so can we talk about logan??!! what did you think of it? is it one of your fave xmen movies? thoughts on old chalres?
Yes, LET’S!
I freakin’ loved it. I really didn’t go in with highexpectations (I’ve seen all of the solo Wolverine movies… they didn’t exactlyinspire confidence…) but I was totally blown away. I saw a review for the filmthat said something like “It’s not a superhero movie, it’s a movie that happensto have superheroes in it” and I thought that stated it REALLY well. I alsoliked that it was R-rated, which really allowed for the grittiness and violencethat is the truth of how Logan would actually fight. It’s a very messy,personal way to kill people.
Okay so, obvious highlight of the movie – CHARLES. CHARLESCHARLES CHARLES. I already know that Sir Patrick is a genius, but I was soblown away by him in this movie. He’s half insufferable old coot, half caringfather-figure, and a whole lot of tragedy. I guess the question of how Charles’extremely powerful brain would age has always been a fascinating one to me andI loved how they dealt with it. One of my main criticisms about X-Men movies inthe past is the sheer lack of BADASS Charles. Well, we finally got him, butjust not in the way I was expecting. I love how dangerous Charles finally cameacross as. I love that he’s classified as a weapon of mass destruction. I lovethat they finally took his powers SERIOUSLY. The fact that it had to come withsuch tragedy is just heart-wrenching. All the hints of Charles hurting/killinghis own students and his spotty memories about all of this just HURTS SO MUCH.His constant shift in mood, his guilt and his feelings of powerlessness werejust so painful to watch. And through it all, there was still thatglimmer of the stately, god-like man he used to be. I loved seeing theuntouchable older Professor X finally made human. He reminded me a lot of DOFPCharles, which is of course perfect because isn’t that who Charles really is?Not just a perfect symbol of peace and mutant wisdom, but a real, flawed personwho can be a total dick.
His relationship with Logan was also everything to me. Stillsnarky at each other, but with such obvious affection. Charles is the closestthing to a father that Logan has ever had and seeing Charles in the state hewas in must have been killing Logan – but I can see his reluctance to let himgo. It was so sad to see that Logan had built his whole life around hiding andprotecting Charles. And omg, the tears that flowed when he had to bury Charles,knowing that their last exchange was less than ideal. Logan’s voice breakingwhen he’s talking about the lake nearby. AHHHH ahhhhhhh.
I know the movie was an overall downer, but I honestly wasso impressed that I have very few complaints. I loved how Logan was portrayedas dying, fading away slowly due to the adamantium, but sick in soul just as much in body. Hugh Jackman rarely getscredit for being a fantastic actor but his performance was so good in this. Isobbed at the end. Jesus, what an ending for such a man. What an ending for twoof the most iconic superheroes of all time – I loved that they died as peopleand not symbols. I loved the hope of the new mutants. I hope that broughtCharles a bit of comfort in his death, knowing that mutants could make acomeback.
As an aside, my immediate headcanon after the movie was thatone of Charles’ uncontrollable attacks caused Erik’s death, but Charles hastrouble remembering this and will often ask Logan where Erik is or when he’scoming back. I can just see Logan telling Charles that Erik’s coming back soonand Charles being so happy to hear that before he forgets again that he’s askedit. I’m not a fan of unhappy endings, but this has stuck in my head so deeplysince I left the movie that I can’t imagine any other way that Cherik endednow.
Wooow sorry for the rant but this movie was so damn good.Superhero movies done right. An X-Men film with all the complexity, socialcommentary, and amazing human relationships that I wanted. If only the samecare had been given to XMA.