The Wolverine (2013), Director: James Mangold, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

The fight of his life will be for his own.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Your grandfather called me a ronin, a samurai without a master. He said I was destined to live forever, with no reason to live." - Logan

Why watch this? This is the best Wolverine on film, and Jackman is perfect.

Plot Summary: Here our weary X-man heads to Japan to connect with an old acquaintance. This uncovers a sinister plot involving a man he saved during World War II, just as the atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki. In Tokyo he meets, Yashida, a CEO dying of cancer who wants to transfer Logan's healing powers into his own body, thus freeing The Wolverine from the never-ending curse that keeps him from dying.  

Dad's Preview: This film really stands out from all of Jackman's other works as Wolverine (before Logan (2017) that is). He is such an interesting, conflicted, anti-heroic character to begin with, and that's why we all love him. This plot, with Logan operating alone outside of the X-Men, gives us a more personal, deep-dive into his character and history. The Japanese setting is excellent to contrast Logan against the code of the Ronin warriors, as they are very similar. As expected Jackman gives his all as the gruff mutant, yet there are also tender moments, as he develops feelings for the beautiful Mariko. If you are looking for a super-hero flick that is a cut above the rest, this is it.

Marvel Ent., Donners' Company, TSG Ent.; 20th Century Fox