The next step in evolution looks great.

Rating: 8/10 (1 November 2001)

With the exception of Batman(1989) and Batman(1992) I hadn't been able to find a movie about superheroes that is not pathetic.But X-Men sure brings hope for the genre.It focuses on mutants as the next evolution step.And works with this idea fine.The ten main characters are supposed to be fine specimens of the new species.And they sure are: 1)Erik Magnus Lehnsherr/Magneto.Magneto has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters along with Dr.Victor von Doom and En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse.They do focus on his dark experiences during World War II.This edition of him is a serious and responsible leader,fighter and an revolutionary dreamer.His phrases as "There is no land of tolerance" do have meaning behind them.And his vision is realistic for the kind of world he leaves in.His magnetic powers make him one of the most powerful mutants alive. 2)Professor Charles Francis Xavier/Professor X is also a serious leader and dreamer.He talks of peace but he prepares his species for the future.Finaly a "Xavier Dream"that makes sence.His abilitie to not only scan but control minds makes him dangerous. 3)Raven Darkholm/Mystique has never been of my favorites but her ability to morph along with fighting skills make her truly dangerous as an enemy in this one.I did like her as a Senator.I might change my mind about her if the comic book writers change her style. 4)Dr.Jean Grey.As the Professor's best student and as a Professor herself she works great.And her bpowers were in developing during this movie.I'd sure like to see them mature. 5)Victor Creed/Sabretooth.The comicbooks' version of Creed always bored me.Too savage and idiotic to be any serious threat.He can surely kill but nothing above that.But this version...A laconic warrior with a cause is great. 6)Scott Summers/Cyclops.As a calm leader and warrior he is grate.His lasers were powerful enough to destroy a station and hold Sabretooth back.I like it. 7)Mortimer Toynbee/Toad.The Toad has always been a joke as an adversarie for anybody.This klller version is a serious upgrading for him. 8)Ororo Munroe/Storm.The weather goddess works great in this movie.Desposing of Toad is way far from the pacifist she was in the comicbooks for decades.Kill for a worthy cause sounds more like this version. 9)Logan/Wolverine.The oldest and most interesting of the X-Men is rocking in this movie. 10)Marie/Rogue.Focusing on the vampiristic nature of her power was great.Explaining her white hair as Magneto's influence works.And the hint she permanently adopts some of her victim's traits is intriguing.Just in this movie she must have taken traits of Magneto and Wolverine.How she uses them should be mighty interesting. Great versions of the characters,a nice scenario,serious way of treating the situation,no confrontation of "Good"and "Evil" just different Dreams.That works fine for me.But in a movie about evolution references to God don't really work and Magneto is an atheist not religious.8/10.