In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant ar...
The final film in the Wolverine spin off series; 'Logan' is such a fitting end to Jackman's portrayal of the character. He has gripped us ever since the first X-Men instalment in 2000 and now 17 years later is finally hanging up his claws. The popularity of the X-Men franchise has had a little resurgence in recent years and it is near impossible to envision who will replace him if he is recast in the future. Nevertheless, Logan is the perfect way to say goodbye.
Set in the near future where mutants are all but extinct, we see a vastly different world to the recent epilogue in Day of Future Past. We are re-introduced to Logan this time working as a chauffeur, hiding his 'mutantcy' to the world. He is aged, his body is failing, his mutant powers are slowing receding. His scarred body is still healing, albeit slowly and inadequately. Professor X returns as a man struggling with his powerful mind. The setting is a very interesting, thought provoking insight into how mutants would age and handle illnesses. One that was handled exceptionally, Stewart's portrayal as the struggling Xavier is his handled with grace and delicacy as one would expect he would and is heartbreaking to see unravel on the screen.
The feel of the film is completely refreshing to what we usually see in a comic book film; gone are the suits, saving mankind and the overpowered enemies. It compares to a modern day western, the fascinating bandit fighting his way to the border, evading authorities and reminded me of 'The Last Of Us' A rough, bleak tale where we see Logan fighting his age, fighting his inner self. The conflict in the film is found within Logan, rather than a generic comic-book enemy that is hell bent on destruction. This enemy is personified in the perfect way (which I will not utter here). This character-driven tale one we finally get to see and one Logan deserves, greatly paced with touching moments interwoven with brutal action.
Laura is the new main character introduced. A fire-cracker waiting to explode, a mirror to a younger Logan himself. Angry, confused, curious yet fiercely independent, she serves as the catalyst in the movie and if this particular tangible series were to continue, Laura would be the way forward. Logan as a character is a savage, angry and brutal and the action wholeheartedly reflects that. The fight scenes hold nothing back as we see blood, ripped torsos and slashed necks. Underneath the savagery is a man who is losing and in the quiet moments, the soundtrack is stripped down and beautiful. As an audience, we connect with his conflict and sadness. Jackman gives undoubtedly his greatest performance as the endearing rogue Logan.
Without a doubt, this is the best Wolverine film and arguably the best X-Men, which makes me wonder why now? Why in Jackman's last role have these films (Wolverine) finally hit what we've all wanted and hoped for? It feels right to end Jackman's legacy here but I for one is sad to see him go.
