It was the year 2000 when Hugh Jackman first donned the adamantium claws and became the iconic X-Man James Howlett, aka. Logan, aka. The Wolverine. The character has had many adventures with his team through the original X-Men Trilogy and X-Men: Days of Future Past, two solo movies, as well as a cameo in X-Men: Apocalypse, and an absolutely hilarious one-liner in X-Men: First Class. Jackman has been playing the Wolverine longer than I’ve been alive, and he was ready to hang up his claws and retire the character. In Logan, we say goodbye to Hugh Jackman and his run as the titular character, and it could not have been done any better.

If you’re familiar with the other two solo Wolverine movies, you’ll know that they’re not exactly the best he has to offer. They’re average at best; Logan is different. The plot of Logan is interesting and intriguing throughout, and there is never a dull moment. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat, waiting in suspense. The “R” rating given to the movie allowed the writers the freedom they needed to truly make this movie great. The characters can say whatever they feel, and the action sequences, though gory, are much more realistic. The movie also balances suspense with thrill, and joy with sadness in a way that no other superhero movie has done before. The mastery over storytelling really sets Logan apart from other movies in its genre.

Though it is the last time we are seeing the Wolverine, in some ways, it feels we’re seeing him for the first time. Jackman plays a perfect blend of snarky, sarcastic fighter and the tired, aged warrior. It provides a new realness to the character that wasn’t there during the other films. We also get to see Patrick Stewart continuing his run as Professor X, a regretful, yet kindhearted man, who isn’t afraid to throw in a few quips of his own. It’s great to see these two characters interact again, but in a way that was different from previous movies. Newcomer Dafne Keen is also incredible in her role as a young mutant, Laura. Seeing her and Jackman interact is as heartful as it is hilarious. The characters in Logan are what take the movie to the next level and make it truly fantastic.

If you’re a fan of the X-Men, I 100% recommend seeing Logan. It was an amazing experience and the perfect sendoff to the iconic Wolverine.