My Top 10 James Earl Jones Movie Roles

 

On September 9^th 2024, we lost one of the great long-standing actors … James Earl Jones. He had one of the most recognizable voices on the planet, he was a pioneer for black actors, and had a sensational career across various stage shows, Television roles, movies, voice acting, and his credentials just keep going. He was also one of the rare talents to achieve notoriety from the Tony’s, Emmys, Grammys and Oscars. 

For me, when I was a little kid, he was one of the very first voice actors I knew by name, and as I grew up, I viewed even more of his talents in live-action, and gradually discovered there was so much more to him than just his commanding voice. Funny enough, he actually had a Stutter problem sense childhood, and acting helped him overcome his disability. Even when in a bad movie, he still managed to be a bright spot, or was at least something positive to take away from the experience. So, I wanted to take a minuet and rank my own personal top 10 favorite movie roles of his and arrange them based on my own feelings of them.

 

#10 Jones as Coach Frank Couzo from “Best of the Best” (1989)

“This has nothing to do with winning, if those boys do their best and fail, I'll still be proud, but if they don't give it their all and I don't give them mine, then it's my failure and my disgrace.”

This was one of those decade Sports movies that didn’t impress critics at the time, but it’s grown a fan base over the years, which is appreciated as I quite like the film myself. James Earl Jones plays the aggressive and often angry coach, who deep down has a big heart, and just wants to see his team give their all … victory or not. It’s a cliched genera staple to be sure, but Jones plays it with full sincerity, and keeps the character engaging, even though we know every beat these players are going to make. Maybe not the best sports movie ever made, but certainly a winning experience, and one with great talent on display.  

 

#9 Jones as Kibosh from “Casper: A Spirited Beginning” (1997)

 “Silence! When I want your help, I’ll beat it out of you!”

Next to 1977’s “Exorcist 2: The Heretic”, this is probably the other worst movie James Earl Jones has ever been attached to … certainly the worst reviewed. However, I have a childhood connection to this one, and just couldn’t avoid mentioning it. That’s not to say I have any nostalgia for the movie itself, even when I was a kid, I found this Casper prequel to be boring and frequently unpleasant. With that said, the one positive take away was Jones as the voice of a supernatural overlord of the underworld. 

While the ghostly villain Kibosh is rather one-note, we got the novelty of hearing Jones apply theatrics to the character absent from his other villain roles … including a juicy maniacal laugh … and with his voice, it’s as epic as wicked laughs get. Beyond that, when I was a kid, this was my first time identifying the talent by name, and recognizing him as the same voice behind other favorite characters of mine, making this a significant chapter in my viewing experiences with the actor. 

 

#8 Jones as King Jaffe Joffer from “Coming to America” (1988) (and its 2021 sequel)

"Who are you ... a man who's never tied his own shoes. Wrong! You are a Prince who's never tied his own shoes. Believe me son, I tied my own shoes once. It is an overrated experience." 

The 1988 comedy “Coming to America” is often cited as one of Eddie Murphys greatest comedies, and by extent one of his best performances … which it is … but not to be overlooked is a talented all-star African American cast, with James Earl Jones stealing every one of his scenes as Murphy’s overbearing and traditional father. In many respects, Jones seemed born to play an African King … something he’d be casted as a number of times … and even though this film is played for laughs, Jones still has a commanding and intimidating presence as a King, while also flexing his comedic chops, and displaying plenty of likability underneath his stern attitude. It was fortunate that before the actor’s passing, he got to reprise the role for the 2021 sequel. 

 

#7 Jones as Thulsa Doom from “Conan the Barbarian” (1982)

“Steel isn’t strength boy … flesh is stronger!”

Conan is one of those 80’s fantasy pictures that was campy, yet appealing for its time … and it’s still quite enjoyable all these years later. In the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the titular barbarian, and is out for revenge against the evil sorcerer Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones. With the film’s frequently hammy tone, and following on the heels of “Star Wars”, you’d think Jones would play-up his theatrics, and make the evil wizard as bombastic as possible. Instead, he plays against expectations, and is more restrained, giving the character more nuance. While I wouldn’t place Thulsa Doom among the all-time great fantasy villains, he’s certainly a memorable one, and highlights how versatile Jones is when playing different villain roles. As a side note, behind the scenes, Jones and Arnold aided each other, with Jones providing acting tips, and Schwarzenegger helping his costar build his physical appearance.

