X-Men Origins : Wolverine // My review
Okay. As I'm a (lucky) Swiss girl and that I wasn't feeling sick and still had a tiny, tiny bit of hope, I went to see X-Men Origins : Wolverine Wednesday afternoon, the 17:30 screening. Yeah, it took me two days to write the review. OO;;
My enthusiasm about this movie has been slowly killed by the obscene amount of trailers, TV spots and clips Fox has released during the last weeks. Frankly, I would have prefered to see more promotional pictures instead. I understand they were scared about the Leak but well... All what they did was irritating the fans instead of making them want to see the movie.
Besides, I admit Hugh's attitude kinda surprised me lately. And it is saying a lot because I really, really adore him.
So... Did Fox spoil all the movie ? Is Hugh still a great Logan ? Did Victor really steal the show ? Was it a good adaptation ? Did Gavin Hood do better than Bryan Singer ? You'll find my advice under the cut. Keep in mind that this is my OWN opinion on the movie and that if you don't agree with it, I'll be glad to discuss with you. Flames will most probably be ignored.
!! A few new words have been invented for this review !!
!! If you're a fan of Lynn Collins, you maybe shouldn't read it !!
SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS !
Hugh Jackman : James Howlett // Logan // Wolverine = 9.5/10
Thanks to my brothers, I discovered Logan some 20 years ago when I was a tiny girl. Comics weren't the kind of things I was supposed to read but I immediatly fell in love with X-Men and particulary with Logan. I don't try to find reasons but I remember that I found his healing factor really appealing as I have a genetic problem that affected my heart.
I really wasn't convinced when I heard that an X-Men movie was being done, even if it had Anna Paquin and Patrick Stewart in it. Even more horrible thought ! An unknown actor had gotten the part of Logan. Argh ! However, all my fears flew away through the window when I saw the first pictures of the movie. And then, in the theater, Logan was standing before me, maybe more handsome than he was supposed to be and taller, but SO real. Hugh Jackman was Logan how he was supposed to be, rageful but with that amazingly tender side. He reached perfection in X2 and then...
Then came X3. The noisy, the full of action and useless deaths weakest link of the Trilogy. Logan was very corny in it, thanks to the stupid script and bad actors direction of Brett Ratner (he does videos for Mariah Carey !! Helloooo ?) Then there was rumors of a fourth movie until the X-Men Origins : Wolverine project surfaced. Hugh has declared in interviews that Logan had become too nice in the last movie (it's true) and that he wanted to show his animal side. Ok. Good, sounds perfect.
It is now clear that no other actor would ever be able to play Logan the way Hugh does it. His understanding of the character is amazing and he is able to make himself disappear behind Logan totally (that's what I call acting). He has the right gestures, the good language and that deep, sexy voice. The work Hugh made on his body for this movie is impressive and gives to the character this dangerous air that is alway around him, even when he's calm.
If we suddenly forget that this movie is about Logan, which can happen given all the people around him, we are soon reminded of that fact by the way he is filmed. Every shot of Logan, even the tiniest second long one, is an homage to his beauty. And Jesus, he is beautiful ! Those shots of him taking in the sun in the morning or listening to the tale of stupid Silver Fox or at the hospital with Stryker are just gorgeous.
I just loved Logan as a sick child (it's canon !), with the bones claws and in the wars. The Team X part was one of the best of the movie when he starts to doubt about what he does and shows his humanity in opposition to Victor. Then, unfortunately, the character goes a little flat. It mostly has to do with Silver Fox who is such a bad and lousy character that she pansyfies him totally, making him the good dog following his master everywhere (and it seems she's NOT using her powers onto him). Those little scenes supposedly showing their intimacy are flat and the dialogs really dumb. Even Logan's catchphrase which everybody was waiting for didn't sound convincing.
And what about the berserker rage ? I'm still trying to find it... Logan is supposed to be more rageful without the adamantium and it's totally the contrary that happens here (though I love hearing him howl). I also didn't like it took him less than five minutes to accept to be adamantiumized when it's supposed to happen after months of horrible torture. And his motivations for doing that are so STUPID !! Blegh.
Then comes the moment I probably was waiting the most for. The Adamantium Procedure. I liked how Dr. Hines tries to reassure him and stuffs but why, oh why, does he have to choose the Wolverine codename BECAUSE OF SF ?!?! I found that totally ridiculous and unbelievable. Damn. The procedure starts finely, I felt my heartbeat rise, the panic of Logan is well shown and then, when the scene is reaching its peak and that I either wanted to close my eyes or cry... They spoiled EVERYTHING with Logan remembering SF, seeing her face and hearing her telling him I love you or You're not an animal, Logan (his visions of his father were more logical) and all the tension was gone. Damn. It went back good with Logan being flatline and though we all know he survives, it's quite impressive and strong.
And here we have the berserker rage when Logan hears Stryker asking that his memories are erased. All that to remember SF, of course. But yeah, Logan coming out of the water, howling, is probably the most amazing moment of the whole movie. It doesn't last long though and it's really surprising and disappointing to see Logan getting over his anger pretty quickly and being totally conscious when talking with the Olg Guy. The interesting thing is when he mentions how cold he is.
Then Logan looks for Victor and though he is a very, very intelligent man, it takes him foreveeeer to find out that Stryker and his dear half-brother are working together and what they are working on (hello ? Remember what just happened to you, Logan !). I felt a bit uneasy for him.
When Logan finds SF again, he comes over his sadness and feeling of betrayal very (too) quickly and again we have very corny and cheesy scenes between them (the sunset, OMG the sunset !! *headdesks*). At least, Logan never does the stupid error to tell her I love you during the whole movie. That would be just... Dumb, like the baby thing.
Frankly, the best part of the end is the brothers fighting back to back again. It doesn't change anything between them though (thank God, their anger at each other is NOT only due to SF) and this is probably one of the most respectful continuity things. Then Logan loses his memories with a very lousy trick and he finds SF's finally dead body, he looks at her (and phew, doesn't say anything stupid like 'she's pretty'), telling Remy he doesn't know her and closes her eyes before leaving the Island. I'll find my own way... is kinda a nice conclusion to that mess.
I was lucky enough to have the Logan secret ending. And I just loved it ! It's in JAPAN and Logan is drinking sake shot over sake shot and when the barmaid asks him if it's to forget, he answers No, to try to remember. That was pretty cool and smells sequel a lot. If they do one, I hope they won't forget Mariko who is like, the ultimate woman in Logan's life (take that, SF !).
Let's face it, Hugh is amazing in the role of Logan. As I said earlier, each one of his appearances is an homage to the beauty of the character. Hugh is also able to show a lot of emotions from joy, sadness, anger to endless rage. So, why not a 10/10 for him ? Because Hugh had promised us a more animalistic Logan and I'm still trying to find him. And also because of the pansyfication of the character due to the horribly done SF. It really made me think to movie Aragorn who is also totally shallowed by Arwen, it's exactly the same. And the lack of chemistry between the two actors doesn't help. Hugh's acting is really more enjoyable when Logan is alone or with Victor or with the Elderly Couple. For me, he lacked the subtilities given to him in X1-2.
