---

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

***

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Live Schreiber, Danny Huston, Will.i.Am, Ryan Reynolds

Director: Gavin Hood

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 107 minutes

Fantasy/action

Comic fans will be howling with pleasure at this X-Men prequel about the early years of metal-clawed hero Wolverine.

The story kicks off in 1845, when a young James Howlett sees his dad murdered by Thomas Logan, the father of his friend Victor Creed.

In a vengeful rage, he kills him using claws that grow out of his knuckles - then discovers he has actually killed his own father.

The friends learn they are brothers - and Victor is also a wolf-like mutant with razorsharp claws and pointed teeth.

The boys go on the run and as adults fight in a string of major wars, their regenerative powers preventing them from being killed on the battlefield.

Soon, James (Hugh Jackman) - now using his father's surname Logan - and the much wilder Victor (Live Schreiber) are recruited by Major William Stryker (Danny Huston) into Team X, an elite group of mutants with various powers.

But on a mission to Nigeria, Logan is disgusted by the team's brutal treatment of some villagers and quits.

Six years later, he is working as a lumberjack in Canada and in love with the beautiful Kayla (Lynn Collins) - until Victor, also known as Sabertooth, returns and destroys his happiness.

Logan sets out for revenge and is offered a way to defeat his deadly brother by Stryker - having his skeletal system coated with adamanatium, an indestructible metal.

But after the procedure, Logan - now calling himself Wolverine, a reference to a folk tale told by his beloved - learns Victor is working for Stryker and capturing young mutants.

Now he has two enemies to defeat - and the beast within him is wild with rage.

There's action aplenty from the off, with four major wars crammed into an opening sequence alone.

The thrilling chase scenes, huge explosions and violent fights are spectacular - every cent of the massive visual effects budget was put to excellent use.

The dialogue is also unexpectedly witty and Jackman has great comic timing.

There are a few good lines from Ryan Reynolds too as mouthy mutant Wade Wilson.

Jackman's performance is as engaging as ever and Schreiber is excellent as his terrifyingly ruthless, bloodthirsty sibling.

Fans of the Marvel comics will enjoy seeing some favourite characters brought to life at last, including Gambit, Deadpool and White Queen.

There are also early glimpses of popular heroes Cyclops and Professor X.

The movie won't give fans the hoped for understanding of the man behind the Wolverine - it's all spectacle rather than psychology - but it is an entertaining and action-packed way to spend a few hours.

Watch if you liked: X-Men[[In-content Ad]]

---