 

#6 Jones as Jack Jefferson from “The Great White Hope” (1970)

“I’m from the Jungle like you baby, and I can hear the drums!”

While there are still five more movie roles from Jones that I have more fondness for … I think a fair argument could be made that his portrayal of real-life boxer Jack Johnson (referred to as Jefferson in the movie and stage play) is James Earl Jones greatest performance. He already shined in the role on stage, along with his co-star Jane Alexander, and once they both reprised their leading roles for the 1970 movie, it was time to get their Oscar tickets ready. This was James Earl Jones only time getting nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Actor, and while he didn’t win … he made it clear that a new young talent had been discovered, and was here to stay. 

Also of note, after Sidney Poitier, Jones was one of the very first male African American actors to be nominated for Best Actor. While his Jack Jefferson role wasn’t the most likable character, his portrayal of the boxer is easily his most emotionally devastating, and impossible to take your eyes off of. The movie overall has mixed qualities, but it’s well worth seeing just for the young James Earl Jones at the early stages of his career, and delivering one of his sharpest performances.   

 

#5 Jones as Admiral James Greer from “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), “Patriot Games” (1992), and “Clear and Present Danger” (1994)

“Watch you back Jack!”

When it comes to movie adaptions of Tom Clancy’s novels, there have certainly been some strong ones, with the reoccurring character of Admiral James Greer played by a number of actors, including Morgan Freeman. However, it’s James Earl Jones portrayal of the character in the early 90’s films that I always think back on with the most fondness, and it’s always how I picture the character from the novels. The 1990 cold-war thriller “The Hunt for Red October” has always been a favorite of mine, and Jones presence as the Admiral certainly adds to the strengths of the film, even when surrounded by other noteworthy stars. His on-screen chemistry with Harison Ford in the latter films is also noteworthy … and of course being a “Star Wars” fan, it’s just great to see the talents of Han Solo and Darth Vader together in a different form.  

 

#4 Jones as Mufasa from Disney’s “The Lion King” franchise (1994-2019)

“I’m only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.”

For me, and many kids from the 90’s, our initial introduction to James Earl Jones was as the voice of Mufasa from Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King”, and he’s certainly one of my favorite animated characters from the studio. Not only does Jones give Mufasa a sense of leadership and dignity, but he even has a little mischievous side, which I like. When Zazu is giving his morning report, he doesn’t scold Simba for leaping around, or not paying attention, and instead plays along with his son … “let a pro show you how it’s done”. 

Still, he teaches his son proper ethics, which balances out. He’s like the greatest parent character from any animated movie I grew up with. Even when I watched this movie as a kid, I always wanted Mufasa to be the main central character, and maybe Simba could be like the boy from “Shane” who’s the one observing all the events that unfold. Even though that wasn’t the case, Mufasa has his place as one of my favorite animated Disney characters, and it was a solid introduction to one of the greatest vocal talents to ever live.

 

#3 Jones as Mr. Mertle from “The Sandlot” (1993) (and its 2005 sequel)

"You're in trouble aren't you son ... wait, George signed this ... I take it back, you’re not in trouble ... you’re dead where you stand!"

I should start by saying that the 1993 sports picture “The Sandlot”, is one of my all-time favorite movies, and by extent, I have great fondness for everyone in this film. Even among all the sensational child talents, James Earl Jones leaves a lasting impression as the elusive neighbor Mr. Mertle, who secretly loves Baseball just as much as our lead heroes. This actually marked the first time I saw the actor in live-action, and it was a special moment of discovering his strengths outside of voice acting. He’s always a winning talent, and despite only being on screen for a few minutes … I still view this as one of the greatest roles of his whole career. He is just so infectiously lovable in this film, and he plays it as if it's the role he’s wanted his whole life. Jones was after all the only actor to return for the 2005 sequel (not including the narrator). Needless to say, I love everything about "The Sandlot", and Jones has his place among the film's quality offerings.     

 

#2 Jones as Darth Vader from the “Star Wars” franchise (1977-2019)

“Impressive … Most Impressive … but you are not a Jedi Yet!”

