17. 17 years of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. 17 years leading up to the ultimate Wolverine movie. “Logan” is the final chapter in Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of one of Marvel’s most classic characters ever created.
Some time in the not-too-distant future, Logan (Hugh Jackman) has descended to his lowest point without any sense of purpose. He is a man whittled down to nothing more than a glorified Uber driver chauffeuring wild bachelorette parties and rude business executives in a beat up limousine. No longer are the glory days of Wolverine fighting alongside his fellow mutants against the transgressions of Magneto and mutant-despising humans, for most mutants have been killed off. Merely a lifeless mutant waiting to die, Logan cares for his closest mentor, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) who is battling the onset of dementia.
Logan’s world is once again turned upside down when a desperate woman pleads for Logan to escort a mysterious child from the Mexican border to the Canadian border where the promise of asylum from government task forces is all that gives them hope. Logan must decide if there is any sense of goodness left in him and either take the woman and child or return to his life of depravity.
Though loosely based on the highly popular graphic novel, ‘Old Man Logan,’ the movie draws most of its content from the X-23 and Mutant Massacre story lines. Comic book lovers need not worry, however, as “Logan” tips its hat to many classic comic book moments. The film is saturated with spiritual and philosophical undertones that shift the identity away from the archetype superhero movie. Logan is not the lionized hero built on moral platitudes that we would expect from superheroes. Rather, he is a broken, calloused mutant with a rage-fueled life. Spiritually, he is the apotheosis of the depraved human.
It is clear to the audience that Logan’s greatest enemy is in fact himself. However, the film traces a beautiful narrative of Logan finding redemption and overcoming his humanity. With the assistance of those that care for him, the prodigal Logan finds his way back home.
At one point, Logan, Charles and company stumble upon a family in need of help on the side of the road. Logan mutters, “Someone will come along” to which Charles responds, “Someone has come along”—the words jumping right out of the parable of the good Samaritan.
“Logan” is a film that blurs the lines between heroism and humanity, but ultimately captures the essence of a broken mutant finding the strength to let the most human power prevail—hope. Apart from the incredible performance from Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Daphne Keen, and Boyd Holbrook generate resonating performances. Heavy with brutal emotion, the film has some comic relief peppered just right to allow some breathing room, but be wary. Fox’s R rating surely delivers a gritty, raw story.
“Logan” joins the ranks of “Deadpool” as formidable superhero films with the R rating. Beautiful Texas sunsets and the rolling, forested mountains of North Dakota compliment the cinematography as a piece of art. The fight scenes do not hold back as rage-filled Logan mutilates his opponents. However, the movie is long-winded and thus average moviegoer may lose interest.
These 17 years of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine have culminated to this point. This ultimate, high-octane Wolverine experience will leave comic book lovers satisfied with Jackman’s farewell performance.
“Logan” deviates from the formulaic superhero film and instead presents the gripping narrative of a lost man who finds his way home.
Thomas Brown is a senior History, Bible, and International Development Studies triple major. This review reflects the views of the author only.
The Huntingtonian 