I do hope Hugh will keep playing the part in more movies. But let's hope they'll be better. He is an amazing actor and it's a bit sad to see how he was used in this movie. Also, I'm really surprised by some of the decisions taken by Hugh concerning this character he adores. I'm not too sure I like him much as a producer.
Liev Schreiber : Victor Creed // Sabretooth = 10/10
As long as I can remember, I have always hated Victor. I found him ugly, stupid and I couldn't stand the fact that he was hurting Logan. And this movie arrived. If it sucks on a lot of points, it certainly doesn't concerning Victor.
Ok, they made Victor the half-brother of Logan. This doesn't bother me too much because Victor is kinda like Dog. It's just a tiny bit weird because Logan looks a lot like the man he believed to be his real father (he does consider him as his father during the whole movie though). I really like how we see their brotherly relationship develop during the wars before slowly growing away when Logan starts to doubt about Victor's sanity. I just loved their exchange of looks in the Vietnam jail when they meet Stryker for the first time.
Victor gives off a sense of danger and threat each time he appears on the screen. Him having a more 'human' appearance than in the comics and X1 greatly helps in that. You wouldn't move away immediatly when meeting him but he would make you very uneasy. He's both magnetic and repulsive. I liked how he never loses his nonchalence but, at the same, is totally connected to what he does. His rage in battle doesn't stop him to be totally focused on his opponent. His fight against Wraith is a good example of that.
Contrary to Logan, Victor totally accepts his animal side. He's probably not more happy than his little bro but, at least, he seems to be able to go on more easily. It also doesn't stop him to have feelings. I think that one of the strongest scenes of the movie is the Nigeria one, when Logan decides to leave Team X. You see the despair, the sadness in Victor's eyes but also the cold determination to have his revenge on hi bro to leave him like that. Victor is convinced that Logan needs him (which is true) but doesn't realize until the end that he needs him too.
I also liked that Victor was stronger than Logan (at least for their first fight). It shows well their duality and the fact that the latter can't abandon himself to his wild side. The only thing that annoyed me was Victor breaking Logan's bones claws (I don't think it's possible, is it ?). Their last battle against Wade is very impressive but the refound trust doesn't last. Their animosity towards each other is very much deeper than the sucky SF plot and it's clear that they will never be able to get over it.
Liev Schreiber is amazing in the part. He's smaller than Tyler Mane but he is physically way more impressive than him ! His charisma, his presence, his voice, his way to move really give you the goosebumps. Liev was able to give depth and feelings to the character without betraying him (Victor wants to kill Logan but is never able to do it when he has the occasion to). You clearly see the duality between the man and the beast in Liev's interpretation.
Liev steals the show in the fighting scenes. Probably because he brings something new as we are now used to Logan's fighting style. But how does the Hugh/Liev pair work on the screen ? They are amazing ! You feel the connection between the actors, the way they pushed each other to always be ahead, exactly like Victor and Logan do. It's a real joy to see them together. Only that makes the movie worthy to be seen.
Danny Huston : William Stryker = 5/10
The character of Stryker has been well developed from the one created for X-2. He is already there with his creepy ideas of a perfect weapon and his hate for mutants. He sees them only as objects he can use as he wishes to, not caring if it hurts them or not. And he is ready to anything to get what he wants. Trickery, betrayal, murders... The ultimate proof of his cruelty is the body of his son preserved in ice.
In this movie, the problem for Stryker comes from the actor. Where Brian Cox was sickeningly pervert in X2, Danny Huston is... flat. I don't say he's bad but he doesn't make his character believable. He doesn't give off the feeling of insecurity and danger Brian had and, because of that, it doesn't seem logical that Team X would blindly obey to any of his orders like good dogs. Especially not Victor Creed. I just found Danny impressive in one of his last scenes, when he shots Logan in the head. Frankly, they should have taken Brian and made him appear younger like they did for Charles and Erik in X3.
Dominic Monaghan : Chris Bradley // Bolt = 7/10
Dominic is such a good actor that it's a pity to see him so much unused in this movie ! It's not with his 5 minutes on screen than he can show what he can do. Unfortunately, it's the problem with a lot of characters in Wolverine.
I gave 7 to Dominic because I really liked his tiny attraction at the fair and the moment in the lift with the corny music probably was the most funny one of the whole movie.
Ryan Reynolds : Wade Wilson // Deadpool = 10/10
Oh my, I loved Wade ! I didn't know the character that much and Ryan's first pictures in the role didn't convince me but he was really great. Surprisingly, he was the one bringing some humour in the movie. You can see how much his big mouth is annoying everybody but no one dares to do anything. Logan seemingly innocent question to Stryker in the lift (Can't you find a way to shut him up ?) later finds a more than creepy answer. You can only feel pity for what is made to him at the end.
As I said, Ryan is really great ! Reading about him, I wasn't sure I would like the character but he made me like him. He has an innocent air about him that makes what he is and becomes a bit heartbreaking. I know that if they make Deadpool movies, I will go to see them as long as Ryan plays the part. Too bad he didn't have more screentime though.
Taylor Kitsch : Remy LeBeau // Gambit = 9.5/10
Another one who has been criticized ! I was expecting a lot from Remy and I wasn't disappointed ! He's handsome, charming, teasing. What he does in the movie is pretty impressive and he saves the day more than once. Unfortunately for Remy's die-hard fans, he doesn't win the fight against Logan but contrary to what a lot of people thought (me included), he's not in the movie just for the fun of seeing him. He's kinda a key character and his help will be more than welcome. The scene in the tiny plane is funny and I think it's cool to see Logan and Remy interact. (Logan : Hey, look at... At... Remy : At the clouds ?) For some personal reasons that a few of you know, I really enjoyed to see the little competition between them. Eh...
For his first big movie, Taylor does a pretty good job. His persona and physique fit the character totally. He's not amazingly handsome (I think they made sure nobody was as handsome as Hugh) but he has a particular beauty and boyish charm that go very well with Remy. His scenes are pretty cool and if it's true it's mostly fighting, he has a few very soft moments. He is the first one to discover Logan's loss of memories and that was kind of cute.
I removed 0.5 point because, let's face it, I missed the black and red eyes. And where is Remy's Cajun accent ? I still can't figure which was he is using in the movie (Texan ?) He really loses a bit of his personality without them. Too bad.
Daniel Henney : David North // Agent Zero = 5/10
There has been a lot of critics because a North Korean actor had been chosen to play an East German character. I don't see the problem, especially in the context of this movie. There has been SO MUCH changes already than one more shouldn't be that dramatic. I admit I didn't know well David North so I didn't have much references to judge him.
