Logan (2017)

Genres

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Director

James Mangold

Country

USA

Cast

Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Eriq La Salle, Elise Neal

Storyline

In 2029 the mutant population has shrunk significantly and Logan (Hugh Jackman) is hiding Professor X (Patrick Stewart) on the Mexican border. But his attempts to hide fail when Laura (Dafne Keen), a young mutant pursued by dark forces, arrives into his life.

Opinion

Until about a month ago I wasn't even sure I wanted to spend money on "Logan" and the reason was pretty simple, the final instalment of any trilogy usually ends up terribly. It happened with the original X-Men, it happened with the prequel trilogy, and I was sure it was going to happen with Wolverine as well. Then a week ago the film hit the theatres around the world and people started saying how good it was, so I had to see it myself. And everyone was right, "Logan" is, in fact, a beautiful, dark, powerful and emotional farewell to one of the greatest heroes of this century as well as one of the best superhero movies ever made. The greatest after Nolan's "The Dark Knight" I'd say.

It is different than the others X-Men flicks, though. Instead of focusing on the action and CGI as I was afraid the filmmakers would do, the film's strength lays in its new, original and impressive story that is well developed and that, most important, makes of "Logan" more than just another superhero flick, but a story about aging and family as well.

The film is also a deep and intimate character study. It really digs into the characters we love, it shows their vulnerability, and it makes you feel something both for Logan and Professor X that you've probably never felt in the previous X-Men films, especially because of their farther-and-son relationship. It is quite heartbreaking to see an old and sick Logan taking care of an even older and sicker Xavier. Then there's the new entry, Laura aka X-23, another deep and wonderfully developed character.

One might complain of the weakness of the villains - it's Marvel's biggest problem when it comes to movies -, but this time it's not that important. The villains are just a tiny plot element, something needed for the growth of the character.

Coming next is the acting. Words aren't enough to describe the performances given by Hugh Jackman as a worn Logan, Patrick Stewart as a Xavier on the brink of death, and especially the young Dafne Keen who steals the show as Laura.

And finally, although it is not the focus, let's remember that "Logan" still is an action film, and it excels in that too. Director James Mangold not only was able to deliver impressive and violent action sequences but he was able to balance them with the drama, and most important to integrate them into the fantastic emotional journey this film is.