I Know Everybody Loves Logan, But Could We Please Finally Give 2013’s The Wolverine Its Flowers?

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As a die-hard X-Men fan who’s spent countless hours pouring over comics and movies alike, let me tell you that “The Wolverine” is a hidden gem among the mutant world’s cinematic offerings. This film feels like its own self-contained tale, akin to a captivating DLC expansion for an epic video game.

Everybody’s talking about Wolverine again due to the recent Deadpool & Wolverine, which we gave a pretty good review. 

Although many people consider James Mangold’s film “Logan” as the best Wolverine tale on the big screen (and I share this view), it seems that they often overlook Mangold’s other mutant movie, released in 2013 titled “The Wolverine.” In my opinion, this film deserves recognition as a decent movie.

So, I want to rectify that, since I think The Wolverine deserves its flowers, too. Here’s why.  

The Wolverine Is A Monumental Step Over Its Predecessor  

Let me clarify at the outset that I haven’t seen the movie Deadpool & Wolverine as of yet. If, similar to how Thor: The Dark World was crucial in the plot of Avengers: Endgame, The Wolverine might be significant for the movie’s storyline, but I’m not aware of that connection.

To put it simply, I clearly recall the first Deadpool film poking fun at X-Men Origins: Wolverine, particularly its depiction of Deadpool. Given how terrible Origins was, this mockery was certainly justified.

Despite the widespread discussion and appreciation for both “Origins” and “Logan,” there’s often a question that lingers in my mind: Why isn’t “The Wolverine” getting more recognition? For instance, let’s delve into why it surpasses its predecessor significantly. Can we discuss this aspect of it?

“The Wolverine” continues the storyline initiated in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” a film I enjoy as well. Here, the character Logan embarks on a journey to Japan, where he encounters both familiar and new adversaries. In this adventure, he struggles without his usual ability to rapidly heal.

As a longtime fan of the X-Men franchise, I must say that “Logan” represents a significant leap forward compared to its predecessors like “Origins”. This film stands out for me because it offers a deeply personal and introspective narrative focused solely on Logan, a character who has been with us since the beginning. The stakes are incredibly high here, as we witness the gradual erosion of his healing ability, which could potentially lead to his untimely demise. Having followed Wolverine’s journey throughout the years, I can attest that this film delivers a gripping and emotionally resonant conclusion to his story arc.

Despite the fact that this film often gets overlooked, many people tend to solely concentrate on “Origins” due to its flaws and “Logan” because of its merits. Frankly speaking, it’s rather frustrating as this movie equally warrants recognition.

The Japanese Setting Really Works In Its Favor 

Let me be straightforward with you: I’m going to tell you honestly that while I enjoy the X-Men films (I must admit, I favor X-Men ’97), I find many of them rather unmemorable. It’s not because their stories are poor (for the most part), but because they often take place in similar settings, making it difficult for me to distinguish one movie from another. In fact, there are moments from the first three X-Men films that I occasionally confuse with each other.

As a lifelong fan of the X-Men franchise, I have always been captivated by the intricate web of characters that make up this extraordinary world. However, my affection for these films has not always been without its fair share of heated debates with friends. One such argument occurred when I adamantly insisted that Kelsey Grammer’s Beast character first appeared in X2: X-Men United, only to be met with vehement disagreement from my friend who claimed he debuted in The Last Stand. It was a classic case of memory playing tricks on me, as I had indeed confused Beast with Nightcrawler in my mind due to the similarities in their film settings. Although my error was eventually rectified, these instances serve as a reminder of just how deeply invested I am in this universe and its characters.

In the film The Wolverine, the Japanese backdrop stands out notably. It boasts of high-speed trains, stealthy ninjas, and a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart as a remarkable and exclusive setting.

Right from the start, with Logan being held captive in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, this movie stands out uniquely compared to any other X-Men film I’ve seen (either before or since). It’s quite astonishing that more people don’t discuss it, considering how unique and different its feel is. Japan plays a significant role in making the movie even more compelling.

