“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” works as a good action movie
Posted By Hilath
I wasn’t much into comics as a kid and not even now. So my “reception” of movies based on comic characters and stories may be different from those who are fans of comics and most often end up disappointed with the movie version of comics (and books).
I think the same can be said with regard to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, because ironically, though it was made purely for fans, some fans ended up disappointed with the film — when I really enjoyed it. Even one of my relatives commented “It’s OK to watch once” conveying her view that she didn’t have much regard for the movie.
For me, however, Wolverine really was a great movie in the sense that it skillfully combined action with emotion and history of its character, Logan. From his childhood, to his military adventures, and finally a quiet life with the love of his life, which later turned upside down, the story and action combination worked really well.
Beautiful photography, slick editing, and great visual effects did their job well too. There was this one action sequence involving a chopper, a motorcycle and armored trucks which, from a technical point of view of film-making, really grabbed my imagination.
Ultimately it is the way the character, emotions and packed action involving Logan’s life are all combined into a fine balance that makes this film work as a great action movie from a movie viewer’s point of view, though that may understandably fall below the expectations of a comic fan or a book fan, where often in their view “the book” (“or the comic”) is “always better than the film version.” I find that that view doesn’t generally agree with my own experience because I’ve found many films based on books which are quite great. These include films like The Hours and The English Patient.
Therefore, I look forward to more of X-Men origin series of films though not necessarily plot-driven films based on comics which will obviously outstay its welcome: one should know when to stop and not go on making films to the point that audiences feel they are seeing the same thing over and over again, as happened with Spider-Man 3.
i am not a purist nor a fanboy and i found the film useless. When you say “…character, emotions and packed action involving Logan’s life are all combined into a fine balance….” totally took me by surprise. Come on man you are better than that. Makes me wonder what kind of an emotional state you were in when you watched it.
only thing i found interesting about the film was the marketing campaign behind it. It is my theory that the work print was released on purpose to build up hype thought the fan boy network. it was a great example how quality of the cinema experience has won over pirates.