X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Marvel Studios continues its calculated rise as a bankable production company with the first and most fan-friendly of the X-Men spin offs: Wolverine. Hugh Jackman again dons the adamantium claws and the lumberjack muttonchops as we are shown the back story that led him to become one of the most beloved and feared superheroes in the comic book universe.

Much like last summer's Iron Man and the Hulk, Wolverine doesn't waste any time explaining the back story by the end of the opening credits. This pace is much appreciated, although it allows for more downtime midway through the film, which leads to a less than exciting climax. The thing that works in this model is the simplicity of the expectation of viewer knowledge. One can walk into Wolverine (or Iron Man, or Hulk) without any previous exposure to the story or characters, and not be left behind by inside jokes or complex character innuendo. This is a smashing success for the first 3 films, and I hope that they continue this trend.

The progression of Wolverine's life leads from his 19th century roots to the transition to the original X-Men film. Along the way he is teamed up with some of the brand's more popular characters who fill the voids in lives of many comic fanatics. There is a bit of predictability to the story, and many questions are answered, but more importantly there are some great action sequences along the way, and mutant superpowers are displayed throughout.

Jackman has the role down, and he clearly enjoys it as well. He is given a good deal of time to show off close-ups of the veins in his biceps and walk around either in a tank top or shirtless snarling like an animal. Liev Schreiber plays the half-brother, Victor with a convincing sense of resentment and social angst. With the exception of Danny Huston as Colonel Stryker, the other cast members seem a little too contrived and assembled for the purpose of low budget fan appeal.

I have to say overall that this film lacked much of the excitement and energy that was seen in Iron Man, and even the Hulk, but it still was entertaining, and an exciting start to the summer blockbuster parade. I am salivating over Star Trek, Terminator, Transformers and GI Joe, so we will see what the rest of 2009's popcorn season brings. 7/10.