X Is For X-Men

Preamble: You had to know this was coming. I mean I am a comic book geek. If I remember right this came out the summer I was going into high school. This was at the time where I still liked Marvel. I couldn't believe that I was actually going to see a X-Men movie happen in my lifetime. I liked it well enough, but 15 years later I absolutely hate it and I'm nearly over the comic book to movie adaptation fad.
===================================================================================
Year: 2000

Rated: PG-13

Summary - They are children of the atom, homo superior, the next link in the chain of evolution. Each was born with a unique genetic mutation, which at puberty manifested itself in extraordinary powers. In a world filled with hate and prejudice, they are feared by those who cannot accept their differences. Led by Xavier the X-Men fight to protect a world that fears them. They are locked in a battle with former colleague and friend, Magneto who believes humans and mutants should never co-exist.

Director: Bryan Singer

Screenplay by: David Hayter

Story by: Tom DeSanto & Bryan Singer

Based on: X-Men by Jack Kirby & Stan Lee

Starring:

• Patrick Stewart
• Hugh Jackman
• Ian McKellen
• Halle Berry
• Famke Janssen
• James Marsden
• Bruce Davison
• Rebecca Romijn-Stamos
• Ray Park
• Anna Paquin

The Review
If this film had been given to the wrong director it could have been incredibly cheesy. Being a reader of the comics I know that there are a few things that works on the page of a comic book but not in a film and let me say that the costumes is one of these things that in all probability wouldn't work. Singer chose to go with black leather outfits and I, for one, am very thankful for this choice. There are many things in this film that works but unfortunately there are a few things as well that prevent the film from being truly great.

Acting wise the film is very good. This is above all attributed to some excellent casting. Hugh Jackman is simply perfect as Wolverine and brings out the duality of the character in a very satisfactory manner. Also the scenes were we see a glimpse of the rage in the character work remarkably well. The only thing that could be said about him is that he is too tall but it seems most people, including myself, have accepted this fact. I think also that it was a wise choice to let a relatively unknown actor play the part because in that way we have no preconceived notions about him. As for Professor X no other man than Patrick Stewart could/should play him. Stewart simply becomes Xavier both in presence, voice and looks. An example of perfect casting. Ian McKellen is brilliant as Magneto and succeeds in creating a human villain rather than the usual cliché like villains we see in Hollywood productions. The acting aside from the ones mentioned above is pretty good. Not spectacular but good. The only one who does not look and act like the character we know from the comics is Anna Paquin who plays Rogue. The character is nothing like in the comics and Paquin's performance doesn't help the character.

When it comes to music and sound effects in general the film is a notch above average. The musical score has a very grand, even epic, feel to it. The sound effects are believable enough for the time.

The story is good and the dialog is witty in a very cheesy manner. At the time this movie was great but it definitely isn't a timeless classic.


===================================================================================
Grade: C+

Aces for Acting

• Patrick Stewart

MVP

• Ian McKellen

Favorite Character

• Mystique

Best Character Interactions

• Wolverine and Jean Grey

Best Scene
[Xavier and Magneto play a game of chess at Magneto's cell]

Magneto: Does it ever wake you in the middle of the night? The feeling that one day they will pass that foolish law or one just like it, and come for you? And your children?

Prof. Charles Francis Xavier: It does, indeed.

Magneto: What do you do, when you wake up to that?

Prof. Charles Francis Xavier: I feel a great swell of pity for the poor soul who comes to that school... looking for trouble.

Magneto: [halts the game, sighs] Why do you come here, Charles?

Prof. Charles Francis Xavier: Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answer?

Magneto: Ah, yes. Your continuing search for hope.

[motions to the guard to take Xavier away]

Magneto: You know this plastic prison of theirs won't hold me forever. The war is still coming, Charles. And I intend to fight it, by any means necessary.

Prof. Charles Francis Xavier: And I will always be there, old friend.

Notable Quotable

[Logan dons a X-Men uniform]

Wolverine: You actually go outside in these things?

Cyclops: Well, what would you prefer, yellow spandex?

Most Memorable Moment


[Cyclops doesn't know if Logan's an imposter]

Wolverine: Hey! It's me.

Cyclops: Prove it!

Wolverine: You're a dick.

Cyclops: Okay.

===================================================================================
Did I whet your appetite to watch X-Men for the first time or maybe just the first time in a long time?

Be sure to come back tomorrow because I'm discussing Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light.

If you enjoyed this review please be sure to comment, +1/like, share and maybe even follow this blog.