However, Daniel didn't do the trick for me. He wasn't bad but he wasn't good either. Just ok. He recitated his lines a bit too much and I didn't really feel the tension that was supposed to exist between Logan and him. One more character who suffered from the obscene amount of mutants shown in the movie. Tsk. His first scene in Nigeria was cool though.
will.i.am : John Wraith // Kestrel = 6/10
Once again, a character I didn't really know before the movie. It seems they didn't respect much of the character's personality (no deathtraps in his house, no use of explosives, no paranoia...) but what is new with that ? I found his powers interesting and I liked his look.
Though I think will.i.am should keep singing instead of acting, he did the part ok. However, his scenes were a bit weird to watch because, like for Daniel Henney, he gave the feeling to recitate his lines and his acting was kinda stiff.
Kevin Durand : Frederick J. Dukes // The Blob = 6/10
I liked Frederick, he was kind of funny. It's interesting to see him 'thin' in the beginning and his voice is pretty nice. However, the eating disorder thing made me laugh and the 'accidental' mockeries about his weight were gratuitous and uncomfortable. The fight with Logan was pretty much useless imho. Another way to put a well-known mutant in this movie which is, should I remind you, about Wolverine.
Given the ungrateful character he has to play, Kevin is ok. He doubtelessly is feeling uncomfortable and embarassed by the fat prosthesis and you can feel that in his acting. Also, the noises it does when someone touches or hits him soon becomes annoying. It sounds more cartoonish than serious for a movie of this kind.
Lynn Collins : Kayla Silver Fox = 0/10
Oh.My.God. I can't believe in the stupidity of this character ! When I first heard Silver Fox would be in the movie, I was expecting to see the one from the comics, the evil betraying bitch. But, of course, they changed the character, making her a schoolteacher (er... Did they try to make her more friendly with that ? Sorry, didn't work) much much in love with Logan. Also, she has powers now. She can suggest actions to people just by touching them (of course, the movie shows her doing that to men only). How surprising ! The only powers SF is supposed to have are given to her by the Weapon Plus project and have nothing to do with suggestion. Oh, and they even give her a little sister ! EMMA FROST !! WTF ??!! And I'm sorry but KAYLA ? *laughs*
So we have a SF taking care of Logan, mothering him, telling him tales about the Spirits from the Native Nations. A tale that talks about the Moon and her lover, the Wolverine, who left the spirits world to get her flowers and was lured by the Trickster. Conclusion, the Wolverine can't touch the moon anymore and can only howl her name. Ok, I didn't know wolverines could howl. And we have Logan so, so touched by this story. Er... Was I the only one finding that totally out of the subject ? Logan's Wolverine codename doesn't come from SF or any other girl but from the miners who called him like that because he was working fast and hard, always wanting to do more.
And then there's the Nightmare scene. It is clear that SF is totally afraid of Logan, moving away as fast and far as she can and coming back only when the bones claws are gone. She also seems disgusted by his age. Then she puts even more guilt onto him by showing him the scratches he made on her arm. I always thought that when you are supposed to love someone, you'd stay near and comfort them. And the scene conclude with her calling him BABY (excuse me ?) and the both giggling at the shredded bedsheets. Right. Logan is the kind of guy to giggle after a nightmare. Hello ? It's LOGAN ! I do remember a certain very young girl called Marie who didn't hesitate to go to Logan during a nightmare, showing no fear. And she had just met him, they weren't in a relationship for years. THIS is what I call love and trust.
Then SF dies and Logan is sad and, to avenge her, accepts in a few seconds to be adamantiumized by Stryker. HEY ! HEY ! HEY ! HEY ! As long as I remember, Logan never accepted the procedure (did he accept it in the first place ?) for a girl and knowing the man, it would be more for Itsu than for SF. And here we have what I would call the 'Movie Arwen Syndrom', the hero's love interest becoming the only motivation of each one of his thoughts and actions. Thank you, movie SF, for pansyfing Logan.
When SF reappears and that we discover she was there only to lure Logan into the Weapon X project (oohh, never saw that coming... I'm being ironic, of course), she shows the bitch she really is. And turns Logan pansy again. And after all what she did to him, she DARES to BEG for his help ? And the idiot BELIEVES her ? Only Logan walking in the sunset with her in his arms was more stupid and corny than that ! It's a relief when he leaves the Island without recognizing her.
Maybe SF would have been ok if they had chosen an ACTRESS who can ACT. But noooo, they had to take Lynn Collins ! Gods, what were they thinking ? I rarely saw an 'actress' so talentless. Lynn is unable to convey any emotion and she is totally expressionless. She has the same expression from the beginning to the end of the movie and we don't believe at all to her power of suggestion. Her lines are flat and stupid (You will walk until your feet bleed and then... You'll walk again... *headdesks*), as bad and cheesy as were Padmé's in SW Episode III. The You're not an animal, Logan one is particulary not convincing and I don't understand how it can make him react.
You don't believe one bit to Logan and SF's love because Hugh and Lynn have NO chemistry. They look totally ridiculous together. Their shared moments which were supposed to be tender were just laughable and useless. This lack of chemistry is the total opposite of the one and the UST we could see between Hugh and Anna Paquin in the X-Men Trilogy (1 and 2 particulary) and this in the first seconds during which they share the screen. I don't think any X-Men movies will ever have an actress able to have again this chemistry with Hugh. Certainly not Lynn.
Others = 6/10
The rest of the actors were ok. Tahyna Tozzi (Emma Frost) was cute but the fact they made her the sister of SF kinda killed the awesomeness of the character. I wonder how they will deal with that in the next X-Men movies (if there's some) if she appears in them.
Tim Pocock (Scott Summers) was a bit flat. I suppose he was mostly chosen because he looks like a younger James Marsden. They tried to avoid the continuity problem by having him wears blinding glasses so he can't see Logan. But, hello ? He probably heard his name and voice.
I really liked Dr. Carol Hines (Asher Keddie) who tries to reassure Logan before the adamantium procedure and the elderly couple (forgot to look for their names during the credits but I think it was the Hudsons). The woman made me think of Aunt May from Spider-Man and her husband was TOO adorable. He made me think of my grandfather, actually.
Young Logan (Troye Sivan) and Young Victor (Michael-James Olsen) are really cute. They got their parts well but we unfortunately don't see them enough.
And yes, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) has a cameo. First we just hear him in Scott's head but then he arrives to save the children from the Island. I thought I would roar with laughter when I saw him. That was so corny ! Oh my... And then, continuity problem again as Emma also goes with him. I didn't know Scott met her before Jean...
The plot = 5/10
Er... Which plot ? This movie made me think of GOF. Impressive action scenes cut with some very dumb or trying-to-be-funny ones. Also, every dramatic moments is somehow spoiled by something stupid, mostly concerning SF. Ok, you have to find tricks to make a movie works but not at the prize of real bullshits (SF and Emma being sis, adamantium acceptation, one billion of mutants all around...). It's too bad in the case of Wolverine because it didn't make the movie work. And yeah... Plotholes.
