The Wolverine: Don't Look a Gift Horse In The Mouth

I was surprised to find another Wolverine film hitting theaters. But as an X-Men fan I didn't complain, I just went.

If you're into Martial Arts and X-Men movies then this is for you. It's set in Japan, with plenty of Samurai action, plus extreme action sequences, like the fight on top of the bullet train. Although there are some far-fetched action moments, they manage to keep it all just far enough within the scope of believability (For the X-Men world) to be enjoyed. 

But an X-Men film will always be visually exciting. The real test is whether it emotionally connects, and The Wolverine did much better than expected there. 

Rather than the usual X-Men emotional thread of being different or outcast the theme is about purpose in life, and letting go of the past. Not surprisingly, letting go of the past (that being Jean Grey/Phoenix for Logan/Wolverine) is made much easier by the arrival of a very attractive young Japanese woman (model Tao Okamoto). Hugh Jackman brings a real "humanity" to Wolverine's struggles, and the plot keeps you guessing on who is good and who is bad. 

All told, it's solid entertainment for any Sci-Fi nerd. With the extra moral lesson of "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth", especially when the gift is immortality (even if he didn't request it)...or even the taking away of your immortality. 

Speaking of horses, I'm already champing at the bit for next year's X-Men: Days of Future Past, which I believe to be bringing together the cast of the popular prequel X-Men: First Class and some of the original X-Men cast. 

That one should be jammed packed with nerd coolness... 

My Rating 74/100