As a lifelong fan of X-Men comics, I have eagerly anticipated each new film adaptation with bated breath. From the early campy adaptations to the recent slew of critically acclaimed movies, I’ve seen it all. But among these films, there are three that truly stand out for me – United, Days of Future Past, and Logan.
In just a few days, the long-awaited team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine, featuring Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of the latter, will hit theaters. With a film career spanning over two decades, this latest installment makes it his tenth time donning the claws as the gruff, unpredictable Logan. While not all his stories have been masterpieces, watching him brutally take down waves of adversaries never fails to entertain.
If you’re in the mood for some thrilling Hugh Jackman Wolverine films before Deadpool, I’ve taken it upon myself to watch all of them and create a ranking from least favorite to most enjoyable. Please keep in mind that this list only includes solo Wolverine movies, excluding his appearances in X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: First Class. Let’s dive right in!
7) X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
As a huge fan, I’d say it’s only natural to begin any list of Hugh Jackman’s top Wolverine films with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. After all, this was the movie that brought us the first appearance of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, which was a significant moment for fans of the X-Men universe.
Instead of “In what should have been the final nail in the coffin for the ailing X-Men franchise — and destroyed the careers of everyone involved — this listless prequel takes us back to Logan’s early years. Set in the US territories in 1845, we witness his childhood and watch him team up with his half-brother Victor Creed, aka Sabertooth, portrayed brilliantly but underutilized by Liev Schreiber. They fight together during World War I and II, uncover the origin of Logan’s iconic jacket, and reveal an implausible backstory behind how he lost his memory.”
Based on that account, this image seems like the coolest portrayal of Wolverine yet created. However, for some reason, it falls short.
Jackman puts in great effort, yet the clumsy script, subpar CGI, and inconsistent mood detract significantly from what could have been an enjoyable adventure featuring our beloved furry character. As for Taylor Kitsch’s portrayal of Gambit, let’s just say it left room for improvement.
The Origins film was essentially produced by a group of people, resulting in an unwieldy production. Fortunately, Jackman and Reynolds managed to make amends with their performances in later sequels.
6) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The Last Stand isn’t terrible. Parts of it are pretty entertaining, including a wicked rumble inside a house between Storm, Wolverine, Juggernaut, and a few, uh, other mutants. Director Brett Ratner keeps the film moving along at a nice clip and squeezes some compelling drama from the Dark Phoenix storyline.
Unfortunately, the third installment in the X-Men series, titled “The Last Stand,” fails to reach the impressive heights set by its earlier versions. This is largely due to Bryan Singer, the original director, stepping away to work on “Superman Returns.” As a result, “The Last Stand” seems more like a commercially driven production than a personal film created by a skilled auteur.
Jackman delivers a commendable performance despite Wolverine missing some of his usual roughness.
Due to the challenges in creating it, it’s amazing that The Last Stand manages to provide any enjoyment at all. However, mishandling the Dark Phoenix saga remains a significant mistake the series has yet to overcome.
5) X-Men (2000)
The 2000 X-Men film by Bryan Singer, while historically significant as the beginning of the modern superhero movie era, now appears less refined. Its action sequences and bulky leather costumes seemed outdated even back then. Nevertheless, it set the stage for groundbreaking films like Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and, to some extent, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
Growing up, watching the X-Men movies in the theater was an unforgettable experience that exceeded the cost for me. Back then, hearing about future Avengers films and two Dark Phoenix adaptations would have left me speechless and perhaps even faint. Although the comic book genre went through some changes, there’s no disputing the significant mark these initial productions made on the film industry, with both positive and negative consequences.
With the right perspective, X-Men can be seen as a distinctive cinematic endeavor. It was pivotal in launching the careers of many of its cast members, including a more leanly built Hugh Jackman. Though it may not rank high among films, it is certainly an indispensable entry in cinema history.
4) The Wolverine (2013)
After the achievement of Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men: First Class, Fox produced another standalone Wolverine movie. In this instance, James Mangold took over the director’s chair, renowned for his movies like Girl, Interrupted, Cop Land, Walk the Line, and 3:10 to Yuma. For most part, The Wolverine is a top-notch superhero story, comparable to The Dark Knight. Regrettably, Mangold ruined the final scene so terribly that it almost renders the film intolerable.