Logan : At the beginning of the movie, Logan wears his real name James. No last name is given though we can assume it's Howlett. During all their time together, Victor calls him 'Jimmy' like any brother would do. And then, after the post-Team X six years time jump, Logan is Logan. We have no idea from where this name comes, nothing. For me, it really looked like the script writers were very confused about that and decided to drop the subject. Did they think nobody would notice ? And how did Stryker find him to send him SF ? Questions to answer questions. Lovely. Hum...
SF's first death : Err, hellooooooo ?? Does ANYONE remember Logan's mutation ? No ? Let's see... Healing factor... Bones claws... Oh, SUPER SENSES !! Does it ring any bell ? Ok, they give a special product to SF to slow down her heartbeat and covers her with fake blood. BUT... A) Logan should be able to hear the hearbeat, even if it's very faint. B) Logan should be able to smell that the fake blood is not SF's and the medical product. C) A dead body, even 'fresh' doesn't smell at all like a living one. Someone like Logan the soldier, the hunter, the tracker should be able to make the difference. D) Logan doesn't notice she has like, NO wounds ? Even when hugging her how he does ? Okayyyy. But don't worry, script writers, I already found that unlogical in the comics.
The jacket : Ok. Logan gets that lovely jacket from the elderly couple who helps him. It fits him perfectly well and it's also the one he wears in X1-2. And then, our lovely Logan takes the plane with Remy and THROWS his jacket away before jumping in the sea to reach the Island. When Remy finds him again in the end, he doesn't bring the jacket with him and Logan doesn't remember anything anymore. Then each goes his own way. So... Can someone tell me how Logan and the jacket find each other again ?
The adamantium bullets : I'm still trying to get over the stupidity of this one ! First of all, I always thought that only carbonadium could be dangerous for Logan as it slows his healing factor. Still, I don't think that even that can affect his memories. Secondly, it was a bit too much like the only-a-silver-bullet-can-kill-a-werewolf thing, totally out of place. If they were referring to the fact that Logan can himself erase the painful memories when healing, they should have clearly said it. But then, it would have happened during the adamantium procedure already. However, the scene of Stryker shooting an unconscious Logan twice in the head is pretty strong, dark and impressive.
Frankly, they should have spent less time trying to find out how to put a billion of mutants who have nothing to do with Logan at this time of his life and concentrated a bit more on the script to get something logical and nice. Oh, and work better on the dialogs. Lots of platitudes in them.
And the reference to Aragorn (the not all those who wander are lost sticker) was a bit... err... strange ?
The visual = 10/10
Let's face it, the esthetic of this movie is nearly perfect. The opening sequence is one of the most gorgeous I have seen in a very long, long time. The colours are beautiful, the lights superb. No, really. Visually, the movie is a success.
The special effects = 9.5/10
Very nicely done, very impressive. They kinda save and serve the story. I particulary liked the fair going black and all the effects around Remy. If Logan's bones claws and Victor's nails were great, the adamantium claws sometimes looked fake though I'm unable to say if they were CG or the prostheses Hugh sometimes wears. I found it was particulary the case in the bathroom scene (and on some promotional pictures too).
The music = 10/10
I just loved the music. Not booming, not heavy, becoming softer when it needs to be. Very good job from Harry Gregson-Williams. I was a bit afraid at first when reading he took part in the Armaggedon OST, a soundtrack (and movie) that gave me an horrible headache when I saw it.
I can't wait for it to be released !
The costumes, make-up, sets = 9.5/10
Nothing much about that. I loved Logan's costumes, especially when he gets the Indian belt buckle and the famous jacket (I just ADORE the jacket, don't try to understand). I missed his tons of layers though. I'm particulary fond of the tank top since X2 and tadaaaa ! The costumes maker chose a Swiss brand for it. Yay ! Remy's clothes come second with that lovely purple shirt of his. And though Victor did a lot of nice tricks with his mantle, I would have prefered to see a bit more of his body.
Great work on the make-up ! Logan looks amazingly gorgeous in every tiniest shot of him (see above his own review). The quality of Hugh's skin is totally fantastic and the soft tan they gave him is perfect (not like the one he had at Tempe. ^^;;) and his naked body... Mmmm... A perfection (hey, I'm a girl, ok ?!).
I won't comment on SF's costumes or make-up. *shakes head* LOL
The sets are amazing and even Alkali Lake is there ! I would have been very angry if it hadn't been the case. New Zealand and Australia are gorgeous countries and 'Canadian Rockies' were just absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, I sometimes had the feeling to be in LOTR, especially concerning Logan's cabin. Eh...
Gavin Hood : the director = 5/10
In a recent interview for a French movies magazine (very serious stuff), Hugh said that Gavin Hood was a mix between Bryan Singer for his ability to direct his actors and make them transcend themselves and Brett Ratner for his love of special effects. Hum, somehow this didn't reassure me. I had seen just a little bit of Tsotsi so I had no clear idea of Gavin's skills.
Gavin has a great esthetic sense, that is for sure. He knows what he wants to show and how to show it. Like with Bryan, his plans are surgically perfect and he is able to make the beauty of his actors pop up on the screen (didn't work with all though). However, except maybe for Liev and certain moments of Hugh, I didn't see a lot of transcended persons.
Unfortunately, the Brett part of Gavin is a little too present in this movie. Oh yeah, he LOVES special effects and almost went too far with them. Some scenes seem to be there only to show them (the helicopter one being one of them).
I was counting on Gavin to totally erase the failure that had been X3. It didn't work for me. I was hoping to see the very deep psychological side of Logan as it had been promised and all I got was a character only focused on his girlfriend. Even worst than the Logan/Jean thing of X3.
Gods, I want Bryan back as director of the franchise ! Please, Fox and Marvel, stop doing X-Men movies without him ! And if he doesn't want to come back, take Christopher Nolan. But no Gavin Hood and no Brett Ratner ever again. Thank you.
Others = 9/10
Nothing much to say. The sound is great, the editing almost perfect. I didn't really appreciate the montage sometimes but nothing too bad. And again, congratulations to the one(s) who made the opening !
In conclusion, X-Men Origins : Wolverine is not horribly bad but is not totally good either. Of course, it's way better than X3 but it greatly lacks the depth and characters development of Bryan's movies. There was too much people in it (something Brett also did) and so some of the most interesting ones didn't have the chance to show more what they could do. This movie is supposed to be about Wolverine, too bad they forgot that point.
I admit I cried when arriving home after the screening because my deception was as high as my hopes had been. This movie didn't give me back the Logan I love (and I repeat here that Hugh's performance is superb) and it makes me utterly sad. I'm not going to see it again at the theater but I sure will ask my brother to send me the DVD from the USA. Maybe reseeing it later with less pressure all around will be a good thing. Maybe...
It's really too bad. This movie could have been SO great with less characters and a better plot. After the amazing The Dark Knight and Iron Man of last year, I really thought that comics movies had found a new breath. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case with Wolverine.
