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!

 

Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) (Movie Review)

  There’s been much debate on what Walt Disney’s greatest achievement was in film. Some say “Pinocchio” was his best, others say “Mary Poppins” or “Fantasia”, but for me personally, no other movie from Walt Disney himself was more special … then the one that started it all. Whether you love it or hate it, view it as timeless or dated, the 1937 animated picture “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a significant touchstone in motion picture history, and paved the way for countless other classics to come. Beyond being the first animated picture from the Disney studio, this film is arguably the reason we have so many classic animated achievements in film today, whether it be the advanced CGI of “Toy Story” or breathtaking Japanese anime’s like “Spirited Away”, Snow White was a contribution to their being here. Even some of our favorite live-action classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and even “Star Wars” owe something to this film. Needless to say, I felt the time was right to finally sit-down and review one of my all-time favorite animated pictures.  

   In a far-off kingdom, the evil Queen of the land is obsessed with being “Fairest of All”, and the one wrinkle is her stepdaughter, the Princess Snow White, who despite being reduced to palace servant and wearing rags, will always be more beautiful and fairer than the wicked monarch. The Queens jealousy reaches a boiling point, and the Princess soon finds herself running for dear life … before her stepmother can take it. She finds sanctuary in a small cottage deep in the woods, and very soon meets the occupants … seven little men, referred to as Dwarfs, and each with one distinct character trait that’s addressed in each of their names. While initially startled by their unexpected guest, she quickly contributes to improving their lifestyles, and earns a place in their home. Little do they know, the Evil Queen is cooking up a plan to seal Snow Whites fate for good … and it revolves around one very rotten piece of fruit. 

  Released during the latter half of the Great Depression, and with the tension of World War II just around the corner, Walt Disney had one very important goal in mind with Snow White … beyond telling a layered story with layered characters, and deep morals or ambitious themes … “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” needed to be an escape … a chance for audiences to simply forget about all the troubles surrounding them, and be swept away into something special. In this regard, Snow White is all about “feelings”, and how each moment triggers a different emotion. While the majority of the movie is positive and upbeat, it’s not a one-note experience either. The film honestly runs the whole gambit with sequences that are cheerful, spooky, romantic, funny, exciting, heartbreaking, and all-around magical. While many can argue this approach was perfected, and certainly elevated with both “Pinocchio” and “Fantasia”, I personally find something incredibly warm and comforting about Snow White that’s always resonated with me a little more than it’s successors.     

  First off, the film is exploding with iconography, to the point where, even if you haven’t seen this movie, you’re probably still familiar with the visuals and moments of the film. The silhouettes of the Dwarfs walking home as they sing “Heigh-Ho”, the poisoned apple, Snow White being awaken by a kiss, even The Magic Mirror, who’s only on screen for a few moments is a staple in both animation and pop culture. The animation itself looks fantastic, with gorgeous backgrounds and active environments. While maybe not as polished as the animation of today, I still think it looks wonderful, and broke so much ground for its time. Even the life-like movement of the characters was a technical achievement.  

  Speaking of characters, let's talk about our Seven Dwarfs … Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey. 

I understand there’s been some controversy regarding them, and Dwarfs in general, but I want to push all that aside and just focus on these characters as is, because for me, they are a big part of what makes this movie so appealing. While each only has one character trait tied into their names, it’s their interactions off each other that makes them so appealing. I love when they butt-heads with each other, or when they talk in unison, and we see their different personalities bounce off one another … it’s absolutely delightful. Dopey of course stood out as the silent, beardless one, and his goofy antics made him a favorite for many kids. For me, my favorite character has always been good old Grumpy. He’s the tough guy of the group who has the most attitude, but a heart of gold underneath, and arguably has the biggest arc of the characters. His little relationship with Snow White is at the heart of the film, and seeing him go from the most dismissive of her, to the most loving of her presence is really quiet touching.

  Aside from Grumpy, another ace up this film’s sleeve is the villain, who still has a secure spot among my all-time favorites in the Disney animation line-up. 

While the Evil Queens character and motivations are very simple, she still works as an engaging driving force in the narrative. What makes her one of my personal favorites is her presentation, as she has not one … but two iconic personas, both as the Queen and as The Old Witch. There's nothing I enjoy more from a single character then a wide range of theatrics, and this evil witch hit all the theatrical checkmarks. As the Queen she was quiet, menacing and had this permanent frown on her face. On the flip side, as the old witch she always had this wicked smile, she was loud, cackling, frightening, and was enjoying every second of what she was doing. There’s something thematically rich about her being happiest in the form that best reflects what she is, versus her more joyless persona in the form she was aiming to be. With two different portrayals of evil from one character, it made her all the more fun to watch, and a great first villain in a long line-up of classic animated rouges. She also set a number of standards for villains moving forward, including an outfit comprised of purple and black colors, and a transition scene that focuses on her eyes, while everything else fades to black.  

