I'll admit, I wasn't negative heading in. I was fairly confident that it would make up for Origins: Wolverine (and as such be better than X-Men 3: The Last Stand as well). However, I was still pleasantly surprised. This movie surpasses even the 1st two X-Men movies- which is in no way an easy feat.
Unlike his last solo outing, Wolverine truly takes center stage. Indeed, as was promised, the movie doesn't waste time with dozens of cameos and instead it's purpose is to give a truly satisfying and in-depth view of his character. Like the original miniseries it was based on, the movie focuses on the dualism between man and beast of the character. And instead of the tired and worn 'he's still human' trope, the movie doesn't give a true answer on which side Logan leans more towards. It's main message is that no matter which he is, his heart is pure.
There's a multitude of interesting side characters. Yukio and Mariko share the role of Deuteragonist. Mariko is the main love interest and fits her role perfectly. But, audiences are more likely to be drawn to Yukio. She's the perfect little spitfire and adds to the atmosphere each time she's on screen. Add the fact that she's a true Action Girl and has the proper emotional range and we have a brilliant character who needs to appear again. Her chemistry with Logan is also great, leading to a rather obvious Fan Preferred Couple.
The villains, while not very memorable, are still written well and their actions are investing. Perhaps the best part of the film is the intrigue and mystery behind the shifting alliances. Viewers are left asking throughout just who is the real Big Bad. Speaking of our main villain, while they aren't sympathetic, we can see the motivations for their actions, saving him from doing crimes For The Evulz.
As would be expected the action is top-notch. In fact, part of what makes it so great is that there's no explosions, lasers, or truly over-the-top powers. It's just good martial arts and sword-fighting.
Bryan Singer's two franchise openers were amazing, Oscar-worthy films. Yet even they meet their superior here. With out a doubt this is the best film yet in the X-Men franchise, and one of the greatest of all time.
An Absolute Classic (Warning: Spoilers)
I'll admit, I wasn't negative heading in. I was fairly confident that it would make up for Origins: Wolverine (and as such be better than X-Men 3: The Last Stand as well). However, I was still pleasantly surprised. This movie surpasses even the 1st two X-Men movies- which is in no way an easy feat.
Unlike his last solo outing, Wolverine truly takes center stage. Indeed, as was promised, the movie doesn't waste time with dozens of cameos and instead it's purpose is to give a truly satisfying and in-depth view of his character. Like the original miniseries it was based on, the movie focuses on the dualism between man and beast of the character. And instead of the tired and worn 'he's still human' trope, the movie doesn't give a true answer on which side Logan leans more towards. It's main message is that no matter which he is, his heart is pure.
There's a multitude of interesting side characters. Yukio and Mariko share the role of Deuteragonist. Mariko is the main love interest and fits her role perfectly. But, audiences are more likely to be drawn to Yukio. She's the perfect little spitfire and adds to the atmosphere each time she's on screen. Add the fact that she's a true Action Girl and has the proper emotional range and we have a brilliant character who needs to appear again. Her chemistry with Logan is also great, leading to a rather obvious Fan Preferred Couple.
The villains, while not very memorable, are still written well and their actions are investing. Perhaps the best part of the film is the intrigue and mystery behind the shifting alliances. Viewers are left asking throughout just who is the real Big Bad. Speaking of our main villain, while they aren't sympathetic, we can see the motivations for their actions, saving him from doing crimes For The Evulz.
As would be expected the action is top-notch. In fact, part of what makes it so great is that there's no explosions, lasers, or truly over-the-top powers. It's just good martial arts and sword-fighting.
Bryan Singer's two franchise openers were amazing, Oscar-worthy films. Yet even they meet their superior here. With out a doubt this is the best film yet in the X-Men franchise, and one of the greatest of all time.
10/10. A must-see.