The Long, Intense Ride into The Sunset

LOGAN
dir. James Mangold

    It seems like yesterday that I saw the first X-Men film when it was released on home video in late 2000. Hugh Jackman joins that pantheon of cinematic superheroes wherein the actor isn't seen on screen, the actual hero is seen. "LOGAN" gives that hero an long, intense and emotional farewell that doesn't feel like a gimmick like other "final" films but instead feels like the end of an era and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
    "LOGAN" is set in a post-mutant world where there hasn't been a mutant born for some time and the X-MEN have become a faded memory that exists only in legend. Logan is old, tired and (more importantly) lost. He is lost as he doesn't feel any purpose or meaning and only lives now to help out Professor X who is losing his mind and control, both mentally and physically. Logan then has to protect a new mutant with similar powers to his while battling his own demons and selfish desires.
    Hugh Jackman gives his final performance as the title hero his all and it shows. There isn't a moment where it feels phoned in or over-dramatic. Patrick Stewart also gives it his all as he brings a sense of a lost leader who still wants to help others but also has to ask for help to take care of himself. The biggest standout is Dafne Keen who brings a wild child-esque aspect to her character without making it too far off the grid that it goes into annoying kid territory. The action is stylized and intense. The violence isn't just for show or a gimmick as every battle and hit has consequences attached to it. The only thing that made the film just shy of perfect was its somewhat sluggish pacing. There are just too many moments that feel like filler and take up too much running time especially for a film that's all about a chase and getting away from the villains.
    "LOGAN" like "Deadpool" is a game-changer and goes back to a story and character based superhero story which is good. It never feels like we're supposed to be taking notes or figuring out how it connects to the other films. Instead, it gives itself a drive and purpose and goes for it even if it stumbles a bit along the way. It's a fine farewell to an iconic performance of an iconic character.

4/5 Reels