The Grey Wolf Returns

Rating: 8/10 (8 March 2017)

(RATING: ☆☆☆☆ out of 5 )
GRADE: B
THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.
IN BRIEF: A more somber and ultra-violence ode to a comic book hero.
SYNOPSIS: The Grey Wolf is back for his swan song.
JIM'S REVIEW: The claws are still razor-sharp but the man behind them is worn out and losing some of his super-heroic powers in the last chapter of the Wolverine legend. Time has not dulled the pain from the many wars this lone (wolf) survivor has fought. His body is scarred, both physically and mentally. Heavy drinking is his past-time. A hero has fallen on hard times. Hugh Jackman again stars in his acclaimed title role, the third and final chapter to his Wolverine trilogy. His character has seen better days, yet he still ready for action as he takes on the villains in James Mangold's serious slice-and-dice adventure film, Logan.
It is 2029 and most of the mutants are gone or undercover. Logan a.k.a. Wolverine, that Grey Wolf of a man, is now a limo driver (although being a chef at a Hibachi restaurant would have been more profitable occupation). He also has become caretaker to Prof. Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who has aged less gracefully and is in the process of loses control of his mind on a regular basis. With his numerous brain seizures, the Professor has a paralyzing effect on those nearby, sort of a mental 6.9 earthquake. Still , he can see the future and tells Logan that he will meet a strong force who will change his worthless life. That person is an 11 year old feral wild child named Laura (Dafne Keen). Soon the trio is on the run from evil scientists and governmental agents.
Logan is one set piece after another, all of high octane battles, most of which are photographed in quick blurry takes and loud clanging sound effects. The body count rises fairly quickly with bloodletting intensity as people are hacked up, beheaded, and impaled. This is an R-rated film due to many of its violent sequences and its non-stop profanity. (The film is definitely an adult superhero film that is inappropriate for young ones.)
Yet it isn't the action that impresses. Rather, it is the skillful direction by Mr. Mangold, the fine acting, and a seriously minded-script by Scott Frank, Michael Green, and the director that is willing to have its quieter scenes build as the film develops relationships and conflicts between its characters.
Mr. Jackman brings a subtly hostile demeanor to his character and his interpretation of the hero shows a man slowly coming undone in search of redemption. He is defeated and tired of life's hardships. Mr. Stewart plays his part with much empathy as a once fearless man grappling with his on-going dementia. The two actors have a convincing chemistry. Ms. Keen is a talented newcomer and she handles her mostly mute-ant part extremely well. Giving strong supporting are Eriq La Salle, Elizabeth Rodriguez, and Richard E. Grant as the evil scientist in charge of the manhunt. Stephen Merchant as Logan's albino friend, Caliban, has some fine moments, as does Boyd Holbrook as the mercenary soldier, Pierce.
Logan plays like a modern day western, with more than a tip of the 10 gallon hat to George Steven's 50's classic film, Shane. The direct link to both films is well conceived but a tad heavy-handed. However, this detail shows the filmmaker's successful attempt to have more gravitas and depth added to this familiar genre.
X does mark the spot in Logan. As comic book blockbusters go, this film is far from comic in its darker tone and escalating violence. The film entertains, if one can accept the brutal carnage on screen, bringing a dignified conclusion to one of the better films of Marvel factory.