Logan: Review

The film is based around the Old Man Logan storyline from the X-Men comics, taking place in a near future where mutants are dying off. The ones that remain include Logan, and a frail, mentally ill Professor Xavier. Patrick Stewart’s return to the role is extremely satisfying, as he gets to explore a different side to the character. Stewart’s Professor X has never been prominent in the movies but manages to be in Logan.

The very first scene shows the films commitment to its violence, as Logan comes head to head with a group of carjackers, which is brutal, visceral and downright nasty. The fight scenes throughout are fast paced, gory explosions of rage. One in particular stands out, in which Wolverine must fight his way through the waves of a Professor X seizure.

The film follows a frail Logan, struggling to look after himself as well as the dementia stricken Professor X, who’s brain is classed as a weapon of mass destruction by the United States government. Wolverine is no longer an agile claws-baring superhero, but a shadow of his former self, trying to make money as a limousine driver to care for Professor X. The film really kicks in when a young girl named Laura shows up and Logan must protect her against the forces that have helped rid the world of mutants.

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The picture reflects some real world issues, with Laura being of Mexican origin and being hunted by American soldiers. This continues through the film with use of national borders, which become safe havens. Logan and Laura’s race north to the Canadian border ensures there is always a sense of urgency and tension.

Eleven-year-old Dafne Keen, who’s making her film debut, is impressive with an almost wordless performance. Jackman, Keen and Stewart have great on screen chemistry that brings their relationships to life.

Logan could potentially change the way we view superhero movies. Instead of a cheesy hero can never lose plot, the film shows how deep superhero flicks can go in the genre when approached in the right way. If this is the last time Jackman plays Wolverine and the last time Stewart plays Professor X, it’s a worthy way to leave the franchise. Logan is certainly the best Wolverine movie to date.