X-Men Origins: Wolverine (theatrical poster; courtesy of Wikipedia)

Wolverine is a film about one of the most famous X-Men, Logan/Wolverine, and a prequel to the X-Men film trilogy. The film depicts Logan’s life before joining the X-Men, from his discovery of his mutant powers and early life, to his involvement in a government project headed by Col. William Stryker (Danny Huston, playing the villain from the second X-Men film).

That’s really all there is to it. The rest of the film is filled with action, gratuitous shirtless Hugh Jackman shots, snarling, cheesy dialogue, more action, and did I mention snarling?

Filled with a glut of cameo mutant appearances, including Logan’s original mutant team, young versions of some characters (Cyclops, notably), and fan favorites Gambit (Taylor Kitsch) and Deadpool (Reynolds), this film was made with minimal plot (just enough to tie it together with the original trilogy), and maximum action and special effects in mind. Complete with cheesy dialogue that was so bad, it was good!

The opening sequence of the film was especially entertaining, as Logan (his real name, James Howlett, was used for most of the film) and Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber) are shown fighting in numerous wars, and apparently not aging past the appearances of Jackman and Schreiber. Visually, this film was excellent. Solid special effects, and decent fight scenes, complete with that hero shot of Logan walking away from an explosion.

Gambit’s portrayal was pretty fun to watch too, complete with his really cool card tricks. Ryan Reynolds as the mercenary Wade Wilson/Deadpool was also fun, and I do wish both of them could have had more screen time though, but hey, there can always be a sequel, right?

Even with all its flaws (a couple of plot holes, and really, it felt like a long TV episode), I admit that I really liked Wolverine. Not every superhero film you watch has to be critically acclaimed, or rife with deep characterization or well-timed humor. Some films are just b-movie material, and while I believe they could have done this one better, it was an entertaining action film, and fit my expectations.

Just don’t come in expecting another Iron Man, and you’ll be all right. Enjoy the film for what its worth, and you won’t leave disappointed.

ETA: There’s an after-credits scene, so wait for it! Word is that there are also different extra scenes depending on where you watch it [spoiler alert at the link!].

Memorable quote:
Wade Wilson: Great, stuck in an elevator with 5 guys on a high protein diet. Oh Wade! Dreams really do come true.
William Stryker: Now just shut it! You’re up next.
Wade Wilson: Thank you sir, you look really nice today. It’s the green, it brings out the seriousness in your eyes.
Logan: Oh my God, do you ever shut up, pal?
Wade Wilson: No, not while I’m awake.