The Friday Five: Hugh Jackman

The Friday Five: 

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman is far more than one memorable character, and he's excelled at many different types of movies.  With his animated feature "Missing Link" coming out this week, here are my personal top five Hugh Jackman films.

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#5

Prisoners

Hugh Jackman as worked with amazing directors, and his work with Denis Villleneuve is no exception.  "Prisoners" is more than the sum of its parts, and provides an intense, heavily dramatic ride through the depths of despair and what a parent would do to save their child.  Jackman plays a father whose daughter goes missing, and must take the law into his own hands in hopes of finding her alive, and he truly gives an impassioned, top-notch performance.

#4

 The Prestige

Along with Denis Villeneuve, Christopher Nolan is one of today's most thought-provoking directors who offer unique twists and turns when you least suspect them.  With "The Prestige," Jackman plays Robert Angier, a magician who comes into direct competition with another magician - Christian Bale's Alfred Borden - as the two men continually try to one-up the other.  The result is a mind-bending drama that more than lives up to its name, offering compelling performances (especially by Jackman) and an unbelievable ending.

#3

 The Greatest Showman

Not many people know Hugh Jackman was an acclaimed actor on stage before landing his big moment on the big screen, but he never lost his love for the theatrical, and "The Greatest Showman" showcases his vocal range in amazing ways.  This film was his passion project, as he's wanted to tell the story (albeit very, very, VERY loosely) of the famed circus founder P.T. Barnum for years, and the final outcome is a crowd-pleasing song-and-dance film with memorable songs, great performances, and stunning choreography. 

#2

 Les Miserables

Based off one of the best-known pieces of literature, "Les Miserables" finds Hugh Jackman playing the main character Jean Valjean, a convict who is paroled after nineteen years of hard labor, and finds himself on the run from officer Javert as he also takes in young Cosette after her mother's death, which changes both their lives forever.  Jackman earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance, and he gives a stirring, heartfelt, poignant performance.

#1

 Logan

American audiences will always remember Hugh Jackson for playing one role - Wolverine.  He played the character for seventeen years, spanning several movies, all of which culminated in the critically acclaimed "Logan."  His swan song for the character he helped re-create is nothing short of brilliant, as a now aged Logan looks back on his very long life as he also helps take a young mutant to safety brings his character full-circle, culminating in a heavily emotional finale and sendoff of the famed Wolverine.  It was a shame he didn't get the recognition he deserved.