Based on the ever-popular comic book series (which just happens to be the only one I have ever read and truly enjoyed), X-MEN may appear to just be Fox�s contribution to the action-filled summer, but this is a summer film with a message. Who has never been a position where they felt different, even an outcast? People in our society face prejudices everyday. This is the point X-MEN tries to put out to its audience; everyone is unique, so we should not be intolerant of people for their differences, be it race, gender, or� superhuman power?
X-MEN opens on a powerful scene set in World War II Poland, giving the audience insight on the main purpose of the film. We see a young Erik �Magneto� Lenscher (Academy Award nominee Sir Ian McKellen) be torn away from his parents in one of the most tragic moments of prejudice in history. From there we move to Mississippi in the not-too-distant future, where we are introduced to Rogue (Academy Award winner Anna Paquin), a young girl first discovering she is a mutant when she kisses her boyfriend and puts him in a coma. In comic books, Rogue appears to be older and much more mysterious (we are never even given a trace of her real name). Here, she is aged down and given the name Marie. I personally think this is a brilliant move on behalf of the filmmakers. I always saw Rogue as being a bit younger than many of her fellow X-Men, being as many of them have been on the team since before I can remember, and Rogue is relatively new to the series.
From here, Rogue runs away from home and is brought to Alberta, Canada where she meets another mysterious mutant like herself, the infamous Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a mutant with super healing power, super senses, and a metal alloy implanted on his skeleton. Despite Wolverine�s tough exterior, he and Rogue strike up a bond and he becomes a bit of a father figure to the young, confused girl. While driving off, the journey of the two mutants is soon interrupted when a large tree falls into their path. Of course, this is the work of the Brotherhood of Mutants, the villainous rival mutant group to the X-Men. Of course it�s the X-Men to the rescue when Wolverine and Rogue are rescued by optic-blast shooter Cyclops (James Marsden) and weather-controlling Storm (Halle Berry) and taken back to Professor Charles Xavier�s (Patrick Stewart) �Home For Gifted Youngsters.� Here, Wolverine meets up with Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), Cyclops�s psychic, telekinetic girlfriend. This is of course the beginning of the most popular love triangle in comic book history.
Though the Brotherhood poses as the villains in this story, the bigger threat to the X-Men is mankind itself. Humans do not understand mutation and therefore fear it. So, unlike most superhero films, we have a three-way battle: X-Men vs. Brotherhood vs. Humans. Each of these groups have a purpose, but unfortunately each is a bit na�ve and ignorant, even the X-Men themselves. All this battling leads up to a fight to save humanity on the Statue of Liberty, where we are also given an introduction to Rogue�s trademark white streak.
I have always been a huge fan of the X-Men comics. Unlike most comic books, these always had depth and dealt more with their character�s personalities than the ridiculous and tedious fights that occur. This is what made it such a successful franchise. It had appeal for everyone, from teenage boys, to elderly men, and even women.
I am proud to say that Bryan Singer manages to capture everything the comic has to offer and bring it onto the silver screen. With the measly budget he was given for this highly anticipated film, he manages to make this a truly enjoyable summer movie. However, what I really wish to praise in this film is the casting. First off, Patrick Stewart as Professor X is pure genius, and something every X-Men fan has seen coming since his appearance in the Star Trek series in the eighties. Next, Hugh Jackman and Anna Paquin are remarkable in their roles and have such believable chemistry. It�s funny to note that Jackman was a quick replacement for Dougray Scott and there was debate over Anna Paquin�s age. I must admit Sir Ian McKellen wasn�t at the top of my list for possible Magnetos, but I was pleasantly surprised with how great a Magneto he made. The rest of the characters are kind of only supporting roles, but the cast does the best they can with what surprisingly less they are given in comparison with the previously mentioned actors.
The only gripe I have with this film is its length. I find it to be a bit short and does not permit enough time for the little bit more of character development that could have occurred for the other X-Men (excluding Wolverine and Rogue). The pre-edited version of this film has been said to be about half an hour longer. I cannot say if this editing was a smart move considering I haven�t seen the edited footage, but it just might be the bit that would make this film perfect. Still, this is a highly entertaining film, and the best summer movie for the whole family to enjoy. I am already anticipating the sequel.
NOTE: I originally gave this film a (*** �), but I decided to upgraded it to (****), then I decided to drop it to a (***) and finally I put it back at (*** �)
SEQUEL NOTE: This is my own personal opinion, but this is who I could see starring in the sequel:
GAMBIT (confirmed new character) - Brad Renfro
PSYLOCKE - Catherine Zeta-Jones
ICEMAN (if Shawn Ashmore does not return) - Paul Walker
I'll add more as soon as they come to mind. I would also really love to see Archangel and Nightcrawler in this next film, so here's praying.
