Not in same class as "The Matrix"

Rating: Null/10 (24 August 2000)

I love science fiction and fantasy films because they are the most escapist of movies and best differentiate the cinema from other art forms like the theatre. So I really looked forward to the `X-Men' and hoped that it would come close to the brilliance of `The Matrix', but sadly, while there are some excellent special effects and a few thrills, it is not in the same class.
Certainly it is a visual treat with no less than ten superb looking mutant characters with a variety of spectacular powers. Newcomer Australian Hugh Jackman is particularly convincing as the metallicly-enhanced Wolverine, but overall the casting is fascinating and includes once child star Anna Pacquin from `The Piano', the British Shakespearean actors Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, and three former models, Halle Berry (`The Flintstones'), Famke Janssen (`GoldenEye'), and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos.
However, the film lacks effective pacing and compelling narrative, with the damsel in distress ending being particularly weak. At least the message is more meaningful and liberal than most SF movies: mutants Â– like ethnic minorities, or all groups who are perceived as different - can be good or bad and we should not be too quick to judge.