Okay … cards on the table … of all the characters Jones has brought to life … Darth Vader is absolutely my favorite. However, it would be too easily and predictable to place him at number one … and there’s one other performance I like a little more. That said … Jones as the voice of Darth Vader is about as iconic as they get. Beyond his deep, booming vocals, Jones performance is what gave Vader his history and pathos, even before the story itself revealed his origins. It’s also the character he’s reprised the most over the course of five movies (six if you include “Rise of Skywalker”), animated series, live-actions shows, and multiple specials. 

His various quotes are unforgettable, and each film or show featuring Vader gives Jones a variety of different tones to work with. His vocal performance in “Empire Strikes Back” is his most intimidating and sinister, but my favorite has always been his performance in “Return of the Jedi”, in which he gave the character a more sympathetic and human side. No matter how you slice it, Darth Vader is one of the iconic movie characters, and Jones vocal portrayal of him is one of the all-time greats.

 

Before I reveal my Number One favorite James Earl Jones movie role, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …

Rev. Stephen Kumalo from “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995)

Lt. Lothar Zogg from “Dr. Strangelove” (1964)

Ray Murdock from “A Family Thing” (1996)

Host from “Fantasia 2000” (1999)

Martin Luther King, Sr. from “Our Friend Martin” (1999)

 

#1 Jones as Terence Mann from “Field of Dreams” (1989)

“This field, this game … it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come.”

Whenever I think of James Earl Jones as an acting talent … outside of voice acting … it’s his portrayal of sports author Terence Mann that always comes to my mind first. In the 1989 sports fantasy “Field of Dreams”, Terence Mann is an author who retired from writing books and has been reduced to a grumpy old miser. Enter our lead hero Ray, who seeks him out and convinces Terence to take up his writing pin again, which renews the authors faith in own dreams. 

Beyond being my favorite character in the movie, this is the performance that I feel highlights Jone’s range of acting, and he steals the show with every scene he’s in. He’s funny in his stubborn, bedside manner, but he’s also very humble and sincere as later in the film he conveys his words of wisdom to Ray, and it’s just a real joy watching this grumpy old hermit come out of his shell. His introduction scene is especially funny, and his closing monologue near the end of the film is nothing short of sensational. Honestly, it’s my favorite moment of his whole acting career, and it’s my favorite role that the legendary actor portrayed on film.

Thanks for reading my countdown … rest in peace James Earl Jones (1931-2024) … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!

My Top 20 Wolverine Battles from the X-Men Movies

  For ten movies, Hugh Jackman has consistently portrayed Wolverine in live-action, making him the longest standing actor to play a comic-book superhero. By extent, he’s also had more action scenes than any other actor portraying a superhero, and often did his own stunts. It’s quiet the accomplishment, and it shouldn’t go un-celebrated. Thus, the time felt right to stop and rank my top twenty favorite solo Wolverine action scenes from the live-action movies.

 

#20 Protecting his Ride: Wolverine versus the Car Thieves (from “Logan”)

Aside from the special Extended Cut of “The Wolverine”, “Logan” was the first of the characters real R-Rated movies, and it didn’t waste any time to see some brutal action. Right from the start, we see Wolverine battling a group of car thieves … and it is brutal. The set-up is simple, but the sequence is memorable, and it effectively sets the tone for gritty fights that would come later in the film.  

 

#19 Bedroom Brawl: Wolverine versus Hit-Men (from “X-Men: Days of Future Past”)

On a journey through time, Wolverine lands in the past, and in the company of a crime bosses lovely daughter. This gets the attention of some Hitmen, who don’t take Logans offer to just walk away before he breaks out the claws. It’s a short brawl, but a cool sequence all the same, and it highlights that our hero can be just as awesome with bone claws, instead of his slicker metal claws.

#18 Lumber Yard Rumble: Wolverine vs Sabretooth (from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”)

After losing his love Silver Fox at the hands of his savage brother, Wolverine finds himself out for blood, leading into his first of many showdowns with his arch foe Sabretooth. For all this movies faults, Liev Schreiber made for a terrific Sabretooth, and their first match-up in the abandoned lumber yard is suitably white knuckled … or sharp clawed, given both their trademark weapons. Of their many fights, this is the only one with some urgency, as Wolverine takes a wallop, and is left beaten. It’s hard to have suspense in a battle between immortals, but this Lumber brawl at least had some tension, and fine use of the surroundings.

