“Logan” Film Review

Logan

                  The year is 2029, and the future is bleak. Logan/Wolverine is aging, gruff, and does not like company.

He has lost most of the X-Men family years prior. Professor X has dementia and his powerful seizures could kill

anyone within his range.

                  A new mutant named Laura arrives, throwing Logan’s quiet, turbulent life into chaos. Turns out,

government agents are after her. Logan does not want to take care of another person, but he’s not given much

choice when said agents nearly murder him and Professor X. Can Logan find his soft side through this whole

ordeal? (Caution: Spoiler Warnings are mentioned in this review).

                  Positive Elements: Despite the grim premise, Logan has surprising positive messages. Our titular

antihero is dealing with regret, depression, and PTSD. He’s a recluse who would rather shut himself out than let

anyone in. The film doesn’t excuse his behavior and reminds us that isolation is not the best solution.

                  Laura’s arrival shifts something in Logan. He slowly starts caring for her and drops his gruff exterior.

He’s not afraid to be vulnerable. Professor X reminds him to not take life for granted. A family offers X, Laura,

and Logan a meal and place to stay.

                  Laura is loyal to Logan and Professor X. Several moments manifest her kindness, compassion, and

innocence. She refuses to give up on her friends and encourages Logan to rest. Indeed, Laura is a radiant light

in this dark world. Though she makes mistakes, her curiosity and determination are laudable.

                  Spiritual Elements: The Winslow family are Christians, saying grace before eating dinner. Professor X

uses his powers to calm the horses down. (Spoiler Warning): Laura is Logan’s daughter, born of his seed in a

government experiment. One nurse is instructed to treat the mutant kids as “things, not people.” Two mutants

have healing powers.

                  Sensual Content: One drunk woman briefly flashes her bare breasts at Logan. Logan is seen shirtless

once.

                  Violent Content: Part of the film’s R rating lands in this category. Several people are killed, stabbed,

and shot at. Cars get damaged by flying bullets, and a train. Kids use their powers to manipulate nature.

Government agents have no qualms about torturing people worthy to their cause (one unfortunate mutant is

sensitive to light, causing burns on his skin).

                  (Spoiler Warning): Professor X and Logan meet their demises at separate times in the film. X is

stabbed by X-Men 24 (a younger, advanced version of Logan). The same mutant impales Logan on a protruding

tree branch. Both scenes show bloodied wounds. Two characters have their heads slashed off (once offscreen,

the other onscreen).

                  Profane Language: Another reason for the R rating is this section. Multiple f-words, s-words, and

medium smatterings of “h—,” “a—,” “d-ck,” “b—ch,” “d—n,” God’s name, and Jesus’ name round out the tally here.

                  Drugs/Alcohol: A myriad of scenes show Logan drinking alcohol and downing shots. He smokes cigars

as well. Professor X takes meds to stabilize his seizures. Logan injects himself with a healing drug to fight off the

government agents. Minor characters are shown in bars with alcoholic drinks.

                  Other Negative Elements: Some stealing (implied/shown) is present here. One group of high school

boys chant “USA” while insulting others. For much of the movie, Logan relies on unhealthy habits to cope with

his depression.

                  Conclusion: Despite this being an X-Men film, it is not for kids. The R rating here is called for because

of the foul language and bloody violence. There are several deaths, unethical methods, and moments that are

more mature than the earlier films in this franchise.

                  Yet, amid a bleak future, there are rays of hope. Professor X, even in his old age offers sage advice to

Logan. Laura is a steadfast companion, never leaving her friends and loved ones behind. She mourns for the

deaths of X and Logan. Logan shows a willingness to sacrifice himself for the kids.

                  Director James Mangold (Walk the Line and 3:10 to Yuma) is no stranger to western films. But Logan is

more than just a dystopian Western; it’s about connecting with others. When isolation threatens to

(metaphorically) destroy us, it takes caring people to nudge us in the right direction. It also touches on the

father/daughter relationship, and responsibility of caring for someone else other than yourself.

                  Hugh Jackman still nails his role as Logan/Wolverine. Newcomer Dafne Keen shines as the innocent,

curious Laura. Patrick Stewart has heart and soul as Professor X. Each character has their own struggles but

choose to stick with each other, despite the danger.

                  Logan has some biblical parallels as well. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) states “Therefore, as we have

opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” 1 John 3:14

(NCV) says “We know we have left death and come into life because we love each other. Whoever does not love

is still dead.”

                  Both verses highlight the importance of community, and love. We are not meant to live in isolation but

connect with each other. Loving someone who is your kid, transforms your dark perspective. Through Logan’s

eyes, we see a man that underneath his tough exterior, has a soft heart for others. Being with Laura opens his

eyes to the joy of life, even as he tries to stay as a recluse.

                  Logan is not for everyone. Fans will encounter the content problems (as mentioned above). But for

mature adults who are looking for more than just an average superhero flick, Logan has a golden heart.