Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Released 03-17-2017
Watched 07-20-2024
Reviewed 08-16-2024
Watched on Disney+
"Nature made me a freak. Man made me a weapon. And God made it last too long."
James Mangold’s Logan is a gritty, raw farewell to one of the most iconic characters in the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman returns as the titular Wolverine, delivering a performance that’s as compelling as it is heart-wrenching. While Logan offers a refreshing departure from the standard superhero fare with its darker, more mature tone, it ultimately falls short of greatness due to a somewhat lackluster storyline.
The film is set in a bleak future where mutants are nearly extinct, and Logan is a shadow of his former self, caring for an ailing Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart). The story kicks into gear when Logan encounters Laura (Dafne Keen), a young mutant with powers strikingly similar to his own. What follows is a brutal, often poignant road trip as they flee from dark forces seeking to capture Laura.
Hugh Jackman gives one of his best performances, embodying the weariness and pain of an aging Logan. Patrick Stewart is equally impressive, bringing depth and vulnerability to Professor Xavier. Dafne Keen, in her breakout role, is a revelation, holding her own alongside the seasoned actors and injecting a ferocity and innocence into her character that is captivating.
Visually, Logan is stunning. The cinematography by John Mathieson paints a grim yet beautiful picture of a dystopian future, contrasting the desolate landscapes with the brutal, visceral action scenes that are both thrilling and intense. The film’s R-rating allows for a level of violence and language that feels appropriate for the story it wants to tell.
However, despite these strengths, the film’s narrative feels somewhat uninspired. The plot, while serviceable, lacks the energy and creativity that one might expect from a finale of this magnitude. The road trip structure, while offering moments of reflection and character development, often feels meandering and repetitive. There are flashes of brilliance in the quieter, more emotional moments, but they are interspersed with predictable plot points and a climax that doesn’t quite deliver the emotional punch it aims for.
In conclusion, Logan is a good film that could have been great. The exceptional performances and striking visuals make it a worthy addition to the X-Men franchise, but the uninspired storyline prevents it from reaching its full potential. Fans of the character will appreciate this darker, more mature take on Wolverine, but the film’s lack of narrative innovation keeps it from being a true classic.
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