Thoughts On The Wolverine Workprint

So I watched the workprint version of X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE last night.

Yeah, yeah, yeah … it’s unethical … it’s stealing … it’s just plain wrong. For my crimes, the executives from Twentieth Century Fox should guillotine me for the amusement of the masses. I should be tied down and ass raped by angry porcupines. A drunken John Goodman should sit on my face bareassed until I suffocate. Don’t bother me with that stuff, though … I’ve heard it all before from my mother.

Besides, I’ve already stated my case about stealing movies. And in this case, the studio should know better than to let a film like this get past them. How on Earth does a DVD version of this workprint get into the irresponsible hands of some studio lackey? Let this be a valuable lesson to Hollywood: don’t make DVD’s of your big tentpole films.

While the studio suits are probably squirming today about the leak of this workprint, they have little to fear. Most people who download and view the film ahead of time do so only out of intense desire to see the product and plan to see it in theaters as well. I know that’s my case. This workprint also gives Hollywood outsiders the chance to peer into the creative process and witness the changes that can take place between production and final cut. And let’s face it – seeing it in this form is simply no match for seeing it on the big screen with an enthusiastic audience.

And from what I’ve seen, the audience will be lapping it up.

As Matt Holmes reported today, this workprint is the reason for the reshoots a few months back that caused such a stir (as if many films do not go through a similar process!). Quite a few of the special effects were roughed in, with blocky CGI standing in for finished effects. Even so, much of the film was polished and ready for release.

As the full title suggests, WOLVERINE looks at the backstory behind the break-out character of the X-MEN series. As someone who is unfamiliar with the comics, I can’t say how closely the story here matches what is presented in the pages of Marvel, but I will say I was pleasantly surprised by his story. I will not even spoil it at this early stage for those in the dark, but I will say it’s an interesting and unexpected origin story.

As the unbridled star now, Hugh Jackman throws himself into the role with abandon. More than any of the previous films, Jackman reveals a nastier edge and a raw, animalistic side that truly astonishes. My only complaint about it is that the film doesn’t really provide much of an emotional reason why he is so brutal. But it’s WOLVERINE, so we’ll just go with it.

Aside from Jackman, I thought Liev Schreiber was excellent as Sabretooth, very charismatic and commanding in nearly every scene. He is a vast improvement over the wasted Tyler Mane Sabretooth from the first film, and fanboys need to stop bitching about Schreiber’s inclusion here; he’s terrific. Also stealing several scenes is Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool; his character is sure to divide fans, but I found him to be a jolt of energy in this film. In a smaller role, Dominic Monaghan shines as Beak, who has power over electricity and mechanical objects.

Like the trailers suggest, there are quite a few action scenes in the film. Some work amazingly well, particularly the more personal and hand-to-hand battles. However, the final showdown is a mess, and most likely prompted the reshoots. I will say this: I counted at least two moments that will elicit gasps and cheers from enthusiastic audiences. Studio execs should be salivating over this release, because the film has some terrific action beats in it that will bring people to their feet.

The only other problem with the film is a central love story that only partially works. I’m not sure at this stage where the problem lies, or if it’s something addressed by the reshoots. I’m just not sure if there was any reasonable chemistry between Jackman and Lynn Collins, and they have very few scenes establishing their intense love for one another. Like I said, it partially works, and I seriously doubt the lack of romance is a fatal flaw in a film like this.

I must admit that, after the clumsy showdown, there is a conclusion here that is truly special. It solves the problem of continuity with the previous series, while also adding a layer of pathos that I found very appealing and mature. I sincerely hope director Gavin Hood does not alter these final moments much, because I thought it hit just the right notes.

There is also a special surprise for fans at the very end that nearly had me clapping by myself at home. It’s a wonderful coda to this film that I’m sure will please fans of the X-Men series.

From this rough cut, I’d say without reservation that Fox has a huge winner on their hands. I wasn’t too excited about this film before, not understanding what could possibly be gained except more money. But there is a legitimate origin story here, one with depth, tension, and excitement. While I wouldn’t put it in league with the very best comic book origin stories like last year’s IRON MAN, WOLVERINE satisfies in a big, big way.