  Finally, we have Princess Snow White herself, who will always be special, as she was the first in a long line-up of now iconic animated Princesses, and has one of the most original looks and costume designs of the bunch. 

That being said, her character is admittedly not on the same high bar as many of her successors. In fact, unlike most of the others, Snow White doesn’t really have a personal goal that’s driving the narrative. It’s mostly what she needs in the moment, whether it be finding a place to stay, or contributing to the Dwarfs. She mentions in passing that she wants her Prince to come, but that’s more of a side note, and not really what the story is structured around. The strengths of her character come from how lovable she is … infectiously so. Of all the Disney Princesses, Snow White is arguably the most child-like in personality and spirit, but she’s still mature enough to be a mother figure for the Dwarfs, knowing the values of keeping a house tidy, and washing before dinner. Her voice is something of an acquired taste, as it’s not exactly a lovely voice … but it’s unique, and compliments her personality. Quick side note … I love that she prays before going to bed, as that’s a detail we rarely get from these characters.  

  Another quality to the film that puts it above my feelings for future animated princess films is its occasional spooky content and imagery. Despite being an escape during frighting times, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” still contains some of the best spooky visuals and creepy moments from any animated family film.  

My absolute favorite scene was always when Snow White went running into the woods, and her frightened imagination transforms the setting into a nightmarish land full of scary monsters. The designs and imagery on display are all awesome, but what really made the scene so effective is just seeing one of Disney’s cutest princesses caught in the middle of all this horror. I'll admit, even when I was a kid, I found this scene more exciting and cool then actually frightening. What did scare me was The Old Witch’s transformation scene, as it was arguably my introduction to "body-horror". For me, a proper family movie experience just isn’t complete without some frightening moments. After Snow Whites scare in the woods, it segues into her “Smile and a Song” number, which wouldn’t have been as welcoming if it didn’t have this creepy scene beforehand.

 On that note, I always find myself forgetting how much I like the music in this film, although I like them more for the sequences than the songs themselves. The Dwarfs “Silly Yodel Song” isn’t one of the great Disney song numbers, but it easily makes for one of the most fun and rewatchable segments of the film. The big “Whistle While You Work” number is good, but I like it more as an expression of turning mundane choirs into something positive and upbeat … I think “Mary Poppins” took some inspiration from this. Snow Whites “Some Day my Prince Will Come” is probably the most decorated song of the film, and had a solid cover by Barbra Streisand decades later. Even the orchestral score is quiet uplifting, and was nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Original Movie Score.

  I will admit that the narrative isn’t as strong as the majority of Disney films to follow, and there are moments when the pacing can be a little off. When the Dwarfs have their goofy bath song, it’s a cheerful sequence on its own, but it is the moment when I feel things need to pick-up a little. Once we segue into the films third act, the movie really finds its footing, and delivers some of its best moments. We have the suspense of The Old Witch enticing the Princess with the poisoned apple, followed by the excitement of the Dwarfs chasing her down amidst a rainstorm, and the satisfaction of the villain's death as she plummets from a cliff side. Her scream would be reused in a number of animated Disney features down the road.

  Snow Whites funeral scene absolutely holds-up as one of the most effective heart breaking moments, not just because we lost our Princess, but because it brings the biggest emotional response out of Grumpy, which always got to me when I was a kid. It’s also a nice lengthy scene that forces kids to sit in this melancholy moment, and even for the characters, it’s something that lasts for years, and doesn’t get resolved right away. 

Because of this, I feel the movie earns its triumphant happy ending with Snow White being reawakened, everyone celebrating, while she and her nameless prince ride off to their castle in the sky. Obviously, this ending is another moment that’s had mixed revaluations over the years, and is considered by many to be the weakest part of the film … at least from a narrative perspective, which is true, but I wouldn’t say it’s devoid of emotional resonance. In comparison to the following “Sleeping Beauty”, I didn’t care for the princess, didn’t feel the impact of her loss, didn’t feel any satisfaction in her return, and saw it for the dated product that it was. While the faults are obvious in Snow Whites ending, I still felt the emotion, both from Snow Whites loss, and her return, so I feel it still works.

  Like I said in the opening, whether you like the film or not, it’s still one of the great milestones in early film, and set the standard for theatrical animated pictures for decades to come. Walt Disney won an Honorary Academy Award for his achievement on Snow White, and it’s been preserved as culturally significant. 

For me, you couldn’t ask for a more wholesome and innocent family film than “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, as it’s such a timeless treasure that no family should be without. For many kids, it was one of the very first animated movies they ever saw, and thus one of the most nostalgic movies ever made. Warm memories aside, the film still works as a blissful little escape, and leaves me feeling rejuvenated every time. The songs are still charming, the characters are unforgettable, and the storytelling is light as air, which makes this one of the most simplistic, yet magical experiences you could ask for … and that’s good enough for me. While I wouldn’t call this my all-time favorite animated Disney offering, it is still personally my favorite movie to come from Walt Disney himself during his lifetime.

Thanks for reading my review of Disney's 1937 animated classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!