Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

[Homer Yen]

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Slices and Dices His Way Forward
by Homer Yen
(c) 2009

I think what made the X-Men films fun to watch was the fact that all
of these uniquely powered mutants came together to create a dynamic
team environment.  Thanks to Dr. Xavier, who could keep them in check,
teamwork would make the dream work.  Truthfully, I never much
appreciated Logan's solo act as he would brazenly charge into battle
without much reflection on his actions.  I understand that this is
part of his appeal.  However, it's hard to care about someone who
doesn't really care about himself. Yet, as I think about the options
for possible "X-Men Origins" movies, Wolverine would probably have the
best chance of breaking out with a film of his own.

The final product is more entertaining-than-not, but wavers in its
ability to deliver solidly.  It gets off to a great start, visually,
as we are introduced to Logan (Hugh Jackman) and his brother, Victor
(Liev Schreiber).  Logan runs as fast as a wolf; but Liev can also
pounce like - well, uhh - a sabertoothed tiger.  Both share amazing
regenerative powers and long life.  When the film opens, we are in
1845.  We are treated to a creative montage of previous wars with
Logan and Victor fighting side-by-side as soldiers and surviving
through all of them against all odds.  Their unique powers come to the
attention of a shadowy government entity, who recruits them to do
heinous things.  Now, it's about 165 years later with Logan looking
like Hugh Jackman (and acting like a morality-stricken boy scout) and
Victor looking like Liev Schreiber (and acting like the warmongering
bad-boy that he is).

Now it devolves quickly into a highly stylized video game.  The
creation of a Mutant Mercenary Group, especially with some swordsman
that could deflect incoming bullets, makes the Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles look classy.  As tough as it is to watch this part, it does
set into motion the theme of the film, which is the rift that develops
between the two brothers and a subsequent hasty decision by Logan that
would ultimately transform him into Wolverine.

The problem here is that in its effort to sustain a story that focuses
on just one person, they never really unleash the film's soul until
midway into the film.  And now with time running out, it's too hard to
catch up on what hasn't been said and to make up for all of the wasted
special effects.  Yet, the film is actually pretty good once the need
for revenge overtakes Logan's generally passive side.  There is a
higher level of grit present here than in the other X-Men films.

For me, the urge to see it was one more of curiosity than a real
desire to see an "X-Men" film.  I had seen all of the others of this
franchise (and I think that this is better than I, but less
entertaining than II and III).  I have wondered how he got those
indestructible ginsu-for-claws and why he was unable to remember his
past.  Thanks for sharing.  But you know what?  I think that I just
miss Dr. Xavier and Magneto who had bigger and better ideals to
squabble about.

Grade:	B-

S:	0 out of 3
L:	0 out of 3
V:	2 out of 3