REVIEW: LOGAN (2017)

**SPOILER-FREE**

 In a word: James Mangold's LOGAN is a triumph!

The film depicts the latter years of a rapidly aging and increasingly weary Logan (now going by his birth name: James Howlett) as he cares for his long-time mentor and friend, Professor Charles Xavier. As the last of their kind, in a world that has persecuted mutant-kind to near-extinction - life is tough for these former 'X-Men'. Time is catching up and the scars show. Long gone are the glory days.

LOGAN is pretty unique in how it approaches these fan-favourite characters.

Yeah, they're essentially [retired] superheroes, but never are they at all glamorized like you may have come to expect from the genre. Never are you envious of the lives they lead. Never do you wish you could fill their shoes or fight the good fight alongside them. Their existence in this world is one of terrible suffering and pain.

After long lives filled with horrific violence and devastating losses these characters are understandably very damaged by their experiences.

Our main protagonist in particular, is really at the end of his rope. He's defeated and hopeless. The trauma sustained by Logan has been explored in previous X-Men films, but never to such an extent and never so masterfully. Never before have these characters felt so tangible. Never before have you felt so much for these characters and never before has a film in the 'X-Men Universe' felt so damn authentic.

This is by no means, a flashy superhero flick.

In fact - I'd hesitate to call it a superhero film (at least in the sense that we've come to know them).

LOGAN is [at its core] a story of people dealing with immense hardship and trauma.

Yes, super-powers come into play and there is certainly that science-fiction element, but the film's focus isn't on spectacle, but rather - humanity. The humanity of these characters, who despite their great abilities, are as 'human' and open to 'feeling' as any of us.

The story, or rather the 'world' of LOGAN (as penned by Director, James Mangold) is very grounded and low-key. It's a very harsh reality these characters live in. It's a tragic existence.

Yeah, all this might make you think: "Wow. This sounds depressing!" and yeah, no doubt - it kinda is!

It's important to understand: LOGAN [as a film] is a very sobering experience! But the film works very well and NOT because it's depressing. It's because the film, its world and its characters are HONEST. Honesty is what makes this film so brilliant - a truthfulness. It's in the story, the dialogue and character exchanges and my god - it's most certainly in the acting!

The acting ability on display here (specifically on the part of our three protagonists) is incredible!
Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Patrick Stewart (Charles) give performances of a lifetime! They perfectly sell every line, every little look or glance. Their performances are so nuanced, so utterly convincing! Their chemistry is so genuine - they're perfect!

The same can be said for Dafne Keen (Laura).

I admit: Ordinarily, I'm not the biggest fan of kids in films, but again - she just sells it!

This is a spoiler-free review, so I wont go into her character too much, but she's plays the role perfectly - and with minimal dialogue!

Ninety percent of the time, Dafne is forced to work without dialogue, using only her body language to express and emote.

Again, she's perfect. The emotion is all there. She's Brilliant!

Oh, and my God - she kicks A LOT of ass in this film!

Of course! We should talk about the action now, right!?

Well, let's just say-... Yeah, it's everything you've ever wanted out of a Wolverine film.

The action in this film is intense! The fight scenes and fight choreography in this film, ARE INTENSE!

THIS FILM IS INTENSE!!!

Seriously, this is NOT a film for children... Haha!

LOGAN earns its mature (MA15+) rating within the first five minutes.

Straight away, you know the film isn't pulling its punches. This is established in the very first scene with the very first line of dialogue.

This is an adult film.

There's a lot of language. There's A LOT of violence. And the film is better off for it.

I'm not a big fan of gore. At least, I don't appreciate it, for the most part.
Particularly, when it seems over-the-top or unnecessary.

The violence depicted in this film is neither, 'over-the-top' nor 'unnecessary'.

It's brutal. BOY, is it brutal! But it serves a genuine purpose.

True, Logan fights with knives that protrude from his knuckles.

"What do you think is gonna happen!?"

Yeah, it makes sense that there's gonna be some blood.

That said: the addition of 'blood' doesn't automatically equal a better film!

The violence in LOGAN is necessary (in my opinion) because it serves the character and the story. Violence is central to who this character is! His life has been nothing but violence and death - the loss of all those he's ever held dear. It's bloodshed and the consequences of bloodshed that have shaped his very existence and it's something that follows him wherever he goes. Something he [seemingly] can not escape. That's the tragedy of his life. The filmmakers understand this and do a great job depicting it!

LOGAN is very violent. It's NOT a film for the whole family.

Some people may be turned-off by the graphic nature of this picture, but it's a crucial element in exploring this character and doing right by him.

This film does right by the character.

It does so much right!

...

But it's not perfect.

My first gripe with LOGAN is minimal, and by no means affected my enjoyment of the film.

This is kinda going into 'nitpick' territory but some of the exposition in the film was a little 'convenient' for my taste. Without spoiling anything; certain character details are revealed through, what'd I'd consider 'found-footage'. The kind that conveniently answers any and all questions you could possible pose in a short, three minute time span. As interesting as this footage is, I found myself thinking it was way too conveniently edited. A lot of information is revealed, but it's all a little too easy. I felt this information could have been better conveyed in a way that didn't feel so spoon-fed.

Again, that's just a minor gripe! A nitpick! If that's the worst thing I have to say about the film, well then - it got off lightly!

But, I'm not done.

My biggest issue, by FAR, with LOGAN is the introduction of a certain antagonist or more appropriately a certain 'adversary'.

I didn't see this 'twist' coming, and for good reason: It's dumb.

Late in the Second Act, a character is introduced right out of left field.

I'm not gonna disclose who this character is but I will say this:

This character's only purpose is to present Logan with a physical threat.

AND therefore: This character is completely unnecessary.

Logan is already shown to be a vulnerable character in both a physical and emotional sense. His wellbeing is constantly under treat. This vulnerability is central to the plot.

It's established really early on and is ever-present throughout the film!

There is no need for this 'new' character to exist!

As soon as they appeared on screen, I was immediately taken out of the scene.

I was genuinely confused. I initially thought: "This must be a dream sequence".

Sadly, I was mistaken.

Any time this character was on screen, I was taken out of the moment.

It was the one element of the movie that fell into 'terrible comic book clichés'.

It was incredibly distracting and created a big clash of tones!

Again, this element could have easily been removed. The character wasn't at all established, so you felt nothing for them one way or another.

What they contributed to the plot could have been handled differently, with already established characters, and to greater affect.

What I said before, about spoon-fed exposition: Just a nitpick - didn't hurt the film.

This character hurt the film.

What a shame.

Still, at the end of the day, [despite one noteworthy misstep] LOGAN is a great film!

Its unique approach to the genre breathes new life into the [arguably] stagnating X-Men Film Franchise.

It's very well written and directed! It's well shot and has a great score! The action is intense and exhilarating! The acting - phenomenal!

It's a genuinely moving cinematic experience and a tribute truly befitting its great characters and cast!

It's just sad to know that [due to Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart retiring from their respective roles] we'll never see a sequel. I'd love to see more!!!
LOGAN is truly something special.

- Woody