"The Wolverine" (12A)Director: James Mangold.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto and Brian Tee.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate action violence and one use of strong language.
Running time: 126 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas.
Many years after the events of "The Last Stand", we learn that the Wolverine has become a drifter. Moving from town to town, seeking justice where he can deliver it. One night, after a fight in a bar; the Wolverine meets Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a skilled samurai swordsman who asks Wolverine to journey with her to Tokyo, to meet the dying man that he saved during world war two. On arriving, Wolverine is given a chance to become mortal; declaring no, he is poisoned and is plunged into a life or death battle to become immortal once again.
Tuesday the 30th of July. It was finally my chance to watch "The Wolverine". From what I had heard (by other critics), "The Wolverine" was in some respects, a critical failure. So, due to these verdicts, I built the assumption that I was not going enjoy it and probably end up awarding it a low rating. That, however is not the case.
Instead, I was actually quite surprised at the efforts of "The Wolverine". Compared to it`s predecessor ("X Men Origins: Wolverine"), it had improved greatly. Here, Wolverine is given a chance to develop his character, whereas last time large amounts of mutants were introduced to keep the story interesting; which didn't really work. The film begins fairly slow, but as the story progresses, it begins to pick up the pace quite dramatically. When Wolverine arrives in Tokyo, it`s not too long before he`s busy stabbing and smashing his way through hordes of Chinese mafia.
The film continues to put it`s audience through various set pieces that are quite inventive. For instance, the fight scene on top of the Japanese Bullet train, is funny and creative; swapping ludicrous action for a more realistic tone.
Here, I couldn't help but feel, the "The Wolverine" was similar to the popular Jason Statham film; "Crank". They have almost the same plot-line and both share the same tone. Despite it`s similarities, "The Wolverine" is aimed at people of a younger audience, which pushes (in my opinion) the 12A rating.
As "The Wolverine" continues however, it begins to disappoint. The 3D effects are quite worthless for the film, as they are not used to their full potential. The CGI is also quite disappointing, for example the fight scene inside the large medical centre is very shaky.
It`s the stars of the film that save it from failing. Hugh Jackman steps into a more personal role this time round, and acts perfectly well, cracking some good one-liners here and there. First time actors Tao Okamoto Rila Fukushima, both act to quite a high standard considering it is their first feature length film.
Verdict
Despite its flaws, "The Wolverine" has been delivered well, whilst trying to avoid the plot-holes of its predecessor. It has succeeded, to a degree.
6 stars out of ten = Good.
Written by Scott Gentry.
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