Logan

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Stephen Merchant, Patrick Wilson and Dafne Keen.

Director: James Mangold

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 2hrs 11 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 15

Format: Theatrical Cinema Release

Synopsis:

*May contain spoilers*

In the near and weary future Logan cares for an ailing Professor X, somewhere on the Mexican border. However Logan's attempt to hide from the world, and his legacy, are upended when a young mutant arrives, persuaded by dark forces.

Six years have passed since the events that first took place in the future of "X-Men: Days of Future Past", the year is now 2029, the population of mutants has shrunk significantly, Logan (Jackman) now finds himself caring for Professor Charles Xavier who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and seizures. An alcoholic limo driver, Wolverine is not the superhero that everyone used to know. When a female stranger catches up with him, she explains that Logan must be the one to look after her daughter Laura, who possess extraordinary powers just like himself. Persuaded by sinister forces, Laura is carrying the same DNA that secretly connects herself to Logan.

The next series of "X-Men" films will introduce a new generation of mutants. This story really marks the end of an era for the character of James Logan. Impressive in appearance and in characterisation Hugh Jackman delivers one of his strongest performances as the fearsome Wolverine. Logan understands that keeping Charles Xavier inside a tank is no longer an option with him suffering from such severe seizures. The story also marks the end of an era for Professor X, now an old man who can barely remember who Logan is, as days go by, the more he struggles to control his telepathic abilities. Patrick Wilson delivers a tremendous performance, elegantly funny and beautifully soft spoken, fans will certainly find themselves shedding the odd tear or two.

Newcomer Dafne Keen stars as new mutant Laura, a young girl who was born with Logan's DNA, allowing her to have his gifted abilities. Although Keen doesn't have much of a speaking role she is able to communicate beautifully through emotion her characters feelings. Jackman and Keen work fantastically alongside each other, as the story progresses you really see the changes in Logan as he begins to care for Laura. We're introduced to new characters including Logan's albino sidekick, Caliban performed terrifically by British comedian Stephen Merchant. Merchant delivers a delightful amount of humour to the story.

The real story however begins when bad guy Peirce hunts down Laura, with full understanding of her abilities, he wants to produce a new breed of mutants. Although Boyd Holbrook delivers a good performance as Peirce, we don't actually see a great deal of his character, the story primarily focuses on Logan and Laura and their escape to the mountains as they flee the border of Mexico. The decision to have an R rating was spot on. There is a fair amount of violence in the story that some audiences may not be used to if they are familiar with the original "X-Men" films. Logan really shows his powers in full glory, we really learn just how dangerous Logan be.

The special effects are what really hold this film together. We're able to really see into the eyes of Professor X through fantastic effects and cinematography. Professor X's psionic blast was created with shaky footage and then restabilizing the frame in post production. A very unique effect, this is what allowed certain scenes to have a motion blur effect to them. Not only does this effect look terrific on screen it also sparks a lot of emotion through characters too. Proving that mutants are the only ones to withstand the blast. This film really is the beginning to a new chapter of "X-Men" movies, Laura is a very exciting character, as eager fans we're intrigued to see what "The New Mutants" has in store for us this coming year. A very well put together film. Terrific.

5/5 stars