Before we talk about Logan let’s take a moment to thank our friend Deadpool. Once the Merc with a Mouth opened to a $130 million dollar weekend [only to go onto a $780 mill. worldwide] the game changed. R rated comic book movies were now OK simply because they can make money.
Beyond the cheap thrill of hearing a superhero say “fuck,” this was very important and essential shake up to the genre. If we are going to be bombarded with a caped crusader every 7 weeks, we need to have options. Deadpool made it alright to tell different stories. It made it alright to make Logan.
Now with that said the first thing out of Wolverine’s mouth is “fuck”. In fact the first 15 minutes or so are a little over the top with the new found freedom, much like a 12 year old who has learned a new curse word. Some nudity and “fuck this, fuck that” Got it. You’re a big boy now, Logan. Now tell the story.
To be upfront with all the fanboys and thrill seekers, Logan is more character piece than action movie. There are a couple scenes of mayhem and they are few and far between. Writer/Director James Mangold focuses on a broken hero and his relationship with his dysfunctional father figure, Professor X. We’ll call him Charles. Both Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart are allowed to deeply explore characters they have been bringing to life for 17 years (that’s right- you’re old) and the results are exhilarating, allowing closure and making up for that horrid X-Men from last year. Jackman gives layered and accomplished performance that rivals his best work. It won’t happen, but this is award worthy.
The film is a slow burner and I am interested to see how the masses respond. This ain’t your normal Marvel movie and this film accomplishes “dark and brooding” better than any of the recent DC films. It is wholly unique and satisfying but only if you are looking for something deeper with some meat on the bone.
Let’s take time to applaud James Mangold. While I found his last attempt, The Wolverine¸ hollow and boring he has made a very solid film that will continue the rejuvenation of the Superhero movie. He has sent one of our beloved literary figures off in the horizon with deserved grace. He made a great fucking movie!
