Written & Directed by: James Mangold

Starring: Dafne Keen, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant

Running Time: 137 Minutes

Releasing in theatres in the UAE on March 2, Logan is a dramatic farewell to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in a fantastic and satisfying fashion.

Plot

In a 2029 world where few mutants still exist, a defeated, sick and alcoholic Logan is charged with the responsibility of transporting a young new mutant, Laura, to safety. Unwilling to take this on, Logan seems to have this hands full as he conceals Professor Charles Xavier, whose mind is classified as a weapon of mass destruction by authorities.

Can a suicidal man broken by the death of loved ones believe again?

A Real Send-Off

As this film marks the last appearance of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/ Logan on-screen, expectations for this film have been sky high – and it does not disappoint [even for a moment].

With a good old Western theme, a far cry from cookie-cutter superhero films, this compact and intense narrative does not preoccupy itself with frills and ‘awesome’ fight scenes, but rather gives us a serious, deep and dramatic look at a complex man who has been through the ringer – who also happens to be Wolverine.

The direction by James Mangold shows the best kind of restraint. Tight frames, brief dialogue, and the Mexican desert backdrop lend the execution a lasting fire that reflects the characters’ dark and heated histories. Realistic blood splattering, bits of flesh flung about and the violent cries of Laura and Logan in the fields, quite different from the Tarantino treatment, works very well in context.

Like every good Western [and superhero films], the plot has predictable motifs and patterns: Bad guys die, there’s plenty of collateral damage, the cowboy dies after a long fight for what he believes in, and the sun sets on a bittersweet note. The formula doesn’t dull the story. It’s like sitting in a comfortable and familiar chair: invigorating.

The music by Marco Beltrami is highly complimentary to the peaks and falls in movement, amplifying emotion whenever needed.

A Convincing Trio

Hugh Jackman’s understated yet evocative performance as Logan makes us regret his resignation more than ever. Physical action aside, the range of emotions Jackman conveys through body language and facial expressions is truly commendable.

The same can be said of Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, whose heart-warming role as mentor and guide lingers on. Newcomer for X-Men, Dafne Keen, is powerful and convincing as Laura.

Watch this if: There’s no if. You won’t regret it.