I managed to take X-Men Origins: Wolverine Friday evening after work (as a manner of parent pre-screening, mind you), and again yesterday with my 13 year-old son. It is a very enjoyable comic actioner, with studio writers doing a commendable job adhering to the Marvel character's mythology. Yes, they do change things around, but even the comic books manage to do that themselves with some of their iterations. The spirit of the character remains in this film, though with PG-13 qualities the studios pretty much mandate these days to promote their box-office potential. Hugh Jackman remains very likable in this Wolverine role and Liev Schreiber brings a needed depth and acting wherewithal to the role of Sabertooth (something wrestler Tyler Mane sorely lacked in the first of the X-Men movies).Although, when I first saw it on Friday, I had an inkling about Hugh's presentation of the character in this movie. Something was very familiar to it, but I couldn't place it. And after watching it a second time, I finally recognized it. If you see Origins, tell me if you don't think Jackman's channeling a young Clint Eastwood in his line delivery. The voice pattern and inflection, not the rasp, seem to register with me somehow (likely because I'm a long-time fan of Clint). I can also report, from a youth's perspective, that my 13 year-old simply loved this movie. For me though, as fun and entertaining as it is, it's not in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight territory for depth, structure, or relevance. It's rumored that Origins director Gavin Hood (and the movie) received some last minute (pick mentoring, tinkering, or saving here) by way of uncredited veteran (and Superman movie) director Richard Donner. Either way, I give the film a thumbs up* and am pleased for a very good start of the Summer Movie season (as early as it now arrives, that is).
* and after re-reading Dan Brown's Angels & Demons, I was reminded this ancient hand symbol has a whole set of other meanings that may apply here ;-).
If Donner helped out, that could only be a plus. Glad to read your review, our local critic was not so kind.
ReplyDeleteI think if you're a fan of this superhero character specifically, or DC/Marvel comics in general, you're apt to enjoy this movie more. Perhaps, your local critic was only into Archie comics. Not that there is anything wrong with that ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh, and if you see Origins, stay through the end credits. The studios are now into the habit, especially with the comic superhero movies, of sticking extra scene revelations there.
Thanks for the heads-up; I always love seeing those little extras after the credits.
ReplyDeleteJust started my blog and am learning how it works, so I go to my profile, notice the favorites are lit up, so click on Bob James, and that is how I found your blog which is quite enjoyable, Thanks. Also born in 54 so your favs look a lot like mine. Sold the last of my comics the other day, sad day.
ReplyDeleteHerb
Glad you could stop by Herb to leave a comment. Anybody who is into Bob James and/or comics is someone I want to hear from :-). I'll keep an eye out for your posts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, Jackman WAS channeling young Clint a little! Not just the voice but a little bit of the squint, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Liev Schreiber was a huge improvement over Tyler Mane. Do you think it has anything to do with the fact Schreiber is actually an actor?:-)
PCN: I cringed when I read that Tyler Mane wanted to reprise his role in the new film. Thankfully, saner heads prevailed. And at least Wolverine was good enough to wash the bad taste out of my mouth that was Ratner's wrecking of the third act of the X-Men series.
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