The X-Men films haven't been known for being "the best" movies out there and not the best CBM's. I for one, actually really enjoyed them. Yes, it gets harder to watch The Last Stand each time I do watch it. But, that doesn't mean this is a bad franchise. The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine were far from good but I didn't think they were all that bad. The first X-Men was the first superhero movie I ever saw in the theater and I loved it, X2: X-Men United was better. Hell, X-Men: First Class (as far as I am concerned) is the best. Does The Wolverine have a shot compared to the X-Men franchises long history and against the heavy hitters of 2013? In my opinion, yes. Here is why.
New look
The picture above is what I like to call a leaner, meaner Wolverine. He isn't bulky. He looks smaller and more agile. I think the new look for Wolverine is much cooler. Yes, most people think that they should go with the look from the comics and I've seen pictures put up in the comments of what a live action version would look like with Wolverines costume from the comics. Quite frankly, I think it looks stupid. It works for the comics and cartoons but not live action. Not everything can be and has to be translated to the big screen.
New Director
Gavin Hood had the right idea in my opinion, but then he gave us "Deadpool". He got the right Wade Wilson in Ryan Reynolds, but did NOT give us Deadpool. While I thought Wolverine was overall pretty good, it definitely did have ALOT of flaws and is the worst of the X-Men movies and had no continuity to it that made any sense. James Mangold is a good choice for, The Wolverine. Have you seen 3:10 to Yuma? I have only once, and I thought it was very good. I would have seen it more than once if I could find it. While no director has a perfect track record, not even Chris Nolan. James Mangold is a director I think can put Wolverine back on track and I think he is the man to adapt the most popular storyline onto film. From the pictures on set, I think he's doing a good job. Again, I think to see if Mangold is the man for the job, you have to look no further than 3:10 to Yuma.
It's Unique
The Wolverine isn't your typical superhero blockbuster. Well, can't really use the term blockbuster seeing how it's hard to tell how much it will make. The Wolverine is not your typical superhero movie, period. It has an unusual setting and story for a superhero film. I think personally, that if anyone thinks this is the typical superhero flick that they are out of their mind. They're crazy. I think also because of it's unique setting and story for a superhero flick that it's going to be possibly the best of next year and be "The TASM and First Class" of 2013. It's going to surprise people. Speaking of story...
The Story
"Based on the celebrated comic book arc, The Wolverine finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed."
I don't know about you? But, think as a casual audience member and it does sound epic and I said before, the premise is completely unique for a superhero film. Wolverine is a popular character, so people are going to go just to see him kick ass. But die hard Wolverine fans and comicbook fans in general who are familiar to the story being adapted know that this is probably going to me a more emotional, more in depth story rather than all action like it's predecessor. Not to say there won't be action because I'm sure we'll have plenty of action but we will have more story and more depth than the previous films.
Overall: I think despite some harsh criticisms on this site towards this film, I think this has some serious potential. Given it's star is passionate about the character and is (in my mind) the perfect Wolverine. He captures the attitude perfectly. The films director and the writers on the project, not to mention the storyline they're adapting. I think this will be the surprise superhero flick of 2013. It's honestly my most look forward to film of the year.
What do you think? Comment below and be respectful. Honestly, this is my best article in awhile in my opinion.