 

#17 Testing his Metal: Wolverine versus the Silver Samurai (from “The Wolverine”)

In this frequently criticized final battle, we see Wolverine engage a giant metal robot called The Silver Samurai. While I have great fondness for this movie overall, this battle is admittedly out of place with the established tone and presentation of the film. Having said that ... this is still a fairly awesome set-piece on its own. Seeing Wolverine go up against a robot soldier three times his size is nothing short of awesome, and the indoor location of this giant tower is really cool, as it allows the characters to cover a lot of ground. 

Not to mention, The Silver Samurai poses a real threat to Wolverine, and he’s the only adversary who can actually cut through his metal claws. It’s still at odds with the film as a whole, and the villain barely resembles his comic book counterpart, but the battle on its own is still worth highlighting.

 

#16 Brothers in Arms: Wolverine and Sabretooth versus Weapon 11 (from “X-Men Origins Wolverine”)

The most criticized Wolverine movie is back with another memorable set-piece in its own right. At the end of the film, Wolverine battles a new foe called Weapon 11 (not Deadpool, this is a completely different character) on Three Mile Island in a climactic final showdown. Unfortunately for our lead hero, Weapon 11 has more than just two swords … he also has a wide collection of different mutant powers, and ... I think that’s awesome! I know I’m in the minority about this, but I’ve always wanted to see a character that utilized several powers at once. 

Plus, the final fight scene with Wolverine and Sabretooth teaming up to battle Weapon 11 is fantastic. There’s a novelty in seeing a hero and villain join forces, it’s shot beautifully, it’s a big spectacle, and manages to thrill even though I’m not invested in the characters or story. It’s certainly the goofiest battle of the series, but one that I can take enjoyment from for just how over-the-top it goes.

 

#15 Barn Yard Attack: Wolverine versus Evil Clone [The X-24] (from “Logan”)

While on the run, Logan, his daughter Laura, and Professor X seek refuge on a family farm. It’s a calm and peaceful rest, with Wolverine observing what it means to be part of a family again. Unfortunately, this peace time just can’t last, as an evil Wolverine clone sneaks in, and attempts to kidnap Logans little girl. What results is the bloodiest and most tragic sequence of any X-Men film, and sets-up Wolverines clone as his most lethal adversary by a mile. 

While Logan is successful in rescuing his little girl, the damage is done, and the encounter leaves him emotionally and physically damaged beyond anything his healing powers can withstand. A part of me wants to rank this higher, but there’s a better battle with Wolverine’s evil clone still to come.  

#14 Mansion Raid: Wolverine versus Strikers Soldiers (from “X2: X-Men United”)

While looking after the younger mutants at the X-Mansion, the team’s most ruthless human enemy, Colonel Striker lays siege to the grounds, and aims to take the students into custody. Wolverine naturally is the one opposition standing between the invaders and their targets, and it leads into a memorable set-piece. I’ll admit, I always felt this sequence was holding back from its full potential, and to often cut-away from the action, but with that said … this was a special event for the character. It was Wolverines first battle in which he used his claws to take out a number of attacking adversaries. The standout highlight is Wolverine disposing of an intruder in the kitchen.

 

 #13 Battle at the Campground: Wolverine versus Spike and the Brotherhood (from “X-Men 3: The Last Stand”)

On a personal mission to find, and win back the emotionally lost and confused Jean Grey, Wolverine has to infiltrate the camp sight of Magneto’s Brother Hood of evil Mutants. It doesn’t take long for him to get spotted, resulting in a riveting standoff with the mutant Spike, and various other Brotherhood members. There’s an awesome stunt with Wolverine doing a back flip off a tree, and unlike the previously mentioned battle at the mansion, this fight doesn’t cut away from all the action.   

 

#12 Escaping the Weapon X Base: Wolverine versus Strikers Soldiers (from “X-Men Apocalypse”)

Amidst a mission to stop the evil Apocalypse from ending the world, the X-Men find themselves taken captive by Colonel Striker and his troops. In order to escape, the younger members release the captive Wolverine, who goes into full berserker rage against Strikers Soldiers. It’s debatable whether a solo Wolverine sequence in a non-Wolverine movie was to the films benefit or detriment … but as a sequence in of itself, this is one of the character’s best. It makes up for the lack of a savage escape in his origin movie, and it’s arguably his most violent brawl from any of his PG-13 X-Men pictures.