Final note : 7/10 (it felt more like 5/10 just after the screening).
My enthusiasm about this movie has been slowly killed by the obscene amount of trailers, TV spots and clips Fox has released during the last weeks. Frankly, I would have prefered to see more promotional pictures instead. I understand they were scared about the Leak but well... All what they did was irritating the fans instead of making them want to see the movie.
Besides, I admit Hugh's attitude kinda surprised me lately. And it is saying a lot because I really, really adore him.
So... Did Fox spoil all the movie ? Is Hugh still a great Logan ? Did Victor really steal the show ? Was it a good adaptation ? Did Gavin Hood do better than Bryan Singer ? You'll find my advice under the cut. Keep in mind that this is my OWN opinion on the movie and that if you don't agree with it, I'll be glad to discuss with you. Flames will most probably be ignored.
!! A few new words have been invented for this review !!
!! If you're a fan of Lynn Collins, you maybe shouldn't read it !!
SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS ! SPOILERS !
Hugh Jackman : James Howlett // Logan // Wolverine = 9.5/10
Thanks to my brothers, I discovered Logan some 20 years ago when I was a tiny girl. Comics weren't the kind of things I was supposed to read but I immediatly fell in love with X-Men and particulary with Logan. I don't try to find reasons but I remember that I found his healing factor really appealing as I have a genetic problem that affected my heart.
I really wasn't convinced when I heard that an X-Men movie was being done, even if it had Anna Paquin and Patrick Stewart in it. Even more horrible thought ! An unknown actor had gotten the part of Logan. Argh ! However, all my fears flew away through the window when I saw the first pictures of the movie. And then, in the theater, Logan was standing before me, maybe more handsome than he was supposed to be and taller, but SO real. Hugh Jackman was Logan how he was supposed to be, rageful but with that amazingly tender side. He reached perfection in X2 and then...
Then came X3. The noisy, the full of action and useless deaths weakest link of the Trilogy. Logan was very corny in it, thanks to the stupid script and bad actors direction of Brett Ratner (he does videos for Mariah Carey !! Helloooo ?) Then there was rumors of a fourth movie until the X-Men Origins : Wolverine project surfaced. Hugh has declared in interviews that Logan had become too nice in the last movie (it's true) and that he wanted to show his animal side. Ok. Good, sounds perfect.
It is now clear that no other actor would ever be able to play Logan the way Hugh does it. His understanding of the character is amazing and he is able to make himself disappear behind Logan totally (that's what I call acting). He has the right gestures, the good language and that deep, sexy voice. The work Hugh made on his body for this movie is impressive and gives to the character this dangerous air that is alway around him, even when he's calm.
If we suddenly forget that this movie is about Logan, which can happen given all the people around him, we are soon reminded of that fact by the way he is filmed. Every shot of Logan, even the tiniest second long one, is an homage to his beauty. And Jesus, he is beautiful ! Those shots of him taking in the sun in the morning or listening to the tale of stupid Silver Fox or at the hospital with Stryker are just gorgeous.
I just loved Logan as a sick child (it's canon !), with the bones claws and in the wars. The Team X part was one of the best of the movie when he starts to doubt about what he does and shows his humanity in opposition to Victor. Then, unfortunately, the character goes a little flat. It mostly has to do with Silver Fox who is such a bad and lousy character that she pansyfies him totally, making him the good dog following his master everywhere (and it seems she's NOT using her powers onto him). Those little scenes supposedly showing their intimacy are flat and the dialogs really dumb. Even Logan's catchphrase which everybody was waiting for didn't sound convincing.
And what about the berserker rage ? I'm still trying to find it... Logan is supposed to be more rageful without the adamantium and it's totally the contrary that happens here (though I love hearing him howl). I also didn't like it took him less than five minutes to accept to be adamantiumized when it's supposed to happen after months of horrible torture. And his motivations for doing that are so STUPID !! Blegh.
Then comes the moment I probably was waiting the most for. The Adamantium Procedure. I liked how Dr. Hines tries to reassure him and stuffs but why, oh why, does he have to choose the Wolverine codename BECAUSE OF SF ?!?! I found that totally ridiculous and unbelievable. Damn. The procedure starts finely, I felt my heartbeat rise, the panic of Logan is well shown and then, when the scene is reaching its peak and that I either wanted to close my eyes or cry... They spoiled EVERYTHING with Logan remembering SF, seeing her face and hearing her telling him I love you or You're not an animal, Logan (his visions of his father were more logical) and all the tension was gone. Damn. It went back good with Logan being flatline and though we all know he survives, it's quite impressive and strong.
And here we have the berserker rage when Logan hears Stryker asking that his memories are erased. All that to remember SF, of course. But yeah, Logan coming out of the water, howling, is probably the most amazing moment of the whole movie. It doesn't last long though and it's really surprising and disappointing to see Logan getting over his anger pretty quickly and being totally conscious when talking with the Olg Guy. The interesting thing is when he mentions how cold he is.
Then Logan looks for Victor and though he is a very, very intelligent man, it takes him foreveeeer to find out that Stryker and his dear half-brother are working together and what they are working on (hello ? Remember what just happened to you, Logan !). I felt a bit uneasy for him.
When Logan finds SF again, he comes over his sadness and feeling of betrayal very (too) quickly and again we have very corny and cheesy scenes between them (the sunset, OMG the sunset !! *headdesks*). At least, Logan never does the stupid error to tell her I love you during the whole movie. That would be just... Dumb, like the baby thing.
Frankly, the best part of the end is the brothers fighting back to back again. It doesn't change anything between them though (thank God, their anger at each other is NOT only due to SF) and this is probably one of the most respectful continuity things. Then Logan loses his memories with a very lousy trick and he finds SF's finally dead body, he looks at her (and phew, doesn't say anything stupid like 'she's pretty'), telling Remy he doesn't know her and closes her eyes before leaving the Island. I'll find my own way... is kinda a nice conclusion to that mess.
I was lucky enough to have the Logan secret ending. And I just loved it ! It's in JAPAN and Logan is drinking sake shot over sake shot and when the barmaid asks him if it's to forget, he answers No, to try to remember. That was pretty cool and smells sequel a lot. If they do one, I hope they won't forget Mariko who is like, the ultimate woman in Logan's life (take that, SF !).
Let's face it, Hugh is amazing in the role of Logan. As I said earlier, each one of his appearances is an homage to the beauty of the character. Hugh is also able to show a lot of emotions from joy, sadness, anger to endless rage. So, why not a 10/10 for him ? Because Hugh had promised us a more animalistic Logan and I'm still trying to find him. And also because of the pansyfication of the character due to the horribly done SF. It really made me think to movie Aragorn who is also totally shallowed by Arwen, it's exactly the same. And the lack of chemistry between the two actors doesn't help. Hugh's acting is really more enjoyable when Logan is alone or with Victor or with the Elderly Couple. For me, he lacked the subtilities given to him in X1-2.
