X-Men franchise finally marks the spot
Logan is a noticeably darker, more grown-up Marvel comic-book film
Cinema
Logan: Directed by James Mangold, Nationwide, 16,Rating:****
Certain Women: Directed by Kelly Reichardt, Nationwide, 12A,Rating:****
It’s only taken them ten attempts, but Marvel finally has an X-Men film with a story. Hugh Jackman’s swansong as the character he has played eight times since 2000 sees a significant shift in tone, both for Wolverine and the endlessly lucrative franchise in which he is a major draw.
Gone is the wise-cracking, cigar-chomping strongman to be replaced by a weary, battered everyman, consumed by rage and grimly facing a darkening twilight. A grittier and more convincing experience than returning director James Mangold’s last effort The Wolverine,Logan is an unexpectedly sophisticated blend of the mythical Western, dystopian action adventure and bang crash wallop superhero spectacular.
