Sunday, May 3, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
This decade's cinematic comic book boom has seen the genre split in two. In one corner are the emotionally engaging heroes questioning their ideals whilst suffering in the name of honour. The opposite end provides mindless entertainment with any notion of characterisation masked by smart quips and gargantuan effects. Wolverine unfortunately takes the latter trajectory despite a good supporting cast and spectacular action attempting to examine the character's origins. Having lived a long life with brother Victor (Liev Schreiber), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) tires of his violent existence. Settling down in Canada with his true love Kayla (Lynn Collins), his peace is shattered when Victor kills her. Seeking vengeance, Wolverine's brotherly bond is additionally stressed by Colonel Stryker (Danny Huston). Intent on creating a superhuman killing machine, his actions has life changing consequences for Wolverine who begins a battle against an armada of mutated foes. Filmed in Australia with a mix of local and American talent, Wolverine presents a great technical showcase for the industry. As one would expect, the stunts and special effects are top notch with Gavin Hood's enthusiastic direction perfectly capturing the crucial comic book flavour. Where events falter is its refusal to offer anything more than a clichéd revenge screenplay heavily reliant on the old biblical Cain and Abel motif. Although the genre has come a long way in the last few years, you wouldn't know it here as everyone goes through the motions in a rather old fashioned caper. This isn't laying blame at the cast who, through no fault of their own, have nothing solid to work with. Jackman in particular hasn't the necessary range to adequately express the strong emotions of his beastly character. This usually proves fatal in other movies, but is saved by a fantastic supporting cast giving an added edge to a lukewarm script. There is always the awesome pyrotechnics to distract with the ones on display certainly provide a modicum of visual candy. From exploding helicopters to a fantastic finale, the energy so crucial in these films always provides ongoing sensorial diversions. X-Men Origins: Wolverine suffers from a predictable script and its prequel concept. Naturally the leading hero has to survive in order to appear in subsequent X-Men films thereby robbing any tension. Nevertheless as a popcorn extravaganza it works quite well although those looking for more grist to the mill may have to wait until the next gothic Batman film arrives to stimulate their thoughts. Movie Review Rating 5 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore X-Men Origins: Wolverine released in Australia on Thursday 30 April 2009. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review X-Men Origins: Wolverine Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

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