superior to the sequel

Rating: 9/10 (24 March 2004)

*minor spoilers follow*
I know many people prefer "X2" because it boasts superior production values and more action, but in all the important respects - character development, measured pacing, intellectual stimulation, etc. - this film BURIES its successor. Whereas "X2" collapses under the weight of a huge cast and contents itself with running helter-skelter from one battle to the next, "X-Men" concentrates on a few characters and takes its time setting up a fascinating universe.
Believe it or not, Senator Kelly is the most important character; he establishes the essential moral conflict that faces mutants and society. And while he's clearly supposed to be wrong, the film allows him to have a point. The Brotherhood is, after all, a sinister bunch (THESE are the mutants he's worried about!), and we are clearly supposed to feel sympathy for Kelly after he is tortured and killed by them. Ultimately, the film does have a powerful (and Liberal