I do hope Hugh will keep playing the part in more movies. But let's hope they'll be better. He is an amazing actor and it's a bit sad to see how he was used in this movie. Also, I'm really surprised by some of the decisions taken by Hugh concerning this character he adores. I'm not too sure I like him much as a producer.
Liev Schreiber : Victor Creed // Sabretooth = 10/10
As long as I can remember, I have always hated Victor. I found him ugly, stupid and I couldn't stand the fact that he was hurting Logan. And this movie arrived. If it sucks on a lot of points, it certainly doesn't concerning Victor.
Ok, they made Victor the half-brother of Logan. This doesn't bother me too much because Victor is kinda like Dog. It's just a tiny bit weird because Logan looks a lot like the man he believed to be his real father (he does consider him as his father during the whole movie though). I really like how we see their brotherly relationship develop during the wars before slowly growing away when Logan starts to doubt about Victor's sanity. I just loved their exchange of looks in the Vietnam jail when they meet Stryker for the first time.
Victor gives off a sense of danger and threat each time he appears on the screen. Him having a more 'human' appearance than in the comics and X1 greatly helps in that. You wouldn't move away immediatly when meeting him but he would make you very uneasy. He's both magnetic and repulsive. I liked how he never loses his nonchalence but, at the same, is totally connected to what he does. His rage in battle doesn't stop him to be totally focused on his opponent. His fight against Wraith is a good example of that.
Contrary to Logan, Victor totally accepts his animal side. He's probably not more happy than his little bro but, at least, he seems to be able to go on more easily. It also doesn't stop him to have feelings. I think that one of the strongest scenes of the movie is the Nigeria one, when Logan decides to leave Team X. You see the despair, the sadness in Victor's eyes but also the cold determination to have his revenge on hi bro to leave him like that. Victor is convinced that Logan needs him (which is true) but doesn't realize until the end that he needs him too.
I also liked that Victor was stronger than Logan (at least for their first fight). It shows well their duality and the fact that the latter can't abandon himself to his wild side. The only thing that annoyed me was Victor breaking Logan's bones claws (I don't think it's possible, is it ?). Their last battle against Wade is very impressive but the refound trust doesn't last. Their animosity towards each other is very much deeper than the sucky SF plot and it's clear that they will never be able to get over it.
Liev Schreiber is amazing in the part. He's smaller than Tyler Mane but he is physically way more impressive than him ! His charisma, his presence, his voice, his way to move really give you the goosebumps. Liev was able to give depth and feelings to the character without betraying him (Victor wants to kill Logan but is never able to do it when he has the occasion to). You clearly see the duality between the man and the beast in Liev's interpretation.
Liev steals the show in the fighting scenes. Probably because he brings something new as we are now used to Logan's fighting style. But how does the Hugh/Liev pair work on the screen ? They are amazing ! You feel the connection between the actors, the way they pushed each other to always be ahead, exactly like Victor and Logan do. It's a real joy to see them together. Only that makes the movie worthy to be seen.
Danny Huston : William Stryker = 5/10
The character of Stryker has been well developed from the one created for X-2. He is already there with his creepy ideas of a perfect weapon and his hate for mutants. He sees them only as objects he can use as he wishes to, not caring if it hurts them or not. And he is ready to anything to get what he wants. Trickery, betrayal, murders... The ultimate proof of his cruelty is the body of his son preserved in ice.
In this movie, the problem for Stryker comes from the actor. Where Brian Cox was sickeningly pervert in X2, Danny Huston is... flat. I don't say he's bad but he doesn't make his character believable. He doesn't give off the feeling of insecurity and danger Brian had and, because of that, it doesn't seem logical that Team X would blindly obey to any of his orders like good dogs. Especially not Victor Creed. I just found Danny impressive in one of his last scenes, when he shots Logan in the head. Frankly, they should have taken Brian and made him appear younger like they did for Charles and Erik in X3.
Dominic Monaghan : Chris Bradley // Bolt = 7/10
Dominic is such a good actor that it's a pity to see him so much unused in this movie ! It's not with his 5 minutes on screen than he can show what he can do. Unfortunately, it's the problem with a lot of characters in Wolverine.
I gave 7 to Dominic because I really liked his tiny attraction at the fair and the moment in the lift with the corny music probably was the most funny one of the whole movie.
Ryan Reynolds : Wade Wilson // Deadpool = 10/10
Oh my, I loved Wade ! I didn't know the character that much and Ryan's first pictures in the role didn't convince me but he was really great. Surprisingly, he was the one bringing some humour in the movie. You can see how much his big mouth is annoying everybody but no one dares to do anything. Logan seemingly innocent question to Stryker in the lift (Can't you find a way to shut him up ?) later finds a more than creepy answer. You can only feel pity for what is made to him at the end.
As I said, Ryan is really great ! Reading about him, I wasn't sure I would like the character but he made me like him. He has an innocent air about him that makes what he is and becomes a bit heartbreaking. I know that if they make Deadpool movies, I will go to see them as long as Ryan plays the part. Too bad he didn't have more screentime though.
Taylor Kitsch : Remy LeBeau // Gambit = 9.5/10
Another one who has been criticized ! I was expecting a lot from Remy and I wasn't disappointed ! He's handsome, charming, teasing. What he does in the movie is pretty impressive and he saves the day more than once. Unfortunately for Remy's die-hard fans, he doesn't win the fight against Logan but contrary to what a lot of people thought (me included), he's not in the movie just for the fun of seeing him. He's kinda a key character and his help will be more than welcome. The scene in the tiny plane is funny and I think it's cool to see Logan and Remy interact. (Logan : Hey, look at... At... Remy : At the clouds ?) For some personal reasons that a few of you know, I really enjoyed to see the little competition between them. Eh...
For his first big movie, Taylor does a pretty good job. His persona and physique fit the character totally. He's not amazingly handsome (I think they made sure nobody was as handsome as Hugh) but he has a particular beauty and boyish charm that go very well with Remy. His scenes are pretty cool and if it's true it's mostly fighting, he has a few very soft moments. He is the first one to discover Logan's loss of memories and that was kind of cute.
I removed 0.5 point because, let's face it, I missed the black and red eyes. And where is Remy's Cajun accent ? I still can't figure which was he is using in the movie (Texan ?) He really loses a bit of his personality without them. Too bad.
Daniel Henney : David North // Agent Zero = 5/10
There has been a lot of critics because a North Korean actor had been chosen to play an East German character. I don't see the problem, especially in the context of this movie. There has been SO MUCH changes already than one more shouldn't be that dramatic. I admit I didn't know well David North so I didn't have much references to judge him.
