The Wolverine Review

It was to be expected. Nothing can stop Hugh Jackman from returning as the bad-tempered mutant John Logan. Not even a piece of trash like 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. His second solo outing fares better. 'The Wolverine' is a likeable movie. James Mangold provides us with a fun ride with ample amounts of action and even some character work.

'The Wolverine' opens with a bang. Actually, it opens with second biggest bang in history; the detonation of a nuclear bomb at Nagasaki in 1945. Naturally, none other than Wolverine is there to witness the event as a prisoner of war. In an act of bravery he saves a Japanese officer from a fiery fate. And unbeknownst to Logan, young Yashida grows up to be the most powerful man in Japan.

So while Yashida lives it up, Wolverine lives like a vagabond. He has sworn off his violent ways because of his hand in Jean Grey's death. But he's haunted by visions of his former love none the same. But as we all know, a pacifistic Wolverine is boring so the filmmakers bring in Yukio (Rila Fukushima). She's also a mutant, gifted with the depressing power to foresee people's deaths. Her employer wishes to strike a deal with Logan. One that involves giving up his immortality. 

Obviously the employer turns out to be Yashida. Who, rather than dying of old age like a regular Joe, wants to extend his life by transferring Logan's healing ability to himself. The moment John refuses, shit hits the fan. Our beloved mutant is cast into a web of lies and once again he's forced to become The Wolverine. What follows is a fun but ultimately unremarkable piece of summer entertainment. 

Hugh Jackman is a permanent fixture in 'X-Men' universe, playing the character of Wolverine for sixth time. (He'll also be a part of next year's 'Days of Future Past') He's also the only one to get his own movie series. A strange thing because Wolverine is arguably the least interesting character in the franchise. Still, Jackman's charisma is there in abundance but it's all becoming a bit stale.

That's basically what the entire film feels like. There's nothing entirely bad about it but there isn't anything really good either. It's a generic movie. One that neither impresses nor offends. As hard as I try, I can find no fault with it. If you're looking for a good time, you can't go wrong with 'The Wolverine'. It's quality entertainment. But in all fairness, you'll forget you even saw it the moment you leave the theatre.