Racism, fascism, violence, alienation, Armageddon ... the themes of Bryan Singer's cinematic realisation of the old Marvel Comics strip are nothing if not grandiose, but you don't have to spend all your time worrying about such highbrow matters, because you can take this as just so much pulp fiction if you want, and have a high old time with a good old fashioned adventure story with some nice comic undertones.
Like most film versions of superhero fables, X-Men has to tread a fairly fine line between camp high drama and taking the rise out of itself, but Singer just about manages to do so successfully and will reward you with a pretty darned good movie.
For anybody who's been under a stone these last couple of years, X-Men tells the story of the battle between Humanity and Mutants, an offshoot along the evolutionary change as Homo Sapiens becomes Homo Superior. The Mutants are reviled by the more outspoken members of the Establishment for simply being different and face segregation, persecution and registration. Professor Charles Xavier is one such Mutant, gifted with telepathic and telekinetic powers, and has formed a School for the Gifted, to shelter and teach Mutants. On the other hand, Xavier's old colleague, Magneto, has decided that the only solution is confrontation and is training a force for Evil.
Pretty cornball stuff, eh? Well, it doesn't really matter, because Singer uses the story more as a framework on which to paint a dark, but funny, satire on racism and fascism, with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine playing the central character, a loner who is sought by both Xavier and Magneto, but doesn't really want to work with either. Jackman is a real gem and effortlessly dominates the screen whenever he is present, with his dark good looks, wry one liners and bizarre hairstyle. Patrick Stewart as Xavier and Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto are bigger names, but it is Jackman (who was compared by some to Clint Eastwood for his lone wolf role) who outshines them both by a country mile. That's mainly because neither Stewart or McKellen are allowed to be anything other than grossly earnest throughout, while Jackman is given free rein to take the rise at every turn and revels in the combination of hard man with light relief.
Otherwise the bad guys get most of the good times with Ray (Darth Maul) Park as an unspeakable Toad, while the rest also get to enjoy themselves while the grim faced good guys are obviously struggling to raise even a laugh in their black leather outfits.
X-Men will never be remembered as a great film, or even particularly stretching, but that's not really the idea - however, it's darned good fun and will keep you well absorbed for a decent hour and a half as long as you don't expect too much.
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Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Although the superhero comic book has been a duopoly since the early 1960s, only DC's ... more
flagship characters, Superman and Batman (who originated in the late 1930s) have established themselves as big-screen franchises. Until now--this is the first runaway...
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Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary and ... more
dangerous powers the result of unique genetic mutations. Cyclops unleashes bolts of energy from his eyes. Storm can manipulate the weather at will. Rogue absorbs the lif...
Although the superhero comic book has been a duopoly since the early 1960s, only DC's ... more
flagship characters, Superman and Batman (who originated in the late 1930s) have established themselves as big-screen franchises. Until now--this is the first runaway...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary and ... more
dangerous powers - the result of unique genetic mutations. Cyclops unleashes bolts of energy from his eyes. Storm can manipulate the weather at will. Rogue absorbs the l...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Unbelievable special effects, good acting, good value, popular with kids, great extra features on the DVD Disadvantages: Too unrealistic, predictable, mutants, appaling ending
craigy_baby_2000 12.04.2001 ·
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Review of X-Men (DVD)
Advantages: Some attractive actors, seeing a comic come alive, one or two nice special effects. Disadvantages: Very average plot and script, numerous plot holes, changes to the original X-Men, disappointing effects.
ronniec 27.02.2001 ·
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Review of X-Men (DVD)
![X-Men [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78537118.jpg "X-Men [DVD] [2000]")
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