X-men Origins: Wolverine

I realize this is coming out a couple weeks after the movie has hit theaters, and so, most people that wanted to see this film have seen it and those that don’t care that much probably won’t. That’s fine with me, but I wanted to use this movie to make a point. But first, a quick review:

This film chronologically takes place before the successful X-men trilogy, showing Wolverine as a boy, on up until he gets amnesia. We see all kinds of mutants (who didn’t seem too quiet about their abilities) running around doing mutant stuff. Wolverine saves the day. The End.

There are plot holes a plenty. The writing dips into “blegh” a number of times, some of the acting was a bit painful, and the CG was barely above Xena: Warrior Princess quality. But, here’s the thing: I didn’t hate it. I actually enjoyed it….kind of. One of the main reasons I was okay with this film was because I saw the trailer. If there are scenes, dialogue, and special effects in the trailer that make you cringe (remember, the trailer is ‘the best of’ whatever is in the movie), chances are, the movie will be more of the same. The reviews that came out supported my low expectations. And, I’d seen X-men 3, so I know a mediocre X-men movie is possible. All of that combined, lowered my expectations enough, that when I saw the movie, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

And there’s the rub. Why do I have to properly temper my expectations to enjoy a movie like this? Instead of being impressed with the film, I am content that it wasn’t the worst thing possible. I realize I come off as a film snob to a lot of my friends and family, and I’ve come to terms with that, but I truly do love films. And I don’t need every film that comes out to be some life changing, epic experience. But the reason I am disappointed when seeing movies like this is because I see the potential. I see what it could have been. And it’s the falling short that the problem. For example: ‘Transformers’: Disappointed. ‘Hitch’: Content. I went into ‘Hitch’ with certain expectations, and it was an enjoyable film. Do I love it? Did it change my life? No.., but I don’t see how ‘Hitch’ could have been a better ‘Hitch’, and so it was satisfying. ‘Transformers’, on the other hand, wasn’t a bad movie, some fun action, giant robots, Megan Fox, etc. BUT, it could have been so much more. The potential factor was huge.

So, no, I didn’t hate Wolverine, but it fell far short of it’s potential.

Rating: