Today’s Prayer Focus
Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
MOVIE REVIEW

Logan

also known as “Wolverine 3,” “Logan: The Wolverine,” “Logan - The Wolverine,” “Logan - Farkas,” “Logan: Wolverine,” “Loganas.Ernis”
MPA Rating: R-Rating (MPA) for strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity.

Reviewed by: Raphael Vera
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults (not kids or teens)
Genre: Superhero Sci-Fi Action Sequel 3D IMAX
Length: 2 hr. 15 min.
Year of Release: 2017
USA Release: March 3, 2017 (wide—4,071 theaters)
DVD: May 23, 2017
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Relevant Issues

FILM VIOLENCE—How does viewing violence in movies affect people and families? Answer

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MUTATIONS—Can genetic mutations produce positive changes in living creatures? Answer

CANCEROUS MUTATIONS—Where did cancer come from? Answer

genetic alterations done to humans / mechanical alterations

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Some people want to create so-called super soldiers through such means.

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lovingly helping a chronically ill person

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Featuring Hugh JackmanLogan / Wolverine
Patrick StewartCharles Xavier / Professor X
Stephen MerchantCaliban
Richard E. GrantDr. Zander Rice
Doris Morgado … Maria
Dafne Keen … Laura Kinney / X-23
Boyd Holbrook … Donald Pierce
Eriq La Salle … Will Munson
Elizabeth Rodriguez … Gabriela
Daniel Bernhardt … Reaver Bone Breaker
Saber Bankson … Mutant Kid
See all »
Director James Mangold — “The Wolverine” (2013), “Knight and Day” (2010), “3:10 to Yuma” (2007), “Walk the Line” (2005), “Girl, Interrupted” (1999)
Producer Donners' Company
Kinberg Genre
Marvel Entertainment
See all »
Distributor Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Trademark logo.20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company

Brutally violent, graphic, bleak and expletive-filled

In the year 2029 Logan (Hugh Jackman), long considered near immortal—certainly un-killable—mutant with the adamantium claws, known as Wolverine, is finally showing his age. Content now to make a living driving a limousine for hire, he uses the money he earns to take care of the ailing Charles Xavier/Professor X (Patrick Stewart). Xavier is frequently disoriented and may be suffering from a degenerative brain disorder, which, when affecting the world’s most powerful telepath, makes him a threat to all around him.

Enter Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), a half-human cyborg who runs security for a company that’s searching for a little girl on the run, one that he is sure will reach out to Logan for help. Logan doesn’t know the girl yet, but soon enough the girl’s mother approaches him, desperate for his help, and Xavier agrees that they should aid her.

Once they are surrounded by Pierce’s forces, it seems that even Logan can do nothing to save her, but he gets aid from the most unlikely source, namely the girl herself. The child Laura (Dafne Keen) shares Logan’s mutant power and fighting abilities and boasts her own set of claws. Amidst the melee that ensues, they manage to escape and go on the run. Can an aging Logan keep his promise to the girl’s mother and Xavier by bringing her to a safehaven called Eden?

Logan is the Wolverine’s last incarnation of the character, at least as played by Hugh Jackman, and his swan song is dark and depressing, resulting in a film that some Wolverine fans have been eagerly anticipating, while others have been dreading. More science-fictional in tone than any other in the series, this R-rated film is absolutely not meant for children or teens, and the action, bathed in carnage, is so brutal that even its value to adults is questionable.

Objectionable Content

Whenever Logan or his group are threatened, the violence that ensues is graphically over-the-top. People are shot, stabbed, run over, crushed, limbs are sliced off, faces and heads are impaled by claws, heads are decapitated, wounds are often open and bloody, and people are shot point blank in the head and body, sometimes repeatedly. Laura is Logan’s match, when it comes to violence, so much of the killing described comes from this little girl, including her decapitation of a soldier, and the use of a foot claw jabbed through a man’s neck. There is talk of suicide, and one character succeeds at this, only to be shown salvaged later, in order to be perversely harvested for his mutant genetic material.

