After the success of Deadpool, Fox Studios suddenly got the nerve to allow the superheroes in its stable to be placed in R-rated films. Wolverine was the next logical choice. Despite some hit or miss sequels and reboots, terrible prequels, and one decent stand-alone film, the X-Men film franchise, and Wolverine, in particular, have always been bankable. Always repressing unfathomable rage, a living weapon with unbreakable razor claws protruding from his fists, Wolverine is tailor-made for a violent R-rated action romp. James Mangold directed the last successful standalone Wolverine film, aptly titled The Wolverine, and was given the creative reins for what could be Hugh Jackman’s final portrayal. Hugh Jackman has been faithfully reprising his role as Wolverine for seventeen years now and was ready to call it quits. Fan favorite, Patrick Stewart, was also brought back to play Professor X and the film is all the better for it. The result? A somber, neo-noir western that works as a perfect sendoff for both Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and their respective characters. Logan skillfully integrates visceral action with gut-wrenching emotionality and bleak fatalism.

Logan’s story takes place in a dystopian future of the X-Men universe; 2029 to be precise. Most of the other X-Men have died off, and, mysteriously, no new mutants have been born in decades. Logan (Wolverine) and Professor Charles Xavier are the last of the X-Men. They are old, tired, and just want to retire to a boat to live out the rest of their lives in peace. A new life free from painful memories and persecution. However, fate intervenes and nixes their plans when a desperate woman and her mysterious daughter, Laura, beg Logan to save them from an evil corporation with seemingly unlimited resources. Despite his best efforts, Logan gets dragged into one final adventure across the heartland of America.