| Release date : 26 July 2013 | ||
| 123telugu.com Rating :3/5 | ||
| Director : James Mangold | ||
| Producer : Lauren Shuler Donner, Hugh Jackman | ||
| Music Director : Marco Beltrami | ||
| Starring : Hugh Jackman |
Hugh Jackman is back as Logan, a.k.a. The Wolverine. This latest instalment has been directed by James Mangold. We have some Japanese actors in key roles in this edition. The film released across India today, so let us check out how it is.
Story :
Logan (Hugh Jackman) abandons his regular life and turns into a loner after the death of Jean (Famke Jannsen). He experiences traumatic moments and has regular nightmares. He is reminded of some violent incidents from his past, including the bombing on Nagasaki during World War 2. Logan experiences a lot of pain and is not at peace with his immortality.
He is tracked down by a Japanese woman named Yukio (Fukushima) and she convinces him to travel halfway around the world to meet an old guy named Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi) . Incidentally, Yashida is a soldier who was saved by Logan during the Nagasaki bombing.
The ailing Yashida is interested in transferring Logan’s immortality over to himself, a feat that is possible due to the advanced technology possessed by Yashida’s companies. Logan declines the offer, but he is soon drawn into a fight between the Yakuza and Yashida’s family.
He protects the life of Yashido’s grand daughter Mariko ( Tao Okamoto), but in the process, he also loses his immortality. Logan also finds himself getting closer to Mariko. With the additional baggage of mortality and love, Logan must now fight some very powerful enemies.
Will he succeed? That forms the story of ‘The Wolverine’.
Plus Points :
Hugh Jackman has delivered very well as The Wolverine. He has added more bulk to his frame and his physique is quite ripped now. He has played the role of a vulnerable guy quite well. Tao Okamoto has done a good job,but she looks way too frail.
The action episode on the bullet train has been shot very well and it makes for a riveting watch. For an action film, the romantic track between Logan and Mariko is surprisingly tender and warm.
The climax fight has some entertainment value. Visual effects are pretty good.
Minus Points :
This film has the feel of a medium budget film and the grandeur of a big superhero flick is missing. For what should have been an action entertainer, the pace of this film is a little slow.
The entertainment quotient in this film is not as high as one would expect. Logic goes for a toss in some scenes and there are some pretty big holes in the plot.
There are way too many Japanese actors in this movie and most of them are not well known. As I said earlier, the feel of a big Hollywood production is missing.
Technical Aspects :
Amir Mokri’s cinematography is decent. Editing could have been sharper, especially in the second half. Background music is pretty mediocre. The film’s VFX team has done a good job.
James Mangold has infused a lot of drama and vulnerability into Logan’s character. Perhaps, more than what is necessary.
Verdict :
‘The Wolverine’ is a decent superhero flick. But it is by no means brilliant. The film does not have a very high entertainment quotient and it has neither the look nor the feel of a big budget Hollywood production. You can watch this film if you are a fan of the series or if you have a lot of time to spare this weekend.
123telugu Rating – 3/5
Reviewed by Mahesh S Koneru
