Prior to its release, I had expressed my concerns for this movie to coworkers—about how the future of the Bryan Singer X-Men storyline might hinge on the success of this one. And now, although I still didn't get 100% of it due to walking out of the auditorium at the beginning, I did get to watch it through to the end afterwards, and I will say that I found the film's overall tone to be more appreciable than Origins. I felt it projected a more serious and dramatic atmosphere. Likewise, I appreciated the plot structure, as I gave acknowledgment for its clever alterations from the comic book to accommodate both continuity and realism. Having said that, I was mildly frustrated by the pace at which the action progressed during the middle of the film, namely Logan's interaction with Mariko and the mutant lizard girl's interaction with the other hosts in their plot to steal Logan's power. It just felt like it dragged a bit longer than necessary. Nevertheless, I appreciate the plot for what it's worth because the events are relevant and they all serve their purpose in providing the transition to the future of the X-Men. Needless to say, my feedback may become more positive once I get watch it again in its entirety.
Meanwhile, the thing I find most distasteful—yet simultaneously desirable—is the return of Xavier and Magneto. I find it distasteful because the things which we were led to think were impossible are totally reversed: Xavier's body was dissolved by the Phoenix (or should I say Dark Phoenix) with his consciousness later settling in another body, and Magneto's power permanently neutralized by the "cure." But of course I found it desirable because I—like everyone else—want to see them included in future works. Basically, I perceived it as their desperate attempt to undo the way X3 ended, which I don't think anyone can really blame them for. I guess Magneto's return could be explained by revealing the cure to actually be of a temporary effect, and Xavier's return... well, there's nothing I can come up with on this one! Whatever they come up with better be good, because anything less will be completely nonsensical.
Anyhow, the X-Men have always been my strongest Marvel interest, and I've come to admire Wolverine's character more and more as time passed by, and I hope this won't be the last movie featuring him as the main character because Jackman is an excellent cast for the role and deserves to be exploited to his full potential. Overall, The Wolverine competently paves the road for the future of the franchise while introducing a change of cinematic tone from the Singer trilogy, which a great thing.
