X-Men Origins: Wolverine packed with hard-hitting action

I can't really say I remember watching any of the episodes in the X-Men movie series so I went to watch the latest one, X-Men Origins : Wolverine with a new and fresh interest. That very same interest resulted in my utmost enjoyment of the blockbuster.

Many were afraid that Mzansi director Gavin Hood will not measure up in the franchise for some odd and unexplanable reason. Needless to say, he brought the goods and very hard too. Although some may feel that he succumbed to Hollywood standards with the usage of extensive special effects, what other superhero movies hasn't dabbled in such animations. That's exactly where the excitement stems from when watching that type of a movie.

Reprising his role in this prequel to what has become one of the biggest franchises, Australian actor Hugh Jackman displays his knack for an action flick that has seen him garner much adolation from the industry and fans alike. This time he is accompanied by big names such Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds, amongst others, in bringing to life the story of where it all started for his Logan/Wolverine character. Proving more of his talent, he is accredited as one of the producers of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a feat never easy for just any actor.

I've got to mention that I was very impressed with artist/procuder Will.i.am. Seeing his name on the opening credits ignited a feeling of angst because I always take issue with singers/artists branching off into acting and not really cracking it. Of course there are a few exceptions to this, on top of head thinking about Queen Latifah, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Gregory Hines, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Bette Midler, Cher, and Tyrese; who all have been able to transition smoothly and very well from one discipline to the other. But I digress. My point is that Will.i.am was bearable in his role.

Another actor that caught my attention was Hakeem Kae-Kazim, the Nigerian actor (who once lived in South Africa, very popular for his Fresca advert) who has appeared briefly in big blockbusters including Pirates Of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.

Overall, X-Men Origins: Wolverine did what is set out to do, entertain. X-Men fans will certainly enjoy it. And the fact that all these positive facts are attached to a South African director makes for even more excitement. We need to prove to the world that we are just as capable of producing such big blockbusters, so, go out and there watch Gavin Hood's take on the franchise, his latest directoral project, X-Men Origins: Wolverine when it opens at cinemas nationwide on Thursday, 30th April 2009, a day before the rest of the world sees it on Friday, 01st of May 2009.