As most of the people who know me are aware, I love comic book movies. I was never really collected comics as a kid, my brother did, but I loved watching the cartoons and always loved the super hero stories. I remember the day when I went to see the original X-Men in Des Moines with my dad and brother and how stoked I was to see the movie. I have faithfully watched all three of the previous X-Men movies as well as just about every other comic book movie that has come out. The fact that Marvel Studios was created is just icing on the cake. The movies they have put out so far have been great. Add to that the fact that Disney bought Marvel Studios and now you have the mouse funding great movies.
Anyway, off my soap box. X-Men Origins: Wolverine begins with a young boy learning he has bone like claws that come out of his hands which he uses to kill the man he learns is his father. At this point his brother Victor (Liev Schreiber) and he take of running and they don’t stop until William Stryker (Danny Huston) finds them after they were supposed to have been killed by firing squad. They join an elite unit that also includes Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, here he is again) and other mutants. I won’t give too much away, but the movie follows the story that eventually leads to Logan (Hugh Jackman) becoming the metal boned mutant that we know and love. Including his memory loss.
One thing to note, if you saw it in the theater you may need to see it again, or at least the scene after the credits. According to Unrealitymag.com there were multiple alternate scenes after the credits. I’ve seen 2 different endings, one in the theater and one on DVD.
To break it down simply, I loved the movie. I know I can be biased when it comes to comic book movies, but I thought this movie was really well done. It is at least worth a rental if not a buy. I’m planning on buying it this weekend. I thought the special effects were tastefully done and there was actually a story line. They even paid attention to the small details, like how much Logan would weigh after having his skeleton coated with adamantium (something before the movie I hadn’t even considered). I thought how he lost his memory was a little shady, but it wasn’t too bad so I’ll let it pass.
Rating: 5 out of 5
If you want to buy it, head on over to Amazon.com.