10 reasons why you should go watch ‘Logan’ now

James Mangold’s final Wolverine movie is an epic, emotional, action-filled romp, as well as a befitting end to the cinematic life of our favourite mutant. While this is mostly a spoiler-free mini-review, do tread with caution.   The plot goes: ‘In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a […]

James Mangold’s final Wolverine movie is an epic, emotional, action-filled romp, as well as a befitting end to the cinematic life of our favourite mutant. While this is mostly a spoiler-free mini-review, do tread with caution.
 

The plot goes: ‘In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.’

In a Variety cover story, ‘Deadpool’ star Ryan Reynolds predicted that ‘Logan’ is Oscar-worthy after enjoying an early screening of the movie. He’d said then: “It’s mind-blowing. It relies a lot on character.” And boy, does it! Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is as always, perfect to the T, so we won’t even bother adding that to the list.

Directed by James Mangold, the R-rated drama has been described as being more of a character study, and that’s just what it is. It is also a gritty action movie to boot. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here, so without further ado, here’s our list (in no particular order):

1. Laura/X-23

Played by newcomer Dafne Keen (this is her first mainstream American production), Laura is the heart and soul of the movie. Immediately bonding with Patrick Stewart’s Professor Charles Xavier, it takes a while before she bonds with Logan. Her scowl, her rebellious swagger, and her deadly ballet when she rips bad guys to bloody pieces are some of the best bits of the movie. She also has a lot of heart, and considering what she’s gone through in her rather short life so far, that’s saying a lot. She also makes a heck of a fighting partner with Logan.

2. Logan’s Berserker Rage

Sure, readers of the comic-books know about Logan’s ‘berserker rage’, when he goes into an almost trance-like murderous frenzy. And sure, fans love it. But this is the first time it is seen, full-blast, on movie screens, and it is glorious. It is in energy, in spectacle and in every bit of its execution, a sight to behold. The way it plays in the story, also makes it a terrifyingly beautiful swansong. With an R-rating, what else did you expect?

3. Emotions, Baby!

It would seem odd that a movie with as much action and gore as ‘Logan’ would be packed full of emotional scenes, but it does. And beautifully, too. There are a couple of Kleenex-worthy scenes, of course involving the deaths of major characters. Director Mangold really balanced on a tightrope on this one, and masterfully succeeded. Bravo!

4. The Reavers

No spoiler mentioning the name of the group of cyborg killers who menace our hero, or heroes. They are ruthless, murderous and stone-cold, just like their comic-book counterparts. Donald Pierce, their leader, is played by Boyd Holbrook who gives a superb performance. The make-up and SFX for their appearance is also well-done, which leads us to…

5. Great SFX

From the aforementioned Reavers, to Caliban’s make-up, all the way to the powers on display, the special effects are jaw-droppingly done. Since Wolverine’s powers aren’t what they used to be and he insists on fighting like before, the result is a constantly torn (literally), bullet-riddled hero. And everything — we mean everything — seems grounded, and very believable.

6. New Mutants

Not the team of young mutants in the upcoming movie, silly. We mean brand-new mutants, characters that form a support system for young Laura, youngsters themselves. However, some of their names are mentioned, suggesting existing mutant characters who fans know and love, but mentioning them would spoil it.

7. Superb Performances

We already mentioned Jackman, dropping once more a performance that’s part of his very being by now. Then there’s Dafne, too, who’s pitch-perfect as the lethal-but-soulful X-23. Patrick Stewart is back as Professor X too, and he’s as solid as ever, bringing more weight to his death. Stephen Merchant’s Caliban, though brief, is also unforgettable. The cast gives all-round great performances, right down to Eric LaSalle’s character’s family, who get gruesomely taken down by the Big Bad, which leads us to…

8. Mystery Big Bad

The Reavers, while formidable and sufficiently vile, are not the main antagonists. The actual baddie is saved for last, and the emotional vibes that come with him make that necessary. We named him ‘mystery big bad’, because to mention any more would mean gigantic spoilers. It’s safe to say, though, that he is the most stonehearted villain Logan’s ever faced, and his very nature makes him more potent. The grand finale, truly, needs to be seen to be believed.

9. Top-notch action

What can we say? Any movie that has such a perfectly-choreographed depiction of berserker rage is a shoo-in for ‘best fight scene’ awards. Or maybe even an Oscar? Who knows? What we do know however, is that Wolverine’s fight scenes, as well as Laura’s, have a special kind of energy that can only come when two performers have a certain kind of chemistry. This duo has it in spades. It’s sad, though, when you consider they’ll never be in a movie together again. I mean, they enacted a version of a ‘fastball special’ even, proving to be R-rated, violent and bloody eye candy for the ages.

10. A Satisfying (Even If Sad) Ending

The announcements have been made: This is Jackman’s final turn as Wolverine, except if Fox seals a deal with Marvel Studios to see the character in an Avengers flick, that is. But pare away all the sadness, all the nasty tragedy that colours this movie, and savour the way Logan exits the stage, including all that he’s gone through, and it’ll be a form of closure. For fans, and for the compelling character, and even the superb actor who’s played him for 17 years.

Showing now in cinemas nationwide.