Yes, No, Maybe So: "The Wolverine"
Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 12:31PM I have to believe that the superhero subgenre of action flicks reached its populist peak last summer (it'd be tough to have MORE of a glut than a summer season where The Avengers, Batman and Spider-Man were the three most popular releases). Though I grew up loving comic books and superheroes, too much of the same thing is bad for any artform, and the movies need a wee break from all the mutated testosterone... at the very least throw us a curveball with a female superhero.
But it's hard to resist this mutton-chopped mug. Hugh Jackman returns for his sixth stint as an atypically rage-filled Canadian... aka Logan, The Wolverine.
What they did to me - what I am - can't be undone."
That's one of the many DRAMATIC lines in the trailer but I sincerely hope he's not talking about X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Undo, undo! The Yes No and Maybe So breakdown is after the jump...
YES
- Hugh Jackman. Always a "Yes"
- Hugh Jackman Frequently Shirtless. Even better.
- As action sequences go that train top sequence looks fast hot and vicious. Hopefully it lives up to its own trailer-hype.
- The fiery rescue in the international trailer with Wolverine burning up also looks strong.
- The plot, which seems to revolve around Logan losing his instant heal factor, should raise the stakes a bit since indestructability is so very dull (see: the need for Kryptonite vis-a-vis Superman)
- My memory of the Japanese arcs in the X-Men / Wolverine comics is super dim but I seem to remember it being a highlight as Wolverine goes. Though this plot looks very light on the romance (which was a major part of Wolverine's first Japanese arc) but if the romance was going to be as weak as it was in X-Men Origins better to dump it altogether anyway.
- It is scientifically impossible for this to be worse than X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The most boring and least fun superhero picture I've personally ever seen.
NO
- I don't recognize any of the characters outside of Silver Samurai and Wolverine. I guess the girl with the reddish hair (Rila Fukushima) is supposed to be Yukio? And clicking around the web I guess this is Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) we're looking at here. Actually this Viper image shouldn't be heading the "no" because it was a poppy moment in the trailer. Although I don't actually relish a weak repeat of the Mystique / Wolvie battles. We've already done this sort of thing so I hope it's different / better.
- The somber voiceover suggests another DARK, SOBER and VERY IMPORTANT superhero picture with none of the fun of the Raimi Spider-Man but all of the copycat-angst of Nolan Batman. Can no one save us from the Self Important Misery of Being a Superhero? (Oh, right, Joss Whedon can... though it will probably be a couple of years before we see the impact of The Avengers on this genre)
MAYBE SO
- Can no one save us from the teal and orange color scheme so beloved of cinematographers? Is there anyone who can save us?!?! That said the Japanese setting could promise lots of beautiful visuals if they know how to use it. Frankly I was hoping to see more eyepopping neons like Spring Breakers or something as grabby as the Macau entrance in Skyfall but I was denied. That drive into the city just doesn't pop the way it should (Sigh). It's hard to look at this trailer and not wish it was still a Darren Aronofsky picture as it originally threatened to be. This movie has a critical advantage in that it can ONLY be favorably compared to X-Men Origins: Wolverine but at the same time it begins with a disadvantage for everyone who can't quite let go of the "Aronofsky was going to make this" preamble. Reviews MIGHT be interesting if you can see this battle playing out in preconceptions/expectations versus actuality.
The international trailer...
Or the domestic trailer in much nicer quicktime though it's shorter and a different mix of images including less of The Silver Samurai (one of Wolverine's main nemeses in the comics) played by hunky Will Yun Lee.
It's your turn in the comments. Yes, No or Maybe So?
P.S. I would like this bed for Christmas.
Minus whatever life-threatening illness prompted it in this movie. Who will buy it for me?
Reader Comments (17)
I want to say yes for the simple fact that the universe owes us a good one after that dreadful first installment, but I cannot say that I am optimistic. Part of me believes that it sincerely can't be any worse, yet it always can.
like you im so bored with superhero movies - im boycotting all that are coming out this summer.... actually all through end of 2013
murtada -- i feel you but not even Hugh Jackman can shake your vow?
Troy - stop scaring me
Yes: I love Hugh Jackman, and I like him as this character. I don't think of Wolverine as one of the comic book characters. I see him as a person. So I don't put his movies in the same category of the others. And Hugh in Japan? Yes!
No: I'm sick of superhero movies. But since a whole division (Marvel) exists solely to make these movies, I expect there will be several every year, forever, or until a new generation comes along.
Maybe so: wouldn't it be heavenly if they used this opportunity of the Japan setting to use a different color palette? Like in woodblock prints, like Hiroshige or Hokkusai? Dick Tracy was a comic book character, but that film really played with color, so can't someone do it again?
This Trailer does not look good. Maybe I'm just having orgins flashbacks, but there is nothing about this trailer that makes me want to see it (including Jackman who I usually love - maybe its his vomit inducing line readings in Orgins.)
Also, I'd rather have weird freaky mutant fights (see image of Viper) than another fight seen on top of a moving train (how many of these have we had since Matrix Reloaded?)
I judge Superhero films on a film by film basis, so I've yet to get sick of the entire subgenre. In terms of The Wolverine, I was a YES when they announced they were going to make it. However, I thought the trailers were only okay. It looks like it COULD be better than Orgins but I get an Elektra vibe from it as well.
Not really a fan of comic book movies but am a huge fan of Wolverine and his backstory; a definite yes for me.
NO because of the plot (Logan in Japan ) did anyone see Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift? you're lucky but i have the same feeling when i see this trailer
Nathaniel - I'll wait till September for Prisoners and get Viola, Jake and Bello in addition to Hugh
Yes - I am actually encouraged by the "weak" trailer...wouldn't it be novel if a movie didn't throw all of its best stuff into the trailer, leaving the folks who plunk down their cash to enjoy a fully-realized feature-length unspoiled entertainment?
i've seen every x-related film in theaters, and its not like i'm going to pick this one to stop.
It has Silver Samurai. 'Nuff said. I'm there.
wait, so are you a yes, no, or maybe so? Am I missing it?
my god... you're right. i forgot to include my final response. I guess I'm a yes because i don't miss Hugh Jackman lately. I mean i even saw Real Steel ;) but I'm a maybe so in terms of expectations. If it's as bad as Origins I may never forgive myself for giving it money, though.
the whole problem with the glut of the genre is people just buy tickets no matter the quality. which is not wise on our part as an audience.
I saw this trailer yesterday and it left me as cold as the new "Star Trek" trailer.
I love the way he portrayed his personality in his all time best movies and now his new avatar look in "The Wolverine" become inspiration of all masses. I am a big fan of Hugh Jackman costumes and love to wear his outfits that looks similar to his movie outfits. Check this out: http://www.celebsclothing.com/products/Hugh-Jackman-The-Wolverine-Coat-Jacket.html
huge fan of comic, and after that become huge of this avatar, everyone is completely indulge in his new character, best of luck