Sad "Logan" Isn't Too Much Fun

Rating: 6/10 (7 June 2017)

"Logan" is the last chapter of Hugh Jackman's stand-alone Wolverine trilogy and has been one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. Being the first R rated film in the franchise and Hugh's swan song to his most recognized role, you can expect to see a very different kind of superhero movie. And that's exactly what "Logan" delivers...for better or for worse. Set in 2029, we find Logan (with a frail Professor X and their hired help, Caliban) trying to lay low as a limousine driver. His secret identity is quickly blown by a woman and child who beg him for safe passage from some dangerous men who are after the child. As you garner from the previews, the child, Laura, has similar mutant tendencies as old man Logan. What follows is not your typical superhero flick. There are no aliens. No sinister plot to destroy the planet. No assembling of other heroes to defeat an army of attackers. It's just Wolverine protecting and defending those he has learned to care about. There is plenty of violent and bloody action. This is much more "John Wick" than "Captain America". I believe this is the first time you see blood on (and spraying from) Wolverine's blades during his fight scenes. And because of the R rating get ready to hear everyone drop the f-bomb frequently (I think it's the only word Logan uses for the first 10 minutes of the film). Leave the kids at home. This is NOT that kind of superhero movie. The biggest downer for me is the overall sad tone throughout the whole movie. There's not much "fun" to be had on this ride. "Logan" is serious, violent, and yes, even emotional. Like I said, not your typical superhero movie. It's very much the Ying to last year's breakout R rated superhero movie Deadpool's Yang. Where "Deadpool" came for your laughs, "Logan" aims for tears.