A beautiful send off to the character

Rating: 8/10 (13 April 2017)

Ever since the first trailer with Johnny Cash's 'Hurt' in the background was released, Logan looked special. From the locale, cinematography, and Hugh Jackman's performance, Logan is a radical departure from what we have seen in previous X-Men films.
Part of what I enjoyed about Logan was its smaller scope and more personable nature in relation to its narrative and characters. This is not a film about the action or the 'end of the world' narrative that we are so used to seeing in the genre. When we are first introduced to Logan, he is an alcoholic and devoid of any hope. His healing factor isn't working as well as it once was and the scars from his battles do not fade away like they once used to. Whilst working as a chauffeur during the night, he looks after a now helpless, Professor X in his desolate home. Xavier battles with Alzheimer's disease but also his own powers, which have unwillingly turned him into the most powerful weapon to exist. There is a rather interesting backstory regarding Xavier in the film. The characters are a far cry from previous portrayals. For instance, they are more vulgar as the film is Rated R. It was slightly odd to hear Xavier swear, but the swearing is not for the sake of giving the film its rating, but moreover to relate to its darker, gloomy tone. The introduction of Laura, played by newcomer Dafne Keen, becomes a catalyst in the narrative going forward. From the trailers, it was made clear that she is in fact X-23, a mutant who shares the same genes as Wolverine. Their relationship is beautifully conceived and leads to some great character development. Laura is brutal and feral, yet at the same time rather cute. That's quite a lethal combination! As a character, Laura is hard not to like, through her childish innocence, but also her dark history, which is one aspect of the film that helps give reason to the Rated-R.
Another aspect of the film I really enjoyed was its cinematography. Being set in New Mexico gave the film a warm, orange tint in the desert scenes that helped the film to look gorgeous. Aesthetically it helps to make Logan feel like an indie film. The camera work was thoughtful, particularly during the slower scenes, less so in the action. To elaborate, the camera work and slow paced nature of the film allowed me to connect with the characters. The action scenes worked in the sense that they really demonstrated the strength and brutality of the characters. Director James Mangold doesn't hold back and I loved it.
Marco Beltrami's score is not overly emphatic but it helps connote the right emotion given the scenes. It too is a departure from the often dramatic scores of many superhero films and is instead more humble and soft.
Part of why this film works is because we have seen Wolverine and Xavier's evolution as characters over the past 17 years and as such have an attachment to them. Their acts in this film will shock and surprise you. Hugh Jackman's self-professed final performance as the character is his best yet. He takes the character in directions we have yet to see him, as a father figure for example. Logan is truly a beautiful send off to a character who become a pivotal part of the franchise and its previous success.