Jim Sheridan has always been able to coax good performances from his actors and here he gets exceptional work from his cast.
It was, perhaps, a risky venture making an origin story for Wolverine. It could have proved to be nothing more than a cash cow, and/or an excuse to show off...
Translating a literary page-turner into a cinematic seat-warmer is a big ask. "It's not as good as the book" will be the inevitable mutter.