RBR: The Wolverine

Given the lukewarm reception that the first solo Wolverine film received back in 2009, I wasn't sure if we really needed to see another movie featuring the mutant with the adamantium claws. However, credit director James Mangold and the rest of the crew behind this new adventure for delivering something dramatically different. Set almost entirely in Japan, the film focuses Wolverine being asked to say goodbye to a dying Japanese man he once saved back in World War II. On his deathbed the man offer Wolverine the opportunity to remove his mutant power and make him a mortal man. From there the plot kicks into gear as there are several parties involved trying to take over the dying man's corporation. The action in the film is quite compelling, especially a scene that involves Wolverine battling members of the Yakusa on top of a speeding bullet train. However, the film does suffer from some pacing issues. The middle of the film sags and the risk of having a cast of unknown actors alongside Hugh Jackman does not always pay off. The woman who plays Mariko, the granddaughter of the dying man and potential love interest for Wolverine is a real bore. However, the actress who plays Mariko's adopted sister is a real fine. She is compelling and brings an energy to the scenes she's in with Jackman. Overall, the film's flaws prevent it from being an out-right winner. However, I applaud the efforts of everyone involved for trying something different. I want to see more attempts like this rather than safe, bland, inconsequential stories like the one featured in Thor: The Dark World. Perhaps best of all, this story serves to get me all that much more excited to see X-Men: Days of Future Past. If nothing else The Wolverine showed that there's plenty of life left in this immortal being. Rating: ****