Why critics are calling 'Logan' the 'best superhero movie ever'

"Logan" is finally out in theaters this weekend, and the R-rated film is already getting high praise from critics and audiences alike. Critics are impressed with the script: It's gritty, violent, and balances the intense action sequences expected from a superhero movie with the quiet drama expected from a completely different one.

It also stands out amid the X-Men franchise and superhero movies in general, and is likely to change them for the better.

See why critics are calling "Logan" one of the best superhero movies ever — even the best — below:

It’s dark and risky.

"It is uncompromising in its brutality and fearless in its reverence of these iconic characters. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, and what creative freedom can produce. Goodbye bub. You've changed superhero movies forever." —Hindustan Times

"The film celebrates the medium by taking itself seriously, with an added hint of apology for the genre's earlier sins. Best of all, there's an element of risk." —San Francisco Chronicle

It’s so good, you might forget it’s a comic-book movie.

“The only problem with calling it the boldest and most affecting superhero flick in many years is that it's barely a superhero movie at all.” —NPR

“The best superhero movie ever is more about the curse of super powers than super powers. Maybe that's why it's the best superhero movie ever.” —Tri-City Herald

Hugh Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine is incredibly satisfying.

“Jackman's performance is Clint Eastwood-esque, and the lines in Jackman's face tell the story of his worn character; he plays Wolverine as a man at the end of his line, adding at least a decade to his 48 years.” —Detroit News

“'Logan' is as understated a masterpiece as there's ever been, delivering the Wolverine film we've all been waiting for, and if this truly is Hugh Jackman's final time playing him, he has definitely left the series on a high note.” —Starburst

It’s so many movies rolled into one — and it totally works.

“'Logan' is a family drama, an action thriller and an epic superhero story. If this is indeed Jackman's last Wolverine film, he's going out in heartfelt, high-class style.” —Associated Press

“On its own terms, Logan is a crackerjack piece of work: The dialogue is crisp, the staging snappy, and the action scenes really pop.” —Vulture

The ambitious script is crucial to the success of the movie.

“Logan was written by Scott Frank, Mr. Mangold, and Michael Green. Their script is the crucial ingredient of this impressive production, a model of ambition, complexity, and old-fashioned showmanship that's matched by Mr. Mangold's direction." —Wall Street Journal

The actions works, but so does the drama.

“While there are action sequences, the quiet moments work best. One gets a 'Shawshank' vibe as the men longingly look into one another's eyes expressing platonic love as only two original X-Men can. Yes, fanboy, this movie is for you, and count me in.” —Daily Film Mix

"Entertaining as they are, Marvel movies aren't expected to be this mature, this dark or this human. This is a bold, coherent story inspired by a comic book, not slavishly based on it." —Minneapolis Star Tribune