Good.......................but

Rating: 6/10 (25 November 2013)

I'll start by saying this is a good film..............just don't go in expecting non stop action.
But, and a big but, it's only really Hugh Jackman who keeps the film going. Now that's understandable in some ways, given that he's the lead character - but the others really aren't explored well at all.
And sadly, none of the other characters are particularly likable. Which (yet again in a film) means you don't really care whether they live or die.
It's a film that could have delved far deeper into Wolverines dark side - but I get the feeling that the script was watered down so the film would get a lower rating. And that's a shame, as while the film attempts to create a rounded adult comic book story, it's let down at almost every hurdle.
I don't know what the ratings are elsewhere, but here in the UK DVD release it's a '12' - which means anyone 12 years or older can watch it.
So there are areas that could have taken the character deeper - hell, the film even included a love hotel, a fiancé partying with what I guess were hookers and an old man ready to sacrifice everyone so he could keep on ticking.
Anyway..............the film in a nutshell:
Wolverine's living like a hermit, gets invited to Japan to say goodbye to an old man whose life he saved in WW2. Old man wants to steal Wolverines powers, so his evil hired mutant puts a parasite? on Wolverines heart.
Rest of the film is basically Wolverine coming to terms with being vulnerable, having discussions with the dead Jean Gray and ultimately getting his mojo back.
Problem is, the ending was obvious from the beginning of the film - no suspense, no real build up, just disappointing.
Ultimately though, you're left asking why the old man didn't just keep Wolverine at his estate and take his power. With his healing power suppressed by the 'parasite' thing, Wolverine could just have been gassed and the old man could have got what he wanted.
Instead of which, Wolverine's left to roam Japan, getting shot and beaten..............and risking death as he can't heal. And his hands still heal, even with his healing powers suppressed - odd, as his knuckle area should be scarred and bleeding most of the film.
That said, Hugh Jackman once again excels at Wolverine - he was born to play the part.
Just hoping that he gets the Wolverine script he richly deserves before he's too old to play Logan.