Marvel May - The Wolverine (2013)

        Hey guys, Chuck here, and we're finally talking about a good Wolverine movie today for Marvel May. Released in 2013, The Wolverine was directed by James Mangold, and sees Hugh Jackman as Wolverine heading to a new setting: Japan. 

       We actually open in a war camp, where Logan protects a Japanese soldier named Yashida from a nuclear blast, as the bombs are dropping on Nagasaki. Years later, and Logan is dealing with PTSD from killing Jean Grey during X-Men: The Last Stand, and is living in the Canadian mountains. Logan goes after some guys for apparently nearly killing a Grizzly bear, but a Japanese woman named Yukio claims credit for doing so, as she was looking for Logan to take him to Japan, as Yashida is dying and wants to see him. 

       So, in Japan, an older and dying Yashida tells Logan he has the technology to make him mortal and end his lifelong torment. Logan dismisses the idea, but later finds himself unable to heal. After Yashida dies, an attack at his funeral leads Logan to have to protect Yashida's granddaughter Mariko. So, Logan and Mariko run around Japan, fending off attacks by the Yakuza, sent by both Mariko's father, Shingen, and her fiance, Noburo. Also, Logan has to contend with Yashida's top scientist, Viper, who is a mutant with snakelike powers, which is definitely interesting. 

       Ultimately, though, Logan comes face-to-face with a not-dead Yashida, who has donned a giant mech, made of Adamantium, called the Silver Samurai. Logan struggles in the battle, but with help from both Mariko and Yukio, defeats Yashida. Logan takes a flight to parts unknown, with Yukio traveling with him. Two years later, Logan arrives in the United States, and is approached by both Magneto and Professor Xavier at airport security, as a threat is coming that could mean the end of mutantkind, and Logan is needed for the war to come, obviously setting up Days of Future Past, especially with a television commercial for Trask Industries. 

       Honestly, this movie was an improvement as far as solo Wolverine movies go. Director James Mangold delivered on making a fun time with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, who is absolutely fantastic here. The other cast members like Rila Fukushima, Tao Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tee, Will Yun Lee, and Haruhiko Yamanouchi all do an excellent job as well. However, Svetlana Khodchenkova as Viper was easily one of the weaker parts of the movie. I do, however, enjoy that Famke Janssen makes appearances as Jean Grey, and we get archive audio of Lynn Collins as Kayla Silverfox. 

        The idea of sending Wolverine to Japan was definitely fantastic, and I really enjoy the Japanese setting and attire featured throughout the movie. Also, seeing the classic Silver Samurai outfit as a fun Easter egg was cool. The main Silver Samurai mech looks awesome, and I do like how it's made of Adamantium, and thus can stand against Wolverine's claws. 

        Unfortunately, the main plot of Yashida and Viper to hijack Wolverine's healing factor to make Yashida appear young again was, well, a little too convoluted and forced. But, regardless of that, I still had fun with The Wolverine, and I give it a 4/5. 

      Anyway guys, this is Chuck signing off, and Marvel May will continue tomorrow with X-Men: Days of Future Past.