The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board. May contain spoilers for various Hugh Jackman movies.
With Hugh Jackman visiting Ball State’s campus recently, we at Byte have been thinking about our favorite movies of his. Jackman is primarily involved in musical movies such as Les Misérables, and Oklahoma! (1999), but he is also credited with originating the on-screen role of Wolverine in X-Men. In no particular order, here is a collection of our favorite Jackman films.
‘The Greatest Showman’
Suggested by Byte members Viveka Flora, Aleidha Rendon-Limon, and Aynsley Kuckewich.
This movie musical beautifully combines Jackman’s talent for acting with his incredible singing. Following the life of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), the movie depicts his rise to fame as a circus leader for those who feel like outcasts. The theming reminds viewers to celebrate their unique traits. The soundtrack of this movie contains songs like “From Now On” and “Come Alive” that are both catchy and inspiring.
‘The Prestige’
Suggested by Byte member Liv Young.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film follows stage magician rivals after a failed trick. The film is based on a book by the same name and follows a nonlinear narrative, making it all the more interesting. Robert Angier is a perfect role for Jackman because it combines his understanding of stage performance with his on-screen acting in an interesting way.
‘Rise of the Guardians’
Suggested by Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig and Byte member Aynsley Kuckewich.
This animated movie follows various mythological beings' attempts to protect children while the villain Pitch Black (Jude Law) tries to overthrow them. Jackman voices the incredibly Australian and dry-humored Bunnymund, meant to represent the Easter Bunny. Despite Rise of the Guardians being largely unsuccessful at the box office upon its release, the film is a fun watch.
‘Les Misérables’
Suggested by Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig.
Les Misérables follows Jackman as Jean Valjean during 19th-century France. The musical is based on some elements of history, with the June Rebellion occurring parallel to the main story. Social injustice is a major theme of this musical, and with songs such as “Do You Hear the People Sing,” it can be incredibly moving.
‘Prisoners’
Suggested by Byte’s Reviews/Features Editor Ian Case.
In this film, Jackman plays a father named Keller Dover whose daughter and friend go missing. The crime drama follows Keller taking the investigation into his own hands after Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) fails to apprehend the suspect. Viola Davis and Paul Dano also make appearances in this suspenseful and star-studded movie. Jackman’s performance contributes to the Prisoners’ ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
‘Happy Feet’
Suggested by Byte’s Lead Copy Editor Sam Jasionowski and Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig.
Another star-studded film: Happy Feet. This movie is an absolute classic, with voice acting done by Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, and Nicole Kidman in addition to Jackman. The main story follows Mumble (Elijah Wood), the tap-dancing penguin, as he travels across Antarctica in order to find himself and understand why there are fewer fish in the local waters. Jackman voices Memphis, who is Mumble’s dad. You can never go wrong with a movie about a tap dancing penguin.
‘Bad Education’
Suggested by Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig.
Based on a true story of embezzlement from a school district, Bad Education follows Jackman’s character, Dr. Frank Tassone, as he works with his colleague to cover up their theft. The film plays with the interesting dichotomy of Jackman’s character having the appearance of a put-together all-American role model while he commits extensive amounts of crime. This film also includes an appearance by Rafael Casal, who is another of my favorite actors. Casal’s role as Kyle allows an exploration of a different side of Tassone’s story outside of the embezzlement: closeted queerness. The story within Bad Education is complex and interesting due in part to yet another successful performance by Jackman.
‘Oklahoma!' (1999)
Suggested by Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig.
Not only is this another great musical that Jackman performs in, but he also plays a pining frontier cowboy. As Curly McLain, Jackman attempts to catch the attention of Laurey Williams (Josefina Gabrielle) while competing with Jud Fry (Shuler Hensley). What more could you want but Jackman singing beautifully with curly hair and cowboy boots?
‘Flushed Away’
Suggested by Byte’s Lead Copy-Editor Sam Jasionowski.
I’ll admit, this movie was an unexpected addition to this list, but here it sits. In Flushed Away, Jackman voices a distinguished rat named Roddy who gets flushed down a toilet and is forced to find a way out with help from Ratropolis rats (yes, this is the real city name). As if this wasn’t strange enough, an evil toad (Ian McKellen) also wants to exterminate the rats of the city. What a way for Wolverine and Magneto to reunite. While I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of viewing this movie myself, I’m sure it is a hilarious watch.
‘Kate & Leopold’
Suggested by Byte member Andie Zelaya.
Kate & Leopold combines the genres of sci-fi and rom-com to create a unique viewing experience. Jackman plays Leopold, who accidentally time-travels to modern—or 2001 modern anyway—New York and falls in love with Kate (Meg Ryan). The premise of the film may seem a little ridiculous, and the time travel logic is definitely suspect, but Jackman’s performance is charming and generally well-received.
‘X-Men’
Suggested by Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig and Byte member Kalie Phillips-Shaw.
Out of all the movies on this list, this one has to be my personal favorite. Jackman’s performance as Logan Howlett, better known as Wolverine, is truly incredible. This first movie in the X-Men series is particularly memorable not only because it is the beginning, but also because of its powerful messaging and interesting plot. This role is certainly one of Jackman’s most memorable, he even reprised it in Deadpool and Wolverine after stating that he would not be coming back as Wolverine. Looking back to the first X-Men movie certainly brings back fond memories of the start of Jackman’s run as Logan.
‘Logan’
Suggested by Byte’s Reviews/Features Editor Ian Case and Byte’s Editor-in-Chief Willow Emig.
Speaking of Jackman’s role as Wolverine, Logan is yet another incredible film. The distinction from X-Men as a film on this list is due to how far in the future this film is set and how much older this Wolverine is said to be. We also get to meet Laura (Dafne Keen), who is a younger mutant with similar enhancements to Wolverine. Her storyline adds a lot to the plot. This film is the final installment in the original version of Wolverine, as he dies at the end. Jackman’s performance in this movie is a particularly powerful one.
Sources: IMDb, CardinalMediaNewsLink, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, Spotify, Spotify, IMDb, IMDb, Goodreads, IMDb, IMDb, TheGuardian, Britannica, Spotify, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb, IMDb
Photos: CreativeCommons, Photos in article all taken from promotional poster material (IMDb)
