X2

Really, not a bad film for one based on an action super-hero comic book. The X-Men comic is one of the better choices for a film because there are many varied characters to pick and choose from. They all are angst-filled and multi-layered and coming to grips with being a mutant, and one of them will have the super- power that can save the day. Bryan Singer does a nice job of bringing all that together; he's clearly a fan of the comic book and goes out of his way to bring the original creation to the screen. A plot summary is not necessary. Mutants vs. humans is all you need to know. As far as the acting, while you can't fault Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart for their performances, the best by far is Alan Cumming's portrayal of Nightcrawler. OK, the blue tattoos are supposed to be blue fur, but he sure does make that character come alive -- a God-fearing German mutant who can teleport in puffs of blue smoke. Exactly the right mix of fear and bravery and the desire to fit in. This film is a sequel, and if you think there won't be another you're not paying close enough attention to the ending. The next one should be even better if it follows the comic storyline. Angst triple-fold, mutants needing to save the world, heartbreak all around...stay tuned!

year: 2003
length: 133 min.
rating: 3.0
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290334/combined