No joke.
It’s unfortunate yet rewarding that Jackman delivers an exceptional portrayal as Logan, adding a grittier dimension that significantly enhances the storyline. Furthermore, the film offers striking visual effects and commendable acting by Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, and Rila Fukushima, making this adaptation of Wolverine a clear improvement over earlier versions.
As a gamer, I was deeply engaged with The Wolverine up until the third act. Unfortunately, it felt like the production team rushed through some reshoots, resulting in a clunky and disappointing conclusion. All the goodwill I had built up during the first few hours of gameplay was abruptly dashed. If only the ending had been as thoughtfully crafted as the beginning, we’d still be dissecting this title in online forums. Alas, it left me feeling let down.
3) X2: X-Men United (2003)
X2: X-Men United, released after the success of X-Men in 2000, showcased the full potential of superhero films beyond campy portrayals. With its powerful action sequences, compelling acting, and skillful direction from Bryan Singer, it provided fans with an immersive superhero experience that had been longed for since the X-Men first gained popularity in the 1970s.
Although there are some slower moments, X2 manages to impress with its intricately developed characters, sharp dialogue, and intense action scenes. Singer skillfully explores Wolverine’s history, introducing key figures such as Weapon X program mastermind William Stryker and the infamous Dark Phoenix. Moreover, Singer lets loose the ferocity of Wolverine in a spectacularly violent sequence unfolding at Xavier’s Mansion, allowing him to showcase his propensity for destruction.
In the second round, Jackman excels at portraying the character with both intense anger and deep compassion. Although he might not fully capture the raw violence of his comics counterpart, Jackman continues to be the most captivating aspect of this film series.
2) X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
I strongly identify with the X-Men film “Days of Future Past.” This production masterfully combines intense, visually appealing action sequences with a fresh time-travel plot. Wolverine’s journey to the past is pivotal as he stops Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from killing Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), an event that sets off a catastrophic future war. In the process, Logan forms alliances with a young Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) during a particularly dangerous phase of their conflicts.
At this stage, Jackman has completely brought Wolverine to life, providing an ideal mix of wit and deep emotion that leaves audiences deeply invested in his storyline. With a strong script and a skilled ensemble cast, he’s been given plenty of intriguing material to build upon, allowing them to effectively carry the weightier aspects of the production.
In summary, “Days of Future Past” represents the best X-Men films to date. Unfortunately, it’s disappointing to think that Bryan Singer could have achieved similar depth and complexity in “The Last Stand,” had he not moved on to direct “Superman.”
1) Logan (2017)
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve waited for twenty long years to witness Fox unleash the full fury of Wolverine on the big screen. At last, they served up an R-rated masterpiece, brimming with raw language, graphic violence, and heart-wrenching emotion that truly brought the character to life.
In his advanced years and with a weary body, Logan finds himself in the role of protector for a new mutant, Laurie (Dafne Keene), against the threatening biotech corporation. Simultaneously, he grapples with the declining health and memory loss of Professor X (Patrick Stewart), whose powers had unintentionally led to the demise of the X-Men just a year prior.
Under the guidance of director James Mangold, the film “Logan” explores themes more aligned with Western films than typical superhero stories. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on providing ample opportunities for its hero to unleash his ferocity and secure legendary status. The movie is marked by darkness, grittiness, and an overwhelming sense of melancholy, but manages to leave a profound emotional impact. Hugh Jackman delivers a remarkable performance that beautifully encapsulates the complexities of the weary character. Unencumbered by PG-13 limitations, this version of Logan showcases unbridled rage and finally embodies the iconic comic book figure that captivated fans decades ago.
As a longtime fan of the X-Men universe and Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine, I’m always eager for more adventures of the clawed mutant. So when I heard about Deadpool & Wolverine, I was initially indifferent but ultimately excited. I’ve grown accustomed to Jackman’s portrayal of the character, and I don’t want it tarnished by a subpar addition to his legacy. However, if done well, this new installment could offer an intriguing take on these beloved characters.
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2024-07-24 00:41