Wolverine roared into theaters this weekend to great anticipation, hype and hiccups along the way. Built upon several chapters of the story of where this man of “more than” steel named Logan came from, unravels at just under two hours of testosterone-filled back story.
A lengthy introduction of the characters history as the titles roll brings you in immediately to a story that dates back to the civil war. Diving right in the film introduces a young Logan killing someone he’s quite familiar with…and for whom he quickly regrets and begins his own unique quest. Much is not clear of what exactly all the details are but suffice it to say that he and his brother Victor Screed create an untenable bond that is played out as one brother takes a path to the dark side and the other must reconcile how to deal with it.
Liev Shriber turns in a villainous performance as Hugh Jackman’s brother and is almost chilling if it weren’t a comic book tale. It’s good to see him get screen time although his character is in need of a major manicure. The almost biblical nature of the tale of these two brothers plays out as each makes a choice of what to do with their special powers.
A plus for the film is that you don’t need to know much of the larger story of who these men really are or what they will become without enjoying the action here. Sure, Wolverine’s character falls in love, is betrayed and ultimately reconciles his feelings, but that’s as close to a chick flick this adrenaline-fueled performance grants the viewer. Jackman is truly jacked in this movie and director Gavin Hood isn’t afraid to show you his star in all his glory without the over the top display that Watchmen chose. Ryan Reynolds lends his wry tongue and killer physique to the game play, while Will.I.Am adds to his resume with great flair.
Welcome to the summer blockbuster season, Wolverine earns its place at number one this past weekend, with JJ Abrams juggernaut Star Trek on the horizon it will be interesting to see how the battle of the box office play’s out, this well done production deserves the top spot…for now.
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