However, Daniel didn't do the trick for me. He wasn't bad but he wasn't good either. Just ok. He recitated his lines a bit too much and I didn't really feel the tension that was supposed to exist between Logan and him. One more character who suffered from the obscene amount of mutants shown in the movie. Tsk. His first scene in Nigeria was cool though.
will.i.am : John Wraith // Kestrel = 6/10
Once again, a character I didn't really know before the movie. It seems they didn't respect much of the character's personality (no deathtraps in his house, no use of explosives, no paranoia...) but what is new with that ? I found his powers interesting and I liked his look.
Though I think will.i.am should keep singing instead of acting, he did the part ok. However, his scenes were a bit weird to watch because, like for Daniel Henney, he gave the feeling to recitate his lines and his acting was kinda stiff.
Kevin Durand : Frederick J. Dukes // The Blob = 6/10
I liked Frederick, he was kind of funny. It's interesting to see him 'thin' in the beginning and his voice is pretty nice. However, the eating disorder thing made me laugh and the 'accidental' mockeries about his weight were gratuitous and uncomfortable. The fight with Logan was pretty much useless imho. Another way to put a well-known mutant in this movie which is, should I remind you, about Wolverine.
Given the ungrateful character he has to play, Kevin is ok. He doubtelessly is feeling uncomfortable and embarassed by the fat prosthesis and you can feel that in his acting. Also, the noises it does when someone touches or hits him soon becomes annoying. It sounds more cartoonish than serious for a movie of this kind.
Lynn Collins : Kayla Silver Fox = 0/10
Oh.My.God. I can't believe in the stupidity of this character ! When I first heard Silver Fox would be in the movie, I was expecting to see the one from the comics, the evil betraying bitch. But, of course, they changed the character, making her a schoolteacher (er... Did they try to make her more friendly with that ? Sorry, didn't work) much much in love with Logan. Also, she has powers now. She can suggest actions to people just by touching them (of course, the movie shows her doing that to men only). How surprising ! The only powers SF is supposed to have are given to her by the Weapon Plus project and have nothing to do with suggestion. Oh, and they even give her a little sister ! EMMA FROST !! WTF ??!! And I'm sorry but KAYLA ? *laughs*
So we have a SF taking care of Logan, mothering him, telling him tales about the Spirits from the Native Nations. A tale that talks about the Moon and her lover, the Wolverine, who left the spirits world to get her flowers and was lured by the Trickster. Conclusion, the Wolverine can't touch the moon anymore and can only howl her name. Ok, I didn't know wolverines could howl. And we have Logan so, so touched by this story. Er... Was I the only one finding that totally out of the subject ? Logan's Wolverine codename doesn't come from SF or any other girl but from the miners who called him like that because he was working fast and hard, always wanting to do more.
And then there's the Nightmare scene. It is clear that SF is totally afraid of Logan, moving away as fast and far as she can and coming back only when the bones claws are gone. She also seems disgusted by his age. Then she puts even more guilt onto him by showing him the scratches he made on her arm. I always thought that when you are supposed to love someone, you'd stay near and comfort them. And the scene conclude with her calling him BABY (excuse me ?) and the both giggling at the shredded bedsheets. Right. Logan is the kind of guy to giggle after a nightmare. Hello ? It's LOGAN ! I do remember a certain very young girl called Marie who didn't hesitate to go to Logan during a nightmare, showing no fear. And she had just met him, they weren't in a relationship for years. THIS is what I call love and trust.
Then SF dies and Logan is sad and, to avenge her, accepts in a few seconds to be adamantiumized by Stryker. HEY ! HEY ! HEY ! HEY ! As long as I remember, Logan never accepted the procedure (did he accept it in the first place ?) for a girl and knowing the man, it would be more for Itsu than for SF. And here we have what I would call the 'Movie Arwen Syndrom', the hero's love interest becoming the only motivation of each one of his thoughts and actions. Thank you, movie SF, for pansyfing Logan.
When SF reappears and that we discover she was there only to lure Logan into the Weapon X project (oohh, never saw that coming... I'm being ironic, of course), she shows the bitch she really is. And turns Logan pansy again. And after all what she did to him, she DARES to BEG for his help ? And the idiot BELIEVES her ? Only Logan walking in the sunset with her in his arms was more stupid and corny than that ! It's a relief when he leaves the Island without recognizing her.
Maybe SF would have been ok if they had chosen an ACTRESS who can ACT. But noooo, they had to take Lynn Collins ! Gods, what were they thinking ? I rarely saw an 'actress' so talentless. Lynn is unable to convey any emotion and she is totally expressionless. She has the same expression from the beginning to the end of the movie and we don't believe at all to her power of suggestion. Her lines are flat and stupid (You will walk until your feet bleed and then... You'll walk again... *headdesks*), as bad and cheesy as were Padmé's in SW Episode III. The You're not an animal, Logan one is particulary not convincing and I don't understand how it can make him react.
You don't believe one bit to Logan and SF's love because Hugh and Lynn have NO chemistry. They look totally ridiculous together. Their shared moments which were supposed to be tender were just laughable and useless. This lack of chemistry is the total opposite of the one and the UST we could see between Hugh and Anna Paquin in the X-Men Trilogy (1 and 2 particulary) and this in the first seconds during which they share the screen. I don't think any X-Men movies will ever have an actress able to have again this chemistry with Hugh. Certainly not Lynn.
Others = 6/10
The rest of the actors were ok. Tahyna Tozzi (Emma Frost) was cute but the fact they made her the sister of SF kinda killed the awesomeness of the character. I wonder how they will deal with that in the next X-Men movies (if there's some) if she appears in them.
Tim Pocock (Scott Summers) was a bit flat. I suppose he was mostly chosen because he looks like a younger James Marsden. They tried to avoid the continuity problem by having him wears blinding glasses so he can't see Logan. But, hello ? He probably heard his name and voice.
I really liked Dr. Carol Hines (Asher Keddie) who tries to reassure Logan before the adamantium procedure and the elderly couple (forgot to look for their names during the credits but I think it was the Hudsons). The woman made me think of Aunt May from Spider-Man and her husband was TOO adorable. He made me think of my grandfather, actually.
Young Logan (Troye Sivan) and Young Victor (Michael-James Olsen) are really cute. They got their parts well but we unfortunately don't see them enough.
And yes, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) has a cameo. First we just hear him in Scott's head but then he arrives to save the children from the Island. I thought I would roar with laughter when I saw him. That was so corny ! Oh my... And then, continuity problem again as Emma also goes with him. I didn't know Scott met her before Jean...
The plot = 5/10
Er... Which plot ? This movie made me think of GOF. Impressive action scenes cut with some very dumb or trying-to-be-funny ones. Also, every dramatic moments is somehow spoiled by something stupid, mostly concerning SF. Ok, you have to find tricks to make a movie works but not at the prize of real bullshits (SF and Emma being sis, adamantium acceptation, one billion of mutants all around...). It's too bad in the case of Wolverine because it didn't make the movie work. And yeah... Plotholes.
