Met and then exceeded all expectations! Great film.
The Wolverine is exceptional in every way. It's an awesome action flick that totally surpasses its predecessors. It ultimately stays true to its comic-book roots while finding a unique and believable pivot point for an outstanding film all on its own. Take out all the action and you’d still have an entertaining character drama. That says a ton.
It's not just that this movie is more character driven yet still delivered thrilling action sequences, though that's true. Rather, it's that there's a whole story here. The Wolverine starts with the perfect pace and springboards in to aspects of the classic Miller/Claremont Marvel Comics mini-series in breath-taking ways. It's a multi-faceted tale with an emotional richness seldom associated with films in this genre.
Too much of 2013 has given us good reason to equate summer movies with empty, flash-bang exercises in computer-generated imagery and mindless action. (Yes, I’m looking right at Star Trek and Man of Steel when I say that) But the writers here are as interested in the subtext as they are in the high quality action. There's no denying that mutant powers are a tool but it’s the character depth that really drives this film. They use state-of-the-art special effects to deliver a live-action version of the comic books. What fans already know, however, is that vintage Marvel books are classics because of intelligent writing as much as comic book flare and fantasy. The movie delivers tremendous story and skillfully weaves together character, plot and action.
It’s just plain spectacular on any level that you judge it.