X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Rating:

Rated: PG-13
Release Date: 2009-05-01
Starring: David Benioff
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.xmenorigins.com/

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Is the bootleg online version of ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ better than the cinematic experience? If you already saw the illegal downloaded version, should you spend your money to watch it in a real movie theater? I personally haven’t seen the unauthorized edition, but from the feedback I’ve received from those who have and with my take from the theatrical version – yes, you should see it in theaters only if you enjoyed what you saw. It would enhance the experience that director Gavin Hood intended to originally put forth, but, if you didn’t like the story to begin with, odds are you won’t like it after you see in the big screen.

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ is set prior to the events of the original X-Men films, sometime in the 1970s. It begins principally with Wolverine and partially with a few other legends of the X-Men universe. Some highlights include characters and story lines that have been long anticipated. The movie also explores Logan’s romance with Kayla Silverfox. Kayla’s fate triggers Logan’s involvement with the ominous Weapon X program, a top secret, billion-dollar military experiment, in which Wolverine obtains his indestructible metal skeleton.

The film had several problems ranging from blatant gaps in the story, underwhelming performances by new characters, to the unacceptable, second-rate CGI effects throughout the film (in particular a cameo done by a CGI Patrick Stewart). Unfortunately, these critical factors in particular, were too distracting for me to overcome. In its defense, there were many laudable moments such as Hugh Jackman’s performance of Wolverine (I can’t see anyone else ever playing him) and Liev Schrieber as his archenemy brethren, Sabretooth. Ryan Reynolds, who has been bashed by some bloggers for being casted as Deadpool, was likable in playing the wise cracking sword killer.

Overall, you have the good and the bad making ‘Wolverine’ an average film. Brett Ratner’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” turned out to be a better films on all levels. On a separate note, watch out for two clips after the credits, one scene immediately after the credits begin and the other at the very end of all the credits. These will reveal some of what may come in the next sequel.