Logan : At the beginning of the movie, Logan wears his real name James. No last name is given though we can assume it's Howlett. During all their time together, Victor calls him 'Jimmy' like any brother would do. And then, after the post-Team X six years time jump, Logan is Logan. We have no idea from where this name comes, nothing. For me, it really looked like the script writers were very confused about that and decided to drop the subject. Did they think nobody would notice ? And how did Stryker find him to send him SF ? Questions to answer questions. Lovely. Hum...
SF's first death : Err, hellooooooo ?? Does ANYONE remember Logan's mutation ? No ? Let's see... Healing factor... Bones claws... Oh, SUPER SENSES !! Does it ring any bell ? Ok, they give a special product to SF to slow down her heartbeat and covers her with fake blood. BUT... A) Logan should be able to hear the hearbeat, even if it's very faint. B) Logan should be able to smell that the fake blood is not SF's and the medical product. C) A dead body, even 'fresh' doesn't smell at all like a living one. Someone like Logan the soldier, the hunter, the tracker should be able to make the difference. D) Logan doesn't notice she has like, NO wounds ? Even when hugging her how he does ? Okayyyy. But don't worry, script writers, I already found that unlogical in the comics.
The jacket : Ok. Logan gets that lovely jacket from the elderly couple who helps him. It fits him perfectly well and it's also the one he wears in X1-2. And then, our lovely Logan takes the plane with Remy and THROWS his jacket away before jumping in the sea to reach the Island. When Remy finds him again in the end, he doesn't bring the jacket with him and Logan doesn't remember anything anymore. Then each goes his own way. So... Can someone tell me how Logan and the jacket find each other again ?
The adamantium bullets : I'm still trying to get over the stupidity of this one ! First of all, I always thought that only carbonadium could be dangerous for Logan as it slows his healing factor. Still, I don't think that even that can affect his memories. Secondly, it was a bit too much like the only-a-silver-bullet-can-kill-a-werewolf thing, totally out of place. If they were referring to the fact that Logan can himself erase the painful memories when healing, they should have clearly said it. But then, it would have happened during the adamantium procedure already. However, the scene of Stryker shooting an unconscious Logan twice in the head is pretty strong, dark and impressive.
Frankly, they should have spent less time trying to find out how to put a billion of mutants who have nothing to do with Logan at this time of his life and concentrated a bit more on the script to get something logical and nice. Oh, and work better on the dialogs. Lots of platitudes in them.
And the reference to Aragorn (the not all those who wander are lost sticker) was a bit... err... strange ?
The visual = 10/10
Let's face it, the esthetic of this movie is nearly perfect. The opening sequence is one of the most gorgeous I have seen in a very long, long time. The colours are beautiful, the lights superb. No, really. Visually, the movie is a success.
The special effects = 9.5/10
Very nicely done, very impressive. They kinda save and serve the story. I particulary liked the fair going black and all the effects around Remy. If Logan's bones claws and Victor's nails were great, the adamantium claws sometimes looked fake though I'm unable to say if they were CG or the prostheses Hugh sometimes wears. I found it was particulary the case in the bathroom scene (and on some promotional pictures too).
The music = 10/10
I just loved the music. Not booming, not heavy, becoming softer when it needs to be. Very good job from Harry Gregson-Williams. I was a bit afraid at first when reading he took part in the Armaggedon OST, a soundtrack (and movie) that gave me an horrible headache when I saw it.
I can't wait for it to be released !
The costumes, make-up, sets = 9.5/10
Nothing much about that. I loved Logan's costumes, especially when he gets the Indian belt buckle and the famous jacket (I just ADORE the jacket, don't try to understand). I missed his tons of layers though. I'm particulary fond of the tank top since X2 and tadaaaa ! The costumes maker chose a Swiss brand for it. Yay ! Remy's clothes come second with that lovely purple shirt of his. And though Victor did a lot of nice tricks with his mantle, I would have prefered to see a bit more of his body.
Great work on the make-up ! Logan looks amazingly gorgeous in every tiniest shot of him (see above his own review). The quality of Hugh's skin is totally fantastic and the soft tan they gave him is perfect (not like the one he had at Tempe. ^^;;) and his naked body... Mmmm... A perfection (hey, I'm a girl, ok ?!).
I won't comment on SF's costumes or make-up. *shakes head* LOL
The sets are amazing and even Alkali Lake is there ! I would have been very angry if it hadn't been the case. New Zealand and Australia are gorgeous countries and 'Canadian Rockies' were just absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, I sometimes had the feeling to be in LOTR, especially concerning Logan's cabin. Eh...
Gavin Hood : the director = 5/10
In a recent interview for a French movies magazine (very serious stuff), Hugh said that Gavin Hood was a mix between Bryan Singer for his ability to direct his actors and make them transcend themselves and Brett Ratner for his love of special effects. Hum, somehow this didn't reassure me. I had seen just a little bit of Tsotsi so I had no clear idea of Gavin's skills.
Gavin has a great esthetic sense, that is for sure. He knows what he wants to show and how to show it. Like with Bryan, his plans are surgically perfect and he is able to make the beauty of his actors pop up on the screen (didn't work with all though). However, except maybe for Liev and certain moments of Hugh, I didn't see a lot of transcended persons.
Unfortunately, the Brett part of Gavin is a little too present in this movie. Oh yeah, he LOVES special effects and almost went too far with them. Some scenes seem to be there only to show them (the helicopter one being one of them).
I was counting on Gavin to totally erase the failure that had been X3. It didn't work for me. I was hoping to see the very deep psychological side of Logan as it had been promised and all I got was a character only focused on his girlfriend. Even worst than the Logan/Jean thing of X3.
Gods, I want Bryan back as director of the franchise ! Please, Fox and Marvel, stop doing X-Men movies without him ! And if he doesn't want to come back, take Christopher Nolan. But no Gavin Hood and no Brett Ratner ever again. Thank you.
Others = 9/10
Nothing much to say. The sound is great, the editing almost perfect. I didn't really appreciate the montage sometimes but nothing too bad. And again, congratulations to the one(s) who made the opening !
In conclusion, X-Men Origins : Wolverine is not horribly bad but is not totally good either. Of course, it's way better than X3 but it greatly lacks the depth and characters development of Bryan's movies. There was too much people in it (something Brett also did) and so some of the most interesting ones didn't have the chance to show more what they could do. This movie is supposed to be about Wolverine, too bad they forgot that point.
I admit I cried when arriving home after the screening because my deception was as high as my hopes had been. This movie didn't give me back the Logan I love (and I repeat here that Hugh's performance is superb) and it makes me utterly sad. I'm not going to see it again at the theater but I sure will ask my brother to send me the DVD from the USA. Maybe reseeing it later with less pressure all around will be a good thing. Maybe...
It's really too bad. This movie could have been SO great with less characters and a better plot. After the amazing The Dark Knight and Iron Man of last year, I really thought that comics movies had found a new breath. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case with Wolverine.
Final note : 7/10 (it felt more like 5/10 just after the screening).