X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The first in series of planned prequels to the original X-Men films, Wolverine traces the violent history of the titular mutant whose knuckles conceal sharp, lethal blades. An aggressive marketing campaign will no doubt attract Marvel readers in droves, but viewing figures threaten to peter out when audiences realised they’ve been conned into watching what is merely a bland and unnecessary money-spinner.
The story begins in 1840 in the Northwest Territories of Canada, where a young Logan (aka Wolverine) unwittingly kills his father and later throws himself into the turbulence of war. As it happens, Canada wasn’t founded until 1867, but why let historical accuracy get in the way of a ‘good’ plot?
Having proved themselves invincible during a series of run-ins with other soldiers, Logan (Hugh Jackman) and his brother Victor (Liev Schreiber) are eventually recruited into a major a secret Black Ops unit which aims to create a super mutant, incorporating all of the mutant powers. When things turn sour Logan leaves but predictably is unable to escape his violent past.
Sadly the plot’s complexity does not add anything to its entertainment value. Director Gavin Hood goes out of his way to fit in as many cameo roles and secondary characters as possible, but the result is muddled and unsatisfying. The talents of a potentially strong supporting cast including Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds are wasted on a pathetic script, whilst Lord of the Rings analogies merely serve to highlight the film’s inadequacies.
For all its failings, Wolverine does offer some recompense in the form of a beefed-up Hugh Jackman, who leaps from buildings to trucks to helicopters with startling agility, all the while remaining unscathed thanks to his healing powers. The opening sequence is also breathtaking, presenting an epic journey through four major wars as well as capturing effectively the troubled relationship between the two brothers.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is thin on plot and weak on dialogue. Only recommended for die-hard fans of the original trilogy.