A played video shows other children being experimented on, with their abuse being both physical and mental, and while the child Laura is being given her adamantium skeleton, she is a bloody during surgery. A character is shown being tortured by having his face burned, as though exposed to acid, and a child is seen cutting herself. Many dead bodies are shown, and a prolonged look at one, lifeless in a chair, is thrown in for good measure.

FILM VIOLENCE—How does viewing movie violence affect people and families? Answer

The use of vulgar and profane language is also extreme. The Lord’s name is taken in vain 7 times (Je*sus, G*d-d**m, For G*d’s sakes), plus d*mn (3) and h*ll (1). There are 44 f-words (2 used with “mother”), sh** (25+), bulls*** (3), a**h*** (5), a** (2), and d**k (3). Xavier says a number of the f-words himself, possibly due in part to his deteriorating mental condition. As always, these are minimum approximates, but are provided to indicate the high level of cursing involved. Thankfully, the children do not curse.

Sex/Nudity: Moderate. During one of Logan’s limo assignments a female rider briefly exposes her breasts. There are shirtless males. No sex takes place in the movie.

Lessons

Amidst the breakneck violence and language there are themes worth discussing that touch upon guilt, prayer, life and the fifth commandment.

Guilt. Xavier speaks of having done something terrible in the past that weighs heavily on his heart. It really is a shame that most characters in films rarely turn their hearts to God, because He is the only one that can offer us the peace from our sins that will carry us through this life into eternity with Him.

“I, I am the one who blots out your transgression for my own sake, and I‘ll remember your sins no more.” —Isaiah 43:25

Prayer. Xavier is seen watching the movie “Shane” on TV, which features The Lord’s Prayer and is a reminder of how films used to openly incorporate God. The Munson family, that befriends Logan, Xavier and Laura, openly thank God for their guests during their dinner prayer, and the mother reminds her husband that, “The Lord will provide.” Their attitude reminds us that we all should spend our lives giving thanks to our Father in heaven.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” —Ephesians 6:18

What should we thank God for, and how should we praise Him? Answer

THANKFULNESS—Tips for New and Growing Christians—GO

Are you thankful to God?

[The Creator of] Life. The genesis of mutants in the X-Men movies has always been attributed to Evolution, without God our intelligent designer. Dr. Rice (Richard E. Grant) believes that he can do one better when he tries to create a mutant without a soul, answerable only to him—demonstrating the hubris of man to believe, without question, that we can create life, when there is but one author.

“The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” —Job 33:4

Creation SuperLibrary.comLearn more about Creation/Evolution. Our SuperLibrary is provided by a top team of experts from various respected creationist organizations who answer questions on a wide variety of topics. Multilingual.

The Fifth Commandment

Logan cares for Xavier as though he was his father and even introduces him to the Munson family as his dad. Later, he carries him up to bed, just as a good son would. This goes back to the original Ten Commandments, but not in the way most would look at it today. The first set of commandments inscribed in stone, which were shattered, were included with the new ones God gave Moses and placed in the Ark of the Covenant, because, although they were broken, they were still considered holy. Jewish culture likewise says to treat their elderly like those broken tablets, as holy and to be respected. This tradition and mindset continues today, and Logan’s caring for Xavier is one of the few bright spots of the movie.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” —Exodus 20:12

Hugh Jackman plays the role of Logan/Wolverine with the practiced perfection that only 17 years (X-Men, 2000) can bestow. While the series has had its highs and lows, his character has proved to be the favorite guilty pleasure of many fans of the X-Men franchise.

That being said, “Logan” is a bleak film with many of the components of the franchise intact, including fever pitched action sequences and unbridled confidence in the face of impossible odds. However, the film is lacking the cheerful, optimistic elements needed to make a film worth watching again and again. Yes, the hero does get his chance to shine one last time, and the audience still roots for him, but, by film’s end, I was as exhausted by the melodrama and the violence, as his character is of life.

Hardly an edifying film, only those familiar with the franchise can hope to appreciate it, although many may wish to remember Logan only from the previous movies, and that is something I strongly suggest. Not recommended for Christians or otherwise.

Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Extreme / Nudity: Moderately heavy, but brief / Sex: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—I saw this in theaters today, it was very well done. Lots of people die… stabbing killings impaled a lot. Nice story. Everyone, not a child dies (LOL), but apart from that I really enjoyed the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Hariston Wlliams, age 27 (USA)
Positive—First off, one thing above all else must be made clear: this is NOT a movie for children. This is a movie for mature adults. The brutality is extreme, but never seems particularly gratuitous, as each violent act seriously affected a key character or had severe consequences. That said, the violent images still burn deep.

Harsh language is also a problem; in fact, the first spoken word is the F-bomb. I’ve heard more profanity in other R-rated films, but that doesn’t excuse it. I should also mention a fleeting topless scene in the back of a limo, when a girl pulls her top down (I looked away here).

All that said, “Logan” is ultimately a story of redemption and family. I won’t risk spoilers, but initially Logan is a broken man whose adamantium skeleton is poisoning him, and his healing powers are failing him. Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) is likewise suffering—only he’s suffering violent brain seizures that seriously threaten the safety of those in the vicinity. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Josh, age 26 (USA)
Positive—“Logan” is not your typical superhero movie. If you go in expecting the witty banter and sanitized violence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe you will be vastly disappointed, as this is not light entertainment. On the other hand, if you go in expecting the gritty social commentary of DC or the senseless, gleeful violence of “Suicide Squad” or even the same tone as past X-Men movies, you will also be disappointed. “Logan” is unique. It barely seems like a superhero film, as no one wears spandex and no one is fighting to save the world. Instead, Logan fights to save those few he can admit he cares about. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Christina, age 23 (USA)
Positive—I was getting my car fixed before I could take a trip to see the family, and there was a theater within walking distance from the garage, and I choose from go see the movie “Logan,” and I enjoyed most of the movie. Yes, our hero swears up a blue streak and drinks heavily, but it is His personality, and I knew beforehand to expect to see him do that.

I loved what I got to see of the movie, and, yes, it is VERY RATED R, for a very brief nude scene constant swearing and violence and drinking, and Logan pretty much disrespects everyone, even children who try to help him. Do I recommend this movie? Yes, I do. Would I take a child??? Absolutely not; be sure to leave the kids and sensitive viewers at home for this movie.
Chris, age 27 (USA)
Positive—While the violence and language are very brutal and rough, the overall themes of the movie are very touching and deep. Logan’s hesitation to help Laura is understandable, given his 195 year history. Once he finally gives into his humanity and truly accepts her as his daughter ***SPOILER*** (even though she’s his clone), and when she’s holding his hand in his final moments and calls out “Daddy?” is worth the price of the ticket alone and will pull your heart strings. ***END SPOILER*** This is by far my favourite comic book movie (so far)
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Ayrton, age 26 (USA)
Positive—This movie is rough, but there’s also a sweetness to it. Throughout the brutal violence, bloody imagery (which I won’t condone or compliment), and inappropriate language there’s a story about family, and more specifically, fatherhood. Xavier is a father-figure to Logan, and Logan is a father-figure to Laura. Without spoiling anything, the way this movie ends is heartfelt, and if you’ve followed this X-Men film series over the years, you will cry as I did at the end.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Justin C. Rose, age 20 (USA)
Neutral
Neutral—The movie was extreme with the graphic violence. I learned about the standards for an “X-rated” film in the USA versus Europe. In the USA, it is graphic sex. However, in Europe, the standards are graphic violence. It makes me wonder what the rating for this movie would be in Europe.

Also, the expletives were voluminous. From the beginning of the movie to the end, I felt mauled either by lots of blood or lots of toilet words.

The only Biblical worldview in this movie was the scene with a family that took them in for the night. However, the violence and killings were so abundant that it literally overshadowed redemptive attributes of the film. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Karen, age 50 (USA)
Negative
Negative—This film was too violent. It was very disturbing. The use of the F-word was over the top and unnecessary, anyone who is a good Christian will most likely find this movie to be a disappointment. Who wants to watch people getting killed in creative ways for two hours? Not entertaining—a waste of time and money.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Gail, age 50+ (Canada)
Negative—This picture certainly earned the “R” rating. It is not for children, and it was upsetting to see a dad bring in his young son to this movie. The violence was way over the top for this type of movie, since it is a sequel and has a following. I do not remember the other movies to be so graphic. It was so disturbing, we almost left the theater, but I just closed my eyes for large portions.

