Tom's Corner

Meet Tom:

Tom Trombley would describe himself as “a natural critic.” He can watch your average Hollywood film and usually tell you in 30 minutes where it's going. If he's clueless on that, it usually means he's watching a true masterpiece. He's a literary information specialist and has a comic book collection of over 15,000 books, carefully organized. But he's no “fanboy” considering A) he bathes, B) respects women, C) doesn't buy just any old title for any old price and D) isn't living in his parents' basement.

One of Tom's great aspirations is to go to journalism school and become a professional critic. If his day job fell apart, there's no doubt he'd shine since he's that rare straight shooter who can be honest but dissect the good from the bad as intently as a surgeon.

We introduce the first entry from a series we call "Tom's Corner," where Mr. Trombley dissects the DVD version of Wolverine. Enjoy!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

I'll make a confession. I'm a huge comic fan. I had some reservations about this movie, which made me decide to wait for DVD. Was I the only one who decided to wait for DVD on this one? It was released Tuesday with the usual fanfare, and I'll admit, a part of me was looking forward to it. How about you? Be honest with yourself, take a moment and a deep breath. You back? Let's begin.

It's OK to admit that this part of you exists. There'll always be a part of every man (and an increasing number of women) who like to see mindless action flicks with plot holes that are somewhat easily overlooked, but troubling when you think back on them. I'm sorry if I offend, but about all this movie contained was jumping off points for a). the inevitable sequel and b). the Deadpool spin-off movie (we'll get to him later).

There were some good points in all of this, and I'd like to address those first. Hugh Jackman proves he can do comedy in the midst of action, and really does personify Wolverine (though I'm not sure if it's a compliment to say someone personifies a two dimensional character, but I digress) in all his snarling machismo oozing comic book selling glory. Will.i.am's portrayal of John Wraith (AKA dead black buddy...just once I'd like to see a black guy who's not Roger fucking Murtagh survive the damned movie) was off character for the comic, but done well. I'd like to see him in more movies. Daniel Henney was exceptional as the villain you love to hate, Agent Zero, though he could've played this character in any movie (especially if that movie was the Matrix). Lastly, Taylor Kitsch played one of my all time least favorite comic characters, Gambit, as the annoyingly accented Cajun who has bugged me from nearly day one of his comic book and cartoon appearances (at least in the early comics he didn't “talk” so amazingly retarded).

Now, onto the blindingly obvious plot hole. In an early scene, Colonel Stryker and his men go on the hunt for an elusive metal (later shown to be adamantium). Each man has a part to play and some scenery to chew...except Wolverine, who just stands around looking as surly or angry as is called for. Now, I think we can all agree Stryker was a fanatic, but also a coldly logical tactician. Why, then, would he bring the somewhat more moral than his compatriots Wolverine into a situation where innocents would be killed indiscriminately?

My other complaint has to do with Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool. DP has always been a favorite of mine , so I was happy to hear that Reynolds, who does the mile a minute joking thing ever so well, was cast. The beginning of the movie was fine. I just did not expect the “Merc with a Mouth” as he's known to become a mouth-free automaton. Part of the character's charm is that he NEVER shuts up, and that was taken from him, rendering his inclusion in the climax pointless. I'm not even sure it was Reynolds at the end of the movie (it could have easily been a stuntman).

I would recommend that no one who is a fan of the comics watch this movie. It's better than Elektra or Catwoman (because really, what wasn't) but not by much. The comic book miniseries Origin showcased Wolverine's origin in a poignant and emotionally dense masterpiece. X-Men Origins: Wolverine took out all the beauty and true terror and replaced it with moronic action sequences and flashy Matrix-y special effects. Not worth the bucks, so hit your local library for a copy. And if you come to mine, ask me for more movie recommendations; I always have a few.

- Tom