#11 Battle in the Waist land: Wolverine vs Deadpool and Sabretooth (from “Deadpool and Wolverine”)

Before our two heroes can work together to save Deadpool’s home dimension from utter annihilation, they let out their pent-up rage and anger with each other in the waist lands of 20th Century Fox. It’s always a treat to see two iconic superheroes team-up, and it’s just as big a treat to see them fight each other. Once again, there’s no real danger in seeing two immortals knock each other down, but the setting, the banter and the payoff is all there, and it makes for a very satisfying treat. Also, with a last-minute appearance from Sabretooth, it led to one of the funnier, yet still awesome moments of the film.  

 

#10 The Motorcycle chase: Wolverine vs Agent Zero (from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”)

While on the run from Colonel Striker, and his Weapon X team, Wolverine finds himself fiercely pursued by an armed helicopter and battle vehicles. Once again, despite being one of the more critically maligned entries in the franchise, it’s not without its entertaining highlights. Wolverines big motorcycle chase admittedly has its faults that keep it at the low end of great for me, but it’s still immensely satisfying to see him cutting through the sides of battle jeeps, slicing through gun turrets, and the shot of Wolverine using his claws as a parking brake is one of the character’s most memorable action shots. There’s also great use of practical effects, including a barn that blew-up on set, and even a real helicopter that was totaled for this sequence.    

 

#9 The Funeral Brawl: Wolverine and Yukio versus the Yakuza (from “The Wolverine”)

As Wolverine is paying respects to a late soldier, the funeral and all its occupants are ambushed by Yakuza assassins. Thankfully, Wolverine and his partner Yukio are on hand to battle the invaders. Both the set-up and even the setting itself are fairly simple, but the execution is great, with tight fighting choreography, excellent staging, lots of energy, and there’s even a fair amount of tension as Wolverine’s vulnerable side is exposed. It’s also the battle that launches all the action moving forward, making it one of the most important to the narrative.

 

#8 Battling a shapeshifter: Wolverines versus Mystique (from “X-Men”)

For his first movie, we saw Mystique engage Wolverine in a deeply thrilling scuffle, and it still holds-up as one of our heroes best showdowns. Before we saw Wolverine battle an evil clone in “Logan”, we got to see him battle a shapeshifter taking on his likeness, which makes Hugh Jackman the only other actor to battle himself more than William Shatner did on “Star Trek”. This is also a great-looking sequence, with the red-lighting giving the fight some personality, great use of prop-weapons, and the surprise pay-off at the end is fantastic.  

#7 Car Rumble: Wolverine versus Deadpool (from “Deadpool and Wolverine”)

As established before, Wolverine and Deadpool are a unique pairing of superheroes, who spend as much time fighting each other as they do fighting their enemies. While their initial waist-land match is great, it’s their second battle inside the confines of a car that really stands out as their most creative and entertaining. It’s such a different setting for a fight and manages to work some comedy into the white knuckled action on display.

 

#6 The Bullet Train Chase: Wolverine versus the Yakuza (from “The Wolverine”)

In his efforts to keep the Japanese Princess Mariko (company princess, not country), Wolverine finds himself once again brawling with the ever-persistent Yakuza assassins. Their second engagement culminates in a thrilling set-piece on the roof of a bullet train, and the fight is just as breathless as the locomotive they’re trapped on. Seeing everyone leaping over oncoming obstacles, our hero faking out one of the goons, and an awesome final shot of Wolverine launching himself at one of the assassins, it’s one of the films main highlights, and one of Wolverines iconic set-pieces.

 

#5 Battle on the Crown of the Statue of Liberty: Wolverines versus Sabretooth (from “X-Men”)

When the X-Men are forced to act against Magneto, who’s hatching a plan on the Stature of Liberty, the big highlight is the final duel between Wolverine and Sabretooth on the head-peace of the statue. This is personally one of my favorite action scenes in the whole series, and the head piece is the perfect setting for these two characters to duke it out. 

One of the biggest things I always looked forward to from both the X-Men comics and the T.V. show were the fights between Wolverine and Sabretooth, so it was a big treat to see a live action battle between the two, and while they’d face-off again in other live-action movies, this still stands as their most memorable. While the staging could have been shot a little better, it’s still an iconic set-piece, and features some awesome slow-motion shots, most notably when Wolverine spins on the crown.  

