The Wolverine

Release Date: Jul 26, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 
Director: James Mangold 
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tee, Famke Janssen.

"X-Men" introduced us to the world of mutants: individuals with remarkable powers and secret abilities. But out of the throng, one superseded the rest, resulting in two spin-offs with altering outcomes. Whereas "Origins" failed in honing the character, Mangold succeeds in giving it new life. What's always been fascinating about Wolverine is the complexity of his nature – driven by rage but tormented by pain – in his road to self-redemption. And while prior films have scratched the surface of his past, it's the latest that digs deep into his empathy, separating animal from human. Following the events of "Last Stand," Wolverine is now a nomad in the wilderness, filled with remorse over the death of Jean Grey. But where this familiarity begins, it quickly diminishes, as the film is unlike other "X-Men" adventures before it. Set mostly in Japan, it's a noticeable departure, with yakuza and ninjas in place of mutants. The only consistencies remain with the claws and the omniscient presence of Famke Janssen. Though staying close to the comic book series, "Wolverine" is more of an action flick than not – with battles on top of bullet trains and samurai blades. Given that Jackman has reprised this role several times before, it's a much-needed change of scenery for the ever-growing franchise. Where the film mainly stumbles is in its confined second half, throwing love story and hero into one predictable ending. Stuck with a bland villain (Viper) and weak supporting characters, Wolverine is left to fend for himself in his battle for immortality. Nonetheless, the film is a vast improvement if only for the Easter egg. The future looks to be bright in "Days of Future Past."

Rating: 3 stars