Jun 18, 2011
Every couple of millennia, evolution kicks it into high gear and species mutate much more rapidly than usual. Mankind has gotten its turn and the mutants are here. The war begins to determine who will be in control—the mutants of the future, or the humans of the past.
I was instantly excited about the possibilities of this film when I heard that Bryan Singer (Apt Pupil, The Usual Suspects, Public Access) would be directing—this talented young director has a great career ahead of him. He did not disappoint me with his latest venture on to the big screen. I, like most men of my generation, was a fan of the X-Men comics and animated cartoon, so this is the perfect subject for the big screen. But…this also makes it a very dangerous project. Any mistake would be instantly amplified by the natural comparison to the original comics. Thankfully this film was in the very capable hands of Bryan Singer and his terrific stars: Patrick Stewart (The Prince of Egypt, Star Trek: Insurrection, Star Trek: Generations) and Ian McKellen (Apt Pupil, Gods and Monsters, Bent). Patrick Stewart fits the role of Professor Xavier perfectly, right down to the naked scalp. His English accent and Shakespearian acting only accentuate the mysterious aura around the wheelchair-bound leader of the good mutants, named The X-Men after Xavier. Stewart is very nicely counter-balanced on the side of evil, by Ian McKellen, who brings a very human side to the well meaning, but misguided Magneto. These two really give the film its depth and direction. Singer was also able to draw good performances from the rest of the cast as well. The story and relationship between Wolverine (Hugh Jackman: Erskineville Kings, Hey Mr. Producer, Paperback Hero) and Rogue (Anna Paquin: She’s All That, Hurlyburly, Amistad) was especially nice, adding a touch of romantic-nurturing tension to a movie that could have easily gone the “all action, no substance” route.
I’m going to finish up my review here; I don’t want to spoil anything for you. This is a good one. My wife, who really didn’t want to see it (I had to drag her to the theater), actually came out liking the film. X-Men has more than just action, it has heart, story, character, and of course cool comic book special effects. Just some final comments to wet your appetite: Halle Berry (Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Bulworth, Executive Decision) as Storm, beautiful; Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Dirty Work) as Mystique, devilishly sexy; Anna Paquin, very cute; Ray Park (Sleepy Hollow, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation) as Toad, wicked; and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, simply cool. If you like Sci-Fi and/or Action films, don’t miss X-Men.