 

#4 Two of a Kind: Wolverine versus Lady Deathstrike (from “X2: X-Men United”)

Universally regarded as one of the greatest action scenes from any superhero movie, Wolverines showdown with Lady Deathstrike absolutely shines as one of Wolverines best fights, with relentless energy on display in the staging, choreography, editing and even camera work. It’s also the perfect setting for these two to scratch-up their surroundings, and it leads to a really cool villain death. 

As established several times on this list, Wolverine frequently battles foes with healing powers and sharp claws, but this one still packs the excitement, the intensity and is just plain awesome. The only thing lacking is any kind of personal conflict between our hero and villain, as that was one of the strengths of their characters in both the show and comics, and had that element been present, this would have been my favorite of Wolverines battles.   

 

#3 Village Battle: Wolverine and Yukio Versus the Black Ninja Clan (from “The Wolverine” [Extended-Cut])

During a mission to protect the air to the largest Japanese company, Wolverine finds himself falling in love with the young woman and is determined to keep her safe. Unfortunately, it’s not too long before she gets kidnaped, and our favorite clawed hero goes in pursuit to rescue her. The scene plays out and is even shot like a classic medieval fable, with the beautiful princess locked in a tower and the brave knight battling various obstacles, with the figurative dragon coming in the form of a young swordsman leading a well-armed band of Ninja’s. 

The ensuing battle with Wolverine fighting the Black Clan in the abandoned village regrettably wasn’t in the theatrical cut of the film, but the extended cut put it back in its rightful place, and it’s personally one of my favorite action scenes of the whole X-Men film series. We have ninjas driving motorcycles on rooftops, along with chain whips, explosions, Yukio drives this massive snowplow and literally shreds the villains in her path ... it’s just crazy awesome! 

The setting is also really cool, and it’s just a refreshing departure from what you’d usually see in an X-Men film. Typically, in these films we only see Wolverine battle another super-powered mutant, but it’s cool to see a clan of ninja’s deliver something new, as well as provide a real challenge for our hero to concur.

 

#2 Getting the Bug Out: Wolverine and Yukio vs Shin-Gin (from “The Wolverine”)

After being put through the ringer, Wolverine finally discovers a genetically created silver fish embedded in his chest, which is slowing down his healing. In order to rescue his friend Marico from the black ninja clan, he undergoes a dangerous surgery on his own to get the bug out. During the operation, he’s attacked by Marico’s wicked father Shin-Gin, who’s ready to finish the job his assassins couldn’t, and Wolverines only defense is his partner Yukio. 

It’s obvious this movie contains most of my favorite Wolverine battles, and this one is my personal favorite. The tension, in-camera action, staging and fight choreography in this sequence is brilliant. It also builds to a sensational payoff with Wolverine defeating his enemy, while embracing his warrior’s name, which he had been dismissive of through the whole film. It could have been my favorite Wolverine battle … if not for one other.  

 

Before I reveal my Number One favorite Wolverine Fight, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …

Wolverine versus Gambit from “X-Men: Origins Wolverine”

Cage Match from “X-Men”

Battle with Juggernaut from “X-Men 3: The Last Stand”

Deadpool Army from “Deadpool & Wolverine”

Boxing with Blob from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

 

#1 His Last Stand: Wolverine and X-23 versus the Reevers and X-24 (from “Logan”)

To no-one’s surprise, the Wolverine battle landing at number one on my list is his brutal and emotional final stand. As we build to the finale, our heroes meet more genetically cloned mutant children who are being hunted by the cybernetic Reavers. The set-up couldn’t be simpler, as it’s just Wolverine and his daughter fighting off armed troopers in the woods, just to keep some kids safe. 

It’s so simplistic, yet it’s so much more engaging than the super-powered brawls we usually get from most comic book films. Seeing Wolverine and X-23 fight side by side is a dream come true. This is also the most intense battle of the X-Men series, as our hero is beaten, bruised, bloody and out of breath the whole time. I wouldn’t have pegged a fight between Wolverine and an evil double ganger to be his most thrilling matchup, but this one really hit it out of the park. 

When the fighting concludes, we get to the films big, emotional highlight ... the death of Wolverine. To kill a big-name superhero like Wolverine is a risky venture if not handled well, but I’m happy to say that it was very well earned in this film … and lands this as my favorite of Wolverines theatrical battles.

That concludes my list, thanks for reading … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!