X Men Origins: Wolverine

Who: Kerri, Scott & Mitchel
What: X Men Origins: Wolverine
Where: Showplace 14, Rockford IL
Why: Because it's Hugh Jackman!!

Now I preface this entire review on the fact that I am not into the comic books, I do NOT know the back stories as written in the comics, nor am I aware of how the comics and movies differ. This review is entirely based on what I do know, the XMen trilogy that came before this one. (And the fact I really like Hugh Jackman) There may also be some light spoilers, I will try not to give too much away, if you've read the comics I'm sure nothing will be new here.

This movie takes place prior to the trilogy - and you learn the story of Wolverine. We pick up with him as a child in 1845, he's ill and his father is taking care of him, a friend of his is also at his bedside. We learn that he's ill a lot, and his friend had been to, then one day just got better. Basically the mutation is starting to mature. Through accident, a young Logan realizes he has bones that can protrude and retract and his skin heals. He's also discovered a half brother. We watch as the two go through time as seen through them fighting in wars, from the Civil war through Viet Nam.

His brother has the ability to heal as well, and each appears as though they are only in their early 30's and are discovered by Gen Stryker (who you will remember in the XMen Trilogy). They join this elite team, but ultimately his brother grows darker and meaner, and Logan wants nothing to do with it. He leaves and finds a quiet life, and love.

Through loss and ultimately betrayal Logan agrees to undergo the antimantium procedure voluntarily. We do put some pieces together, where he got the name Wolverine, why he doesn't remember what happened to him, even where he got his leather jacket. I really liked Liev Shreiber as his brother, who eventually becomes Sabertooth. This is the one point I don't like Liev was a great Sabretooth, but differs so greatly from the same Character we saw in the first Xmen movie. I'm thinking they are taking great creative license here, or maybe there is something in this character's history that changes him over this time period as well and even made him forget his own brother?

It was an enjoyable movie a lot of great action, and if you like the character you should enjoy this movie. If you are a die hard comic guru, I'm sure there will be plenty that will make your skin itch, as there usually is in book to movie translations.