Up until the last few years it would seem that the superhero genre seemed to be pushed to an early grave with flops 'Dare Devil' and 'Elektra'. Yet thanks to X-Men, men and women clad in impossibly tight body-suits are back with a bang and reinstated the comic book genre back into a legitimate franchise.
The Story
It's the near future and, guess what, the world is still divided and persecution is rife. Yet this has nothing to do with race, sex, religion or class, but centres around people's genetics. We are told at the beginning of the film that humans are evolving all the time, yet every so often this evolution goes into overdrive and produces certain individuals who may well be our future; mutants. Blessed with strange and wondrous powers these mutants are looked down upon as different and dangerous. Senator Kelly (Bruce Davison) leads the call for mutant registration so that decent and hard-working Americans will know exactly who their neighbours are - and more importantly what they can do.
The mutants are understandably frightened by the prospect of drawing attention to themselves and enduring the threat of persecution suffered at the
hands of the 'normal' citizens. However, their cause isn't helped by resentful mutant Magneto (Ian McKellen), a Nazi concentration camp survivor who plans to declare war on the humans, believing mutants to be the next logical step to take on the mantel of superiority over the world. Aided by the shape-shifting Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), the formidable Sabretooth (Tyler Mane), and the slippery Toad (Ray Park) he provides a very real threat to mankind.
It seems the only hope rests with wheelchair-bound telepath Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his staff of teachers at a school for gifted youths. This is where we meet characters such as Cyclops (James Marsden), Storm (Halle Berry) and Dr Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) who perform extra curricular activities such as saving the world. With the help of new additions Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and energy vampire Rogue (Anna Paquin) the battlefield is set. Who will emerge victorious; the pacifist or the antagonist?
Characters
The tricky situation facing director Bryan Singer, was one of creating the base of the story with all the main elements to the characters in little over 100 minutes.
It appears to have had its consequences, with Storm, Cyclops and Jean Grey becoming barely two-dimensional and Magneto's henchmen having no personalities whatsoever. Fans of the comic books and cartoon series may be disappointed with how this first instalment portrays some of their favourite characters as bit parts to the larger focus of Wolverine's tale.
Sharing the most amount of screen time both Jackman and Paquin deliver solid performances in their roles as the plots main focus. As the popular and much loved killing machine Wolverine, Jackman captures the anger and sadness of a lifelong loner who brings the audience on side with his dry wit and rough approach to any situation. He develops a touching brother-sister relationship with Paquin, who portrays Rogue as a tragic figure, never able to let anyone get close.
Though written well into the story Rogue's character was a little disappointing for me. Never really able to do anything in dangerous situations it seems that one of the most popular characters of the comics has been lost in the transition to film.
Graphics
The graphics are put together very well and are not actually as over the top as I was anticipating. The introduction of each characters powers is impressive: from the draining of life from Rogues boyfriend; the show of telekinesis on the part of Jean Grey; to the young Magneto's attempt to get back to his mother. Throughout the film CGI obviously plays a big part, yet there is never the sense that it is there for the sake of having CGI. It is used effectively and always adds to the powers of the characters rather than undermining them.
Action sequences are choreographed and edited almost to perfection, combining every trick in the book to ensure the battles between good and evil as spectacular as possible. Singer's film guarantees plenty of larger-than-life action and more style than had come out of the comic book drama in a long time.
Verdict
Overall I felt this was a great film. The special effects are impressive and make the movie a very enjoyable watch. This is enhanced by the performances of the likes of Jackman, Patrick and McKellen, as well as the rest of the cast. The only thing to criticise is the portrayal of some of the characters y the writers. Some may feel their favourite x-men are brushed over and the lack of depth may be a bone of contention for some of the more die hard fans. Yet this film is a success for the most part. It sets up the trilogy well with fans itching to see more when this first came out at the cinemas. And I feel that Bryan Singer needs to be thanked for reinvigorating the comic book genre, inspiring the newest versions of Batman and such to follow quickly in the success of X-Men.
I have not seen the extras and so this is a review of the film only.
The DVD can be picked up at most stores for about £5
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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
Good review of the film, but although you've said it was just a review of the film, I see you've posted this as a DVD review. If you want to change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, this can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom.
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: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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
![X-Men [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78537118.jpg "X-Men [DVD] [2000]")
very helpful by (100%):
