X-Men Origins: Wolverine

UK Release Date: 29th April 2009

A look at Wolverine's early life, in particular his time with the government squad Team X and the impact it will have on his later years (www.imdb.com).

Director: Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, Rendition, Ender's Game)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kirsch, Will.i.am, Lynn Collins

This origins film in the X-Men universe doesn't stand up well against the others, even compared to The Last Stand, and even with Hugh Jackman kicking ass and looking buff. Wolverine (Jackman) enters an experiment to become even stronger, and defeat his 'sworn brother' Creed (Liev Schreiber), who's on a rampage, killing the mutants that were once close to him. Creed's intentions and motifs aren't plain to see. The mutants that lack blades coming out their knuckles hugely lack character, so comic favourites Gambit (Kirsch) and Deadpool (Reynolds) are ruined. They're pawns to draw us in and take our money. I'd say don't bother with this and go straight to First Class, it's (a lot) better than XMOW by a long shot. And don't get me started on the CGI.

2/5