Enjoyable superhero origin

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2009)

The negative feedback I have been picking up about this movie worried me. I was starting to be convinced that I wouldn't enjoy it at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not without flaws, but I thought it was great fun.
Of necessity episodic, it provided a decent origin story, some new mutants, retooled villains in Victor Creed and Stryker, and plenty of opportunity for Jackman to show both the feral and the touchy-feely sides of Logan.
It was also pretty solidly action-packed, and most of the action moved the plot along (with the possible exception of some of the Logan/Creed fighting).
I was delighted to see Patrick Stewart's cameo at the end.
Jackman, as usual, gave a committed Wolverine, and Liev Schreiber delivered a highly entertaining Creed. Danny Huston isn't my favourite actor, and I preferred Brian Cox's Stryker.
Yes, there was some howling - Logan as a boy howled on the first appearance of the claws, there was an adult howling not long afterwards, then there was the howling at the death of Kayla and, finally, the howling following the adamantium bonding. Possibly a howl too far, but I was minded to excuse it.
I got somewhat confused at family relationships at the start (I'm still no wiser) but it didn't spoil things.
And, while I know I am easily pleased at the movies, my 25 year old son and 82 year old mother both left the cinema having thoroughly enjoyed it.