Rated PG13

Directed by Gavin Hood

Starring Hugh Jackman, Leiv Schreiber, Wil.i.am, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Monaghan

Heidi’s Illustrious Rating: 3

Word of Warning: Check your brain at the concession stand and don’t forget to pick it up on your way out of the theater.

I must admit, I was a childhood fan of the “X-Men” television cartoon, and I have enjoyed the three previous “X-Men” movies. If you are unaware of the “X-Men,” it was a superhero team comprised of mutants, first appearing in a Marvel comic named, “The X-Men” #1, in September of 1963. These mutants possess the “x gene,” which causes an otherwise normal human being to have special powers.

The current television show, “Heroes,” is a direct rip off of the theme of “X-Men.” The world thinks mutants are dangerous and they are hunted, but in actuality, there are many good mutants who want to do what is right and use their special powers to fight evil. And of course, there are lots of bad mutants too.

One of the most popular X-Men is Wolverine, aka Logan, and since the beginning of the movie franchise the part has been played by Australian actor Hugh Jackman. Wolverine is a tormented soul, often moody and easily angered. He was born with keen animal senses, an unnaturally ability to heal which has lead to an abnormally long life, and retractable bone claws that come out of his hands.

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” explores Wolverine’s life prior to joining the X-Men. From his tortured childhood through adulthood, the audience gets an inside look at the events that have made Wolverine who he is in the previous movies – a pensive, brooding, loner.

We are introduced to Wolverine’s brother, another mutant named Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber). Sabretooth was also born with animal senses, the ability to heal, and an unnaturally long life. He is catlike, with retractable nails and excellent balance. In this movie, the two brothers are at odds with the world and each other; Wolverine is inherently a good guy and Sabretooth, who enjoys and thrives on violence, is the bad guy.

The movie has some amusing appearances by Ryan Reynolds, an actor who seems to be making quite a splash on the big screen lately, musician Will.i.am, and former hobbit Dominic Monaghan. But Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is the star of this show. With his rippling muscles, sexy quizzical expressions, and fearless nature, he makes the ladies want him and the men want to be him. 

It’s not the tightest of storylines, and there are a few holes in this “X-Men” movie. Don’t spend too much time over analyzing the plot – this is an action-packed, summer blockbuster, chalked full of special effects. By the end of the summer, I’ll have tired of these types of flicks, and will probably write a few scathing reviews. However, since we are only beginning a long season of blockbusters, and I like the X-Men franchise, I think “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is worth a matinee price.

***Also appearing in the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor