Logan

Eight years ago when X-Men Origins: Wolverine hit cinemas it arrived following an unfortunate leaked copy making its way online that didn't promise much and sadly the outcome of one of Marvel's most iconic superheroes solo adaptations was written off as one of the 2009's worst films. Plagued with studio interference onset, too many characters and some very odd decisions that left fans speechless (some of you will get that pun), it begged the question if the X-Men series was finished. The first two were great, kicking-off the superhero phenomenon but then fell afoul with a dodgy third outing, all the while Iron Man had just entered the scene that would spawn the rival Marvel series. Where would Fox go next?

Well they went back in time, semi-rebooting the franchise with X-Men: First Class before having a second stab at Wolverine with James Mangold's The Wolverine. Aware of the problems that came before, Mangold managed to create strong adaptation of the character's popular stories set in Japan. Hugh Jackman continued to shine and, for the majority, it was a strong step forward despite ending with your typical CGI boss battle. Regardless, it showed that this character can deliver a strong standalone film even if Jackman himself was starting to think his time was nearly up. And following an even better film in the shape of X-Men: Days of Future Past and then the critically flawed X-Men: Apocalypse, Mangold and Jackman decided to team-up once more for Logan.

Seeing Mangold's name on the IMDb page did surprise me and even had me a little concerned how The Wolverine did transpire into your typical superhero action flick but I had enjoyed his western remake 3:10 to Yuma so there was still hope. What's more, Jackman seemed determined that if his days as Wolverine / Logan were numbered, that he would hang up the blades on a high. No more studio interference and overcrowded plot lines designed to keep the franchise churning, just one story told well and that's what I'm pleased to say this is.

Whereas other superhero films focus on spectacle and fancy visuals, Logan wisely takes a bare-bones approach that isn't afraid to get dirty and make its characters feel human. The story begins with Logan reduced to driving around as a limo driver whilst paying the rent for a hide-out where he stores a frail Charles Xavier. Having witnessed their escapades before this moment, it's quite the reality-check as we see them scratch a living while avoiding attention from a military force hell-bent on having control on all mutants.

This could have been a disaster but thankfully the studio gave Mangold and Jackman full control with a higher age rating to ensure we feel our heroes' helpless situation and their frustration. It's dark, too dark for young audiences with the bleak concept but to tell a story about a heavy drinking mutant with blades between his knuckles on the brink of collapse there was really only way to go to make this a success. But between the tragic setting, Mangold expertly ensures that this isn't detached from the X-Men franchise through adding heart to his story that really makes this standout as one of the best action films we'll likely see this year. Will this be talked about next year at the Oscars? The interplay between Hugh Jackman and Sir Patrick Stewart is fantastic so here's hoping because they deserve all the recognition they receive. The two of them are perfect and it's hard to imagine anyone else who could have done a better job.

Speaking of action, it is relentless and suitably so. For anyone who complained about the lack of blood during Wolverine's fight scenes will be taken aback as soon as those blades make their first appearance. High praise should also go to the team who shot and edited this because, while the amount of blood can be nauseating, thankfully from a filmmaking point it's excellent. However, if I had one gripe it would be that it treaded a fine-line that tips towards being a little gratuitous but Mangold just about avoids this. We feel every hit and so do our characters.

There are some films that can wait but I'm glad I saw this in the cinema. It's rare we see a film that is brave and dares to be different. Deadpool pushed the envelope with its age rating too but Logan is a different kind of breed that packs a real punch with its unflinching approach. It's a drama that has characters first and action second. If only more films were like this.