Every story has a beginning...
Wolverine is the fourth installment in the X-Men films and quite possibly the most enthralling one so far as it delves into the psyche of it's most recognizable character.
As a prequel to the original trilogy, it takes us to the very root of Logan/Wolverine's emotional journey as a mutant on a quest for revenge.
We witness Logan grow from a young boy discovering his mutant ability to an adult fighting along side his brother Victor/Sabertooth in various wars: American Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. It is their unique regenerative powers that prevent their demise and set them apart from the rest of the human species.
Logan proves to inhabit a sense of humanity that his brother does not. From early on we see the emotional strength it takes for Logan to prevent Victor from letting the intensity of his rage get increasingly out of control. It is Logan's sense of moral obligations that lead him to resign from his position in Team X (a group for elite mutants) and live a life as "normal" as possible.
Any chance of normality for Logan is stripped away as a mutant begins a killing rampage, slaughtering other mutants including Logan's girlfriend. Hellbent on seeking revenge and preventing any more deaths amongst the mutant community, Logan subjects himself to a painful procedure to bond his skeleton with the metal substance adamantium. What emerges is a stronger, enhanced Logan who adopts the name Wolverine, and even has the shiny new claws to prove it!
This is the origin of the mutant revolution, introducing audiences to familiar characters from the previous films, paving the way for future sequels, and the beginning of Professor Xavier's safe-house for the super-gifted: The Mutant Academy.
Even if you're not a fan of the original comic books and haven't seen the previous films, X-Men Origins: Wolverine has enough story-driven action to keep you entertained, and not just for the Hugh Jackman factor.
Director: Gavin Hood
Runtime: 107 min
Review by: S.K. Micallef
