As its title suggests, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the backstory for Logan, a.k.a. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, reprising the role from the three previous X-Men films), everyone’s favorite stubborn mutant. Beginning with his days as a prepubescent lad in 1845, X-Men Origins: Wolverine then follows the ageless Logan as he and his stepbrother Victor, a.k.a. Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber), enlist in one war after another, hiding their mutant backgrounds behind the flag.
In the not-too-distant days of Vietnam, however, the two mutants come under the command of Major Stryker (Danny Huston), who has assembled a ragtag crew of mutants to execute the most daring and deadly of orders. But, as anyone who has seen X2 knows, Stryker has his own objective in mind.
Years later (the late ‘70s), following Logan’s "resignation" from Stryker’s group, Logan is working as a lumberjack in Canada. But, before he can sing Monty Python’s well-known “I’m A Lumberjack” (or the far catchier but not as famous “Shake Hands With Danger” from the educational short of the same name), Logan learns Victor is running amok, killing off the former members of the platoon. Victor’s violent nature soon hits too close to home, and Logan takes Stryker up on a deal to undergo a top secret military experiment. All too late, Logan learns he is but a pawn in Stryker’s game — but fortunately, he’s an obstinately angry enough individual that he won’t take it lying down.
I was kind of disappointed with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It had so much potential. I mean, honestly, how can you screw up a story about a big angry guy with pork chop sideburns and metal claws? Not possible, by ordinary calculations. At first, I was most excited to hear the movie was being made, and I figured it couldn’t be all that bad. Yes, even after the whole “leaked online” incident and some subsequent negative reviews from critics, I still had hope for Wolverine. But, then, shortly after sitting down to watch it, a name caught my attention in the opening credits.
![X-Men Trilogy (X-Men / X2: X-Men United / X-Men: The Last Stand) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mLMqGueTL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - shaun
My guess is that you know nothing about the character Wade Wilson aka Deadpool. Reynolds was actually a fairly good choice for the role. You may not care for his acting or comedy, but his delivery is very close to the comic version of Wade, he is above average on his physical ability, and most everyone I know who saw this film agreed he was one of the better casting choices outside of Schrieber and Jackman. Great review otherwise, just my two cents.
2 - Chelsea Doyle
I agree with your other commenter, Shaun. Reynolds was actually a perfect casting choice for the role of Deadpool, and his brief appearance in the movie was a highlight for comic fans like me.
Other than that I completely agree with your review. I was so disappointed with this film and it was sad, because fans had such high hopes. The first few minutes with Sabretooth and Wolverine fighting in several wars - maybe that would've made a better story. A real origin, rather than getting right to the metal claws and drama. It could've ended with Wolverine getting the metal claws, instead. Ah well, what can you do?
Thanks for the review!
3 - Luigi Bastardo
Thanks for the comments, folks.
I loved that intro, too (except for the bad child actor, that is). Hopefully, the next Wolverine backstory flick will be better, as will the Magneto film.