The Main Antagonist Is A Unique Choice 

Previously, I pointed out that this tale has a strong resemblance to a Wolverine narrative, and it does, in many aspects surpassing “Logan.” For instance, “Logan” seemed to be as much about Professor Xavier and the deceased X-Men of yesteryears, intertwining their stories with Wolverine’s. It was also a film that showcased X-23 (now played by Dafne Keen as an adult), and it beautifully depicted both reminiscing the past and looking forward to the future.

In contrast, the film “The Wolverine” primarily concentrates on the character of Logan, and this focus is particularly evident in its primary adversary, who goes by the name Silver Samurai.

Originally debuting in a Daredevil comic, the Silver Samurai is a persistent adversary of Wolverine, making his first appearance in the 1982 miniseries, Wolverine, penned by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. In the movie, he’s the individual that Logan rescues at the film’s start, seeking to siphon off Wolverine’s abilities. He even brandishes an adamantium sword, employing one of Logan’s most potent weapons against him.

In every way, he’s a worthy antagonist, and one who I don’t feel gets nearly enough credit. 

This Feels Like Its Own Side Story, Rather Than A Stepping Stone To Logan  

As someone who has been an avid fan of the X-Men franchise for decades, I found “The Wolverine” to be a refreshing and unique take on the character. Having grown up with the original trilogy and the more recent films, it was intriguing to see a story that felt like a side quest, rather than a main plotline. The film picks up where “The Last Stand” left off, delving into Wolverine’s guilt over having to kill Jean Grey. However, what sets this movie apart from its predecessors is the way it feels like an expansion pack for a video game – offering a self-contained story that deviates from the established narrative of the X-Men films. Overall, I found “The Wolverine” to be a worthy addition to the franchise and a must-watch for fans who enjoy seeing their favorite characters in new and unexpected ways.

Some people might view that as a negative, just think of some of the best video game DLC of all time, like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, or The Last of Us: Left Behind. Some might say these stories are just as good (if not better) than the main quests, and I feel the same way about this movie. 

As a long-time fan of the X-Men franchise, I must say that the intricate and captivating storyline involving Logan, Mariko, Yukio, Shingen, and Yashida in “The Wolverine” stands out as one of my favorite standalone adventures. Having grown up with these characters through various iterations of movies and comics, it’s refreshing to see them all come together so seamlessly within this self-contained narrative.

And Honestly, The Action In This Movie Simply Kicks Ass 

To conclude, the action in this film is simply extraordinary. Wolverine’s battles against ninjas are thrilling, particularly the scene where he clings to the exterior of a high-speed train. The constant motion and intensity of each fight give the impression that every encounter could be his final one. Moreover, the epic showdown with the imposing Silver Samurai is another highlight. I must admit, I am particularly fond of the action sequences in this movie, which I believe often go unnoticed.

It’s unfortunate that Wolverine’s combat style, which stands out among the X-Men, is portrayed differently in various films. In Logan, we witness a mature and fatigued version of him in battle, while Origins showcases an over-the-top, almost comical depiction of his fights, resembling a cartoon more than desired. However, the fight scenes in The Wolverine are much more intense and realistic.

As a long-time Marvel fan with a soft spot for action-packed sequences, I firmly believe that some of the most memorable fight scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe involve high-speed chases on trains. For instance, the showdown between Spider-Man and Doc Ock in “Spider-Man 2” left an indelible mark on me due to its intricate web-slinging stunts and intense hand-to-hand combat. Similarly, Wolverine’s thrilling fight atop a shinkansen in “The Wolverine” was nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the raw power and agility of the mutant hero. To add to these incredible scenes is the snowy battle, which I consider one of the most badass superhero sequences ever filmed. It seems odd that more people don’t discuss these iconic moments given their sheer entertainment value and impact on comic book fans worldwide.

Absolutely, you should definitely check it out as well since The Wolverine is simply fantastic! Don’t forget to visit us regularly for the latest Marvel updates.

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2024-08-01 12:07