X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
RYAN: Hugh Jackman is back as the iconic comic book character in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
CAROLINE: It’s a sequel to the first three “X-Men” movies, but it’s technically a prequel.
RYAN: And I’d like to officially say, “Welcome to 2009, Mr. Big Summer Blockbuster!”
CAROLINE: It hits all the right notes that a blockbuster should, with effects and surround sound and action, etc. But I just didn’t love it as much as, say, “Iron Man.”
RYAN: Well I’m not comparing it to anything else. I’m just saying it was big, entertaining and bad-ass.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ That it was. And Hugh Jackman is hot. He worked out like a mad man and it shows. I’d like to personally thank the filmmakers for having him both shirtless and totally naked a great deal.
RYAN: He is a human work of art, and I just love him in everything he does. The make-up department did a great job. Even his hair contributes to his wolf-like appearance, as it does for Liev Schreiber.
CAROLINE: He’s another hottie. And he really plays sinister so well. I really sort of hated his character in this movie.
RYAN: He does encompass bad-guy wholeheartedly; so much so that you think he might be an arse in real life… and then you remember he’s procreating with Naomi Watts, so hopefully he’s a sweetheart.
CAROLINE: And now we know why Ryan Reynolds is keeping so buff in Hollywood.
RYAN: Yeah – he wants to do the big movies and be an action star.
CAROLINE: He was really funny in this. Not that it’s a comedic role; but his character was definitely quirky.
RYAN: He had very few scenes but does leave an impression.
CAROLINE: What did you think of the female lead, Lynn Collins?
RYAN: She irritated me at first but I thought she was good and ultimately, really pretty. She’s from TV’s “True Blood.“
CAROLINE: She’s gorgeous.
RYAN: This film really opens like you’d expect any blockbuster to begin – with a stylized, epic set up. And I’m glad the franchise decided to do a prequel with the Wolverine character. I was worried based on the trailer that this might be a bit of a war movie, but it’s so not – that’s just one scene.
CAROLINE: That was a cool scene. And the actors who play Liev’s and Hugh’s fathers look so much like them it was uncanny.
RYAN: That was some brilliant casting. They must have combed the earth to find those actors.
CAROLINE: I also liked seeing Dominic Monaghan from TV’s “Lost” and the “Lord of the Rings” movies, though he also only has a smallish role.
RYAN: They did they right thing with the casting and there’s a reason these movies do so well. Mutants are like human transformers in a way – superheroes, yet underdogs and outcasts in society.
CAROLINE: Okay, you’re geeking out here and way over-analyzing this now. Settle down.
RYAN: [laughs’ Okay.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: I thought this movie was all right. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it or feel irritated by it but it’s not the kind of movie I’d be dying to see. It was definitely better than “Watchmen” earlier this year but not as great as “Iron Man.”
RYAN: I’m just so excited about the year’s first big blockbuster. I love indie movies, documentaries, foreign films and also these huge Hollywood vehicles. It’s definitely one to see on the big screen, if you’re gonna see it. And all due respect to Robert Downey Jr. and your “Iron Man” measuring stick, but I’m also on board the Jackman train. Woo woo!
— RATING —
