Movie Review: Logan

Release Date: March 03, 2017
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
Director: James Mangold
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes

It's the year 2029, a time when the once formidable mutants face the threat of extinction. Only a few of them remain, including Charles Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) and Logan (Hugh Jackman), who spend a largely anonymous life hiding near the Mexican border. However their lives change when they try to save Laura Kinney/ X-23 (Dafne Keen) who has the same powers as Logan. Laura is being threatened by a group of ruthless troublemakers. How Logan and Xavier embark upon the mission to save Laura, the challenges they face, and the bonds they create among themselves, forms the core of the movie.

This superhero movie comes with a difference, as both Logan and Xavier have lost much of their glory and are shown as fighting the insignificance of old age. Xavier faces the onslaught of declining mental and physical health and he remains sedated at most times to keep his vast psychic powers under control. Logan also faces the trauma of an ageing body and his life revolves around driving a limousine for a living and spending time on fights and getting drunk. Such reflections of ageing mutants may make you feel sorry for them, but this dose of reality is refreshing and actually more engaging than the usual show of strength and special powers in superhero movies.

However, even with old age, the Adamantium claws still work, so be ready for plenty of bloodshed. Also, there are several magical moments, as the three lead characters bond together and emerge no different than a close-knit family. Director James Mangold has not hesitated in revealing the ageing side of superheroes, for which, he deserves a lot of credit. Jackman has delivered a compelling performance in this third and final Wolverine film and it marks a memorable end to an extraordinary journey. Logan is a riveting finale to Wolverine's gritty journey, which makes it a must watch.