The Wolverine: The Best X-Men Film In Years

             I make no secret of how I feel about Fox’s handling of their X-Men franchise.  While the first two films are entirely enjoyable superhero fare, if not entirely true to the source material, the franchise has been a disappointment since then.  X3 and X-Men Origins: Wolverine are best not even spoken of.  And while there is nothing in particular wrong as a movie with X-Men: First Class it completely ignores the source material and even the continuity of the film franchise.  That being said, the sequel to 2009’s lackluster solo Wolverine flick, The Wolverine, was quite a bit of fun, and as best as I can expect from this failing franchise now. 

            After 13 years in the role, Hugh Jackman really has Wolverine down.  In The Wolverine Jackman brings his best performance yet.  The action sequences are well choreographed and a pleasure to watch.  The bullet train sequence, while fairly ridiculous, was just a really exciting action sequence.  Also there’s something to be said about seeing everyone’s favorite Canadian mutant being force bathed by two middle aged Japanese women.  Tao Okamoto also does a solid job playing Logan’s other significant love interest, Mariko.  Hopefully this relationship will be expanded upon in the third Wolverine solo movie.

Regardless the film is not without problems.  There are some definite writing problems, which really present themselves in the final act.  The film is without any compelling villain.  Mariko’s father and fiancé are clichéd.  Harada’s loyalties bounce all over the place.  Viper serves no purpose other than inhibiting Logan’s healing factor early in the movie.  Her role in the climax could have been taken over by just about anybody.  Yashida’s reveal as the final villain is unimpressive.  The lack of an even decent villain makes the climax feel quite inconsequential. There is also one glaring plot hole.  When Yashida offers to take away Logan’s healing factor, Logan says what was done to him can’t be undone.  However, his healing factor is a result of his natural genetic mutation and not a result of the Weapon X program. 

            The Wolverine is by far the most enjoyable entry in the franchise since X2.  While there is some seriously weak writing in the film, the acting and action generally make up for it.  Perhaps this marks an upturn for the franchise.  I’m not convinced.  The trailer for Days of Future Past gives me the next entry in the franchise will be a very disappointing take on a classic storyline.  Maybe Fox will prove me wrong.