X-Men Origins: Wolverine; Hood, 2009

I had high hopes for this film, first because I've liked the X-Men movies so far (6, 7, and 7 ratings for the first three) and Wolverine is clearly the most interesting character. But this movie falls short in many ways.

First, the plot is both confusing and convoluted. Even someone like me who knows the X-Men comics is often left head scratching. Liev Schreiber does a fine job of playing the creepy brother, in a role he almost seems to be reprising from Defiance (6). But if that is supposed to be Sabortooth, then why doesn't he look anything like the Sabretooth from the comics? And I thought he was supposed to be Wolverine's father, not his brother?

That's not the real problem with the plot though. The writers simply plucked bits and pieces from the large store of Wolverine lore from the comics, but didn't bother to include any kind of plot continuity or pacing. All the dialogue scenes with Stryker just seem lame. And Gavin Hood is no director. How did he even get this gig?

Jackman does his best with the lead role, and fits the bill about as well as in the previous films. It's cool to see Agent Zero and the rest of Stryker's task force in action. And speaking of action, there are some good scenes (New Orleans fights) and some bad ones (yet another motorcycle chase scene). The supporting cast is likable enough to push this to a 5 rating, but I was expecting more.