Logan

Greying, scarred and about to become a father figure, Logan isn’t your traditional portrayal of a superhero.

The film focuses on an ageing Wolverine/Logan (Hugh Jackman), weak from the deterioration of his healing powers and mourning the death of his old friends, the X-Men. Caring for his mentor after he has developed Alzheimer’s, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Logan fears that he may not have much to live for. Despite doing his best to stay hidden, hope comes to Logan in the shape of a young girl named X-23 (Dafne Keen). Pursued by dark forces, Logan and Xavier agree to help the girl and maybe themselves along the way too.

The film’s use of an ageing protagonist is perhaps atypical for a movie of the superhero genre, but in the ever expanding world of comic-book movie universes, it helps to set it apart from other blockbusters. Likewise, captivating performances from Jackman and Stewart may be career bests, made all the more fitting by the indication that it may be their last in the roles. Co-star Dafne Keen is also hugely impressive, showing what could be the start of a promising career in Hollywood.

Logan isn’t a traditional superhero film, but in an increasingly saturated X-Men movie universe, it’s all the better for it. For an action-filled flick with a genuine examination of the human condition, few films will perform better this year than Logan.