Joey Magidson
As I wrote last time I did this, Hugh Jackman will forever be known as Wolverine. Both in X-Men films and in solo adventures, he’s become iconic as Logan, so even if he did just that, he’d be an actor of note. However, he’s far more than that, as he’s a song and dance man, as well as a talented dramatic actor. With Deadpool & Wolverine having hit theaters last year and Jackman currently in cinemas now with Song Sung Blue, it seems like a perfect time to take a new look at some of his best work to date. So, that’s exactly what I did.
In my review of Song Sung Blue (here), I praised Jackman, alongside co-star Kate Hudson, like so:
Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman are both excellent here, fully invested in all sides of their complicated characters. Each find so many shades to play in these winning roles For Hudson, it stands with Almost Famous as her best work to date, while Jackman is his reliably winning self. Hudson has a chance at being a factor in the Best Actress race, as her second half performance is something to witness. That takes nothing away from Jackman, who’s very good, but Hudson is definitely best in show. That being said, this is the exact type of role you know he can kill it with, so there’s a ton of pleasure in seeing him do just that.
Previously, in my review of Deadpool & Wolverine (here), I had this to say about Jackman’s return as Logan:
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds are clearly delighted not just to playing these roles one more time, but also to be working together. Their chemistry is terrific, whether arguing, outright fighting, or actually getting along. Their interplay is a hoot. Jackman putting on the claws one more time could have been seen as a waste of goodwill, but he’s not only more violent than we’ve ever seen him, he’s full of heart. The emotional core of Logan/Wolverine is one of the movie’s highlights. It’s a true performance, rather than simply a gimmick or paycheck.
Below, you can see how Jackman stacks up for me now. His best turn as Wolverine, by far, is in Logan, though you’ll have to see where Deadpool & Wolverine slots in here this time around, compared to the X-Men outings. Beyond superhero work, he’s extraordinary in Bad Education, as well as in The Fountain, even if the latter is very much something I respond to more than most. Where does The Front Runner or Prisoners rank? What about some of his other noteworthy work? Plus, where do I have Song Sung Blue debuting? You’re about to find out…
Here now is my new list of the ten best performances so far by Hugh Jackman. Behold:
Honorable Mention: Australia, Butter, Kate & Leopold, Les Misérables, X-Men, and X2
10. Scoop
9. Eddie the Eagle
7. The Prestige
6. The Front Runner
5. Prisoners
3. The Fountain
2. Logan
1. Bad Education
What are your favorite Hugh Jackman performances? Let us know!
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