.
It will certainly be difficult to produce another X-Men related film even half as good as this. Rugged, brutal, filled with raw, well-timed action sequences, high-speed desert pursuits, hand-to-hand combat, Xavier’s snarky one-liners and Logan’s final act all culminate to deliver a triumphant entry. It is not a perfect film, but it holds on deeply to all the good stuff. That alone makes it worthwhile.
I feel badly for the next guy who has to fill such big shoes.