Masterful and emotionally impressive tour de force

Rating: 9/10 (3 March 2017)

What a beautifully crafted movie! There's no ignoring this James Mangold, the director and the man with the story idea. I appreciate the way each scene made meticulous sense. It makes watching so much more engaging and rewarding when you can follow each event and never doubt, given the premise, that it could have happened that way.
Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart are both in fine form. Each in his own way make the story work at a refined level for which they deserve A list pay. Supporting their work are several others, including a newcomer in the role of Wolverine's 'daughter', all of whom manage to not only break the spell, but actually add to the story's impact.
By far the most critical casting was of Laura, Wolverine's genetically enhanced offspring, of sorts. They had to find someone who could pull off the physically demanding role, and if I were Mangold, it would have been job one. It's miraculous that they found Dafne Keen who has no trouble getting what the movie is about. She does a wonderful job and I'd love to see her again.