Leading up to the events in the X-Men film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine tells the story of Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) epically violent past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

Play.com Review

Undoubtedly the star of the X-Men movie trilogy, Hugh Jackman makes his return as the iconic, titular character of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Showing his diversity earlier in the year with his dramatic turn opposite Nicole Kidman in Australia, the mutton-chopped, big-haired Jackman returns, with a powerful performance of a different kind, in this action packed X-Men prequel.

The premise of the film is simple, as it explores the violent past that the amnesiac Wolvie is unaware of in the X-Men films. Jackman slips back into the role of our favourite comic book Canuck as if those adamantium bones were his own, given an imposing nemesis in the form of Sabretooth, with Liev Schreiber (Scream Trilogy) really getting his teeth into the role. The superb opening sequence, which depicts Wolverine and Sabretooth side-by-side in many famous wars throughout the decades, gives a real sense of the history the two share, as well as the ferocity they are capable of. Whilst their tumultuous relationship is central, the film also explores the 'Weapon X' Program behind Wolverine's adamantium skeleton and resulting memory loss. With this comes a host of supporting characters including the mastermind of the program, William Stryker (Danny Huston - 30 Days of Night), and the wise-cracking, scene-stealing, "merc with a mouth" Deadpool, played excellently by Ryan Reynolds (Blade Trinity). There are plenty of other mutant cameos throughout, such as the long-awaited appearance of the kinetically-charged fan favourite Gambit, as well as a few more obscure, lesser roles sure to appease the comic book fans.

At its simplest, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is an action movie and it delivers in spades. Littered with explosive action set pieces throughout, it is a joy to watch Jackman's Wolverine go on a berserker rampage - his duel with an attack chopper being a particular highlight! Based on the comics, the story is faithful enough that long time fans won't be too disappointed, but as usual with films of this ilk, certain creative liberties are taken. However, this shouldn't detract from the fact that Tsotsi director Gavin Hood has crafted a blockbuster both strong and sharp, with the subplots tying together nicely for a satisfying ending. If Wolverine is your bag, this is for you, Bub.