A strong summer film that captures the essence of the comic book

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 2000)

My first introduction to the X-Men was in the summer of 1963 when I bought the first issue at a corner drug store. I was ten years old at the time. Ironically, around that same time I would think about how old I would be when the year 2000 came and what life might be like in the "far future". It seemed so far away at the time.
Thirty-seven years later, the year 2000 has come, I have turned 47 years old, and my favorite comic book of my youth has made it to the big screen. I'm very pleased to say that the writers have done considerable justice in capturing the key elements of why the book made such an impact on me when I was young.
Two defining moments of the original comic book series came in two early issues. In issue #5 (1964) Toad (in disguise) participates in a track meet, shattering world records. In a state of shock and disbelief, the crowd becomes suspicious of fraud, and enraged, attacks Toad. A small riot ensues. In issue #8 (1964), when one of the members of the original team rescues a child, who has climbed to the top of a water tower, the crowd reacts with fear, anger, and suspicion instead of gratitude. Although Marvel had successfully used the dramatic device of having the public fear and loath a super-hero previously in the `Amazing Spiderman' series, this was the first use of prejudice against an entire class of individuals or `mutants' who were different from birth solely due to a genetic `accident'.
SPOILER WARNING! SPOILER WARNING! SPOILER WARNING!
This theme of blind prejudice against an entire `race' of individuals and the resulting fear, anger, and violence is introduced powerfully in two early scenes of the X-Men film. One is set in a 1944 Nazi concentration camp. The next is in the near future at a congressional hearing which is debating if a law should be passed that would require all `mutants' to register with the government. Sadly, the years from 1963 to now have seen much prejudice, racism, bigotry, and even `ethnic cleansing', so the theme of intolerance holds as much power today as it did in 1963, perhaps more so.
Another defining theme of the Marvel comic books of the 60's was the sense of loneliness and isolation of the heroes. Their super powers, rather than bringing them fame and fortune, became a curse, something they often felt they would be better off not having. Cyclops (Scott Summers) is deeply in love with Jean Grey, yet his `dread power' (Issue #3) compels him to keep his feelings to himself. Certainly, no character could be more tragic than Rogue whose touch can be fatal and who is potentially destined to never enjoy true human intimacy. Oscar winner Anna Paquin is outstanding playing the young Rogue character.
A final defining theme of the Marvel comic book revolution of the 60's was that of the anti-hero. These were characters that were angry, often out of control, loners who struggled to do the right thing. The `Incredible Hulk' comes to mind. Yet, the later (70's) X-Men character Wolverine may be the ultimate Marvel anti-hero. A victim of horrendous human experimentation, whose memories are largely repressed, Logan is bitter, angry, and alone. The connection and interplay between Logan, played most convincingly by Hugh Jackman, and Rogue contains much of what sets this movie apart from any other comic book adaptation. Logan has the ability to heal himself quickly. Rogue has the ability to temporarily `steal' the powers of another `mutant'. These powers are exploited to full advantage in this movie. I'll confess that certain scenes between them moved me to tears they are so strong, surprising, and compelling.
Much of this film is expository. It's designed to introduce a `universe' to an audience that is assumed to have little or no knowledge of the characters. It's a fun, exciting, action movie. It's also a somewhat faithful adaptation of the comic book series. Given the fact that the movie lasts barely over ninety minutes, the filmmakers have pulled off quite a feat.
Looking at the film as a pure action, sci-fi film, I'd give it around 3 to 3-1/2 stars out of 4, or a 7 or 8 out of 10. It's hurt a bit by the fact that it's trying to do so much in so little time. Also, the film was originally intended to be released in the latter part of 2000. I think the shortened timeframe for the making of the film may have had an impact on its overall quality. Nevertheless, it is unquestionably in my opinion the best of the superhero, comic book adaptations. I saw it in a packed theater and it was an obvious crowd pleaser. Along with some very serious acting and themes, it has stunning special effects and very funny one-liners. My wife, who was never a X-Men comic reader, thought the movie was fantastic and she's very hard to please. She will recommend this film to her friends and so will I. I will look forward to seeing a director's cut on DVD and a sequel. Enjoy.