By Jack Kelly, Business and Publishing Editor
“Great … another typical superhero movie,” I muttered as I stood in line to get a ticket to see “Logan.” “Why did I let myself get talked into coming?”
As it turns out, “Logan” is anything but.
In the finale of the legendary franchise, Hugh Jackman returns to take on the role of Wolverine, yet this iteration is unlike any previous. We immediately see this new character in the opening scene as Jackman gets the crap beat out of him by a group of carjackers.
As the fight turns, the film takes full advantage of its R rating as we watch an enraged, broken man hack his way through the gang.
After the success of “Deadpool,” Marvel’s first foray into the realm of R-rated film, the company seems to be more comfortable in expanding from the kid-friendly image that they previously established. Personally, I am excited about this development. The additional space will allow the company to produce more nuanced, and thus more interesting, films.
As the movie continues, we follow a decrepit Logan as he treks across the country protecting a mysterious girl, pursued by a mysterious organization which seeks to capture and breed mutants, all the while discovering his own past.
What stood out to me about this film was its dramatic break with the Marvel mold. We have grown accustomed to the typical superhero movie in which we see the same tired plot line of the damsel in distress rescued at the last moment by a hero, culminating in some great battle between good and evil.
“Logan” throws this script out the window.
The film’s central theme is Wolverine’s struggle with the inevitability of death and guilt. As Logan accepts his death, eager for the release from pain that has plagued him his entire life, he discovers that the girl he has been caring for is his own daughter, further complicating his willingness to pass on.
Yes, I am describing a superhero movie.
The movie ends with a last hurrah as we see the classic Wolverine beating up the bad guys — and discover this fight will be his last.
Walking out of the theater, I was shocked to find that my low expectations of the film were shattered. “Logan” is a breath of fresh air in a time when superhero movies have become stagnant.
I hope this trend continues.