The reviews on "Wolverine" are decidedly mixed, but that didn't stop it from having a great opening weekend.  Directed by Academy Award-winner Gavin Hood, the film is the first from Hugh Jackman and John Palermo's new production company, Seed Productions. Zack Snyder turned down the chance to direct because he was busy with "Watchmen".  He also reportedly wanted to go for an "R" rating, whereas the production company preferred a PG-13 rating.

The movie is "loosely based" on the Marvel Comics character, and it's this looseness that's upsetting some fans, who've been leaving less than polite comments all over the Internet. Also, some reviewers see the film as a lame attempt to cash in on the X-Men franchise popularity without actually expanding or improving it.  And although it was being hyped as being "Bigger than 'Iron Man' ", it in fact didn't have quite as good an opening weekend.

There were a lot of physical transformations undergone by the cast before filming began. Several actors, including Hugh Jackman, underwent high-intensity weight training to prepare.  Will.i.am, of the band "Black Eyed Peas", has a role in the film, and he enrolled himself in a boot camp to bulk up in preparation. And actor Patrick Stewart ("Star Trek: The Next Generation) underwent so-called "digital de-aging" for his uncredited cameo. Wonder when that technology is going to be available to the rest of us? :)

So what do you think? Does this movie add anything, or is it just an attempt to cash in? Does this movie have anything to offer other than lots of buff bodies? And the burning question in my mind - do you think Jackman's mutton chop sideburns are going to become the latest fashion trend?