Movie review on Logan

Few people dislike actor Hugh Jackman, best known for his role as Wolverine in the 2000 American film 'X-Men'. In his latest film 'Logan', his image of muscle-man is emphasized as a superhero, and as can be expected, the film is filled with scenes showcasing this superhero's fierce and bloody street fighting.

Logan falls into the same stereotype easily, with its start devoted to building up Logan's image, based simply on him shattering several henchmen to pieces. I admit that as a middle-aged woman, this type of muscle-man remains very attractive to me, but I would prefer that my muscle man be a man of peace, rather than a champion of violence.

A still of the film 'Logan', which is due for release in Chinese cinemas on March 3. [Photo provided to China Plus]

I was getting ready to leave the movie theatre before 'Logan' took another turn. A mysterious woman played by the excellent Elizabeth Rodriguez approaches our protagonist, seeking his help and protection for a young girl. Here the script starts to click, and suspense starts to build. For the first time, it starts to feel like I am in safe hands.

This woman, who's later identified as a nurse in a Mexican lab, is one of the most compelling characters in the film. Rodriguez 's performance really brought home the theme of humanizing the mutants in the film and her dedication to the role is a highlight in 'Logan'.

Set in 2024, Logan and Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) must cope with the loss of the X-Men, when a corporation led by a mysterious villain runs a conspiracy to destroy all mutants.

Among these mutants is Logan's daughter Laura played by Dafne Keen. The design and creation of this character is fascinating and very compelling.

The physical part of the role is the most interesting part, and the character is a delight in the many martial arts scenes sprinkled liberally throughout the film.

Laura also humanizes Logan and makes him a more well-rounded character with clear motivations. On this note, Hugh Jackman gave his opinion during the local premiere of 'Logan' in Beijing two days ahead of its final release.

"This movie is really about family, about this father-son relationship; taking care of someone he deeply respects and loves. And also suddenly an 11-year old girl, maybe his daughter, may not be his. He's no idea who she is. But she comes into his life, looking for protection and guidance, and ultimately looking for love as well. And I think that's what makes this movie so special, yes, there are three superheroes. But more importantly, they are a real family, real human beings with real feelings."

Laura's character is also thoroughly fleshed out, which is a refreshing change of pace for an action film. She's mischievous, but also loyal to her friends and family. Keen plays her as a strong silent type, but also makes sure that she is very much down-to-earth.

It is great to see two female characters represented well in a comic book movie, but I don't want to give you the impression that the movie is without flaws.

To be honest, parts of the plot is quite confusing, and the scenes with a much older Professor Xavier could probably have been left on the editing floor.

To an extent, including Professor Charles Xavier in the movie arbitrarily gives Logan a complete family. It provides him with not only a daughter but also an aged father figure to take care of. It creates the impression that the film is just stacking obstacles in Wolverine's way, just so he can overcome them.

If we are handing out bonus points, one should definitely go to cinematographer John Mathieson. The movie is very well shot and every frame is filled with rich imagery and beautiful scenery befitting the big-budget Marvel Universe.

Logan marks the end of an era for the X-Men franchise. This is the last film in which Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine and Sir Patrick Stewart plays Professor X. For Wolverine fans, this is definitely a reason for them to say farewell to the character (in this form at least) in cinemas.

Hugh Jackman (left) and Patrick Stewart (right) join a promotional event in Beijing on March 1, held for 'Logan', the last film in the "Wolverine" franchise. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Sir Patrick Stewart says he is very grateful to be part of the film, especially when he joins Hugh Jackman in a promotional event in Beijing, ahead of the local premiere.

"I was trying to hide the fact that I was so emotional….because I think what we have done is so commendable."

For many non-wolverine fans, like me, I would like to recommend this movie because it's not simply an action adventure film, but also a touching tale about family and friendship.