One Minute Movie Review: The Wolverine

I am one of the very rare individuals that actually enjoyed the first film and thought it was an excellent origins story giving the appropriate props to one of the most bad arss and tormented characters in the Marvel Universe.   It was exciting, engaging, well acted, and, I thought, though I am virtually alone, a creative and well constructed script.  Hugh Jackman has defined this character, and I can not imagine anyone else ever being able to top the Aussie action star's incarnation of the steel clawed, nearly immortal, man beast in search of his past.   The sequel surpasses the original in scope and sweep and achieves what few sequels do, the ability to serve as both a continuum to the mythology and a stand alone feature at the same time.  Director James Mangold, whose greatest cinematic feats includes; 5:10 to Yuma, Knight and Day, and Kate and Leopold brings us a remarkable film that brings these characters from the one dimensional world of comics to complete and illustrious life.  An achievement, based on his previous endeavors, I would have thought would be nearly impossible with the content and nature of this type of film.  Both Fan-boys and the general public will enjoy this flick, which is yet another impressive achievement.  In addition, this venture has one thing that most of its kind lack, depth and a strong, believable story, taking in to account this is fantasy fare. The movie is engrossing from start to finish, avoids gimmicks and prevents many, scratch your head moments, or plot holes that many of this style of story tend to own.   This is an adult story with an extremely slick and stylish approach to both this character's strengths and weakness.  Jackman thoroughly impresses again, and the remaining cast act as a fluid unit, interacting with authenticity and passion.   This is how you make a comic book film, edgy and yet hopeful, where you both suffer with and root for the hero.  Meat and potatoes film making at its finest.  Now some will find flaws, especially the dogmatic, but overall a fantastic and exciting journey that leaves a real impression.  4 out of 5 Kernels; no spoilers, but stay through the credits, it will be well worth the wait.