What is most disturbing is that a child is responsible for some of the extreme violence. I am reminded of the Scripture in Matthew—If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck…” I was disturbed that this young child was made to follow the direction of such violence. Yes, she was just acting, but I would imagine this would cause some difficulty in her emotional development. Anyway, that is my opinion.

As far as the movie, the acting was very good. Just wish it was without the graphic violence. It was more dark than the other X-men movies. The story line was also good, but with a sad ending. Coming from a Christian worldview, this is one you can skip due to the extreme violence.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Gloria, age 51 (USA)
Negative—I’m about three quarters of the way through the movie, and I’m horrified. I was hoping it would get better, and while the godly faithful aren’t hidden, as though they don’t exist, though there is no evidence shown of God’s power. The level of violence and profanity is terrible and unnecessary. I’m not sure I can finish this thing. The storyline with the girl is intriguing, but I’m just sad that a little girl (actress who plays Laura) was exposed to this.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Amy, age 42 (USA)
Comments from young people
Positive—Wow. I’ve seen a lot of negative reviews here. Honestly, I think this movie was unbelievable. The levels it went were amazing. Themes like “are illegitimate children still worth anything” and “what effect does violence have on a man over time”. These issues you never see dealt with anymore.

Yes, there is a lot of violence and moderate swearing. I won’t deny it was rough. But, I personally feel it was dealt with in a way that didn’t glorify violence but rather how tough it makes lives. So, if you’re a fan of good films, I strongly recommend this one. It’s great! Don’t take the kids, but teens’ll be fine.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Josiah Osborne, age 17 (USA)
Negative—Personally I didn’t like the movie and didn’t think it was worth seeing. I was stunned by the excessive use of violence and swearing, and rather disappointed to find the movie didn’t really have a plot. There wasn’t a lot of character development, and the main characters in the movie (Wolverine and his daughter) weren’t that likable.

The movie was mostly about Wolverine tearing people to pieces in a variety of different ways. I found it rather lacking in substance and imagination, and the blood and gore displayed really detracted from the other messages of the movie. Not something I’d recommend, and not something I enjoyed.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Pandora, age 16 (Australia)

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.

Comments from non-viewers
Negative—THANK YOU Christian Spotlight, for saving us a lot of money that would be wasted on evil, profane, sexual, mindless, waste-of-time movies! I’m QUOTING from the professional Christian Spotlight movie reviewer above who said, regarding FOUL LANGUAGE in the movie “Logan,” that “The use of vulgar and profane language is also EXTREME. The Lord’s name is taken in vain 7 times (Je*sus, G*d-d**m, For G*d’s sakes), plus d*mn (3) and h*ll (1). There are 44 f-words (2 used with “mother”), sh** (25+), bulls*** (3), a**h*** (5), a** (2), and d**k (3). Xavier says a number of the f-words himself…” Wow, wow, WOW!

How could anyone who claims to be a Christian (and who is therefore obligated to honor God by obeying Scripture—see John 14) possibly waste their time and pay to see a movie filled with BLASPHEMY that directly takes the Name of our beloved Jesus in vain? And you support this type of evil entertainment endeavor by PAYING to see it, AND THEN you encourage other Christians to see it?? Take time to think about how you’d answer to your loving Lord, giving account for such ungodly, wasteful behavior?!

IF you MUST see a movie like this, THEN buy a ClearPlay DVD player, set the filters to ELIMINATE the blasphemy, sexuality, and excessive violence, and wait till the movie comes out on DVD to watch a “filtered” version of it.

Fellow Christians, we will GIVE ACCOUNT TO GOD for the movies we watch; would you feel comfortable in the theater watching THIS FILM with JESUS, who died for your and my sins, sitting next to you? I don’t think so, and KEEP IT IN MIND that if you’re a Christian, THEN you believe that Jesus is always presently with you, abiding in your heart. Christians, IF we are wise, THEN we will guard our “eye gate” and “ear gate,” only consuming and financially supporting content that is God-honoring and edifying (Phil. 4:8).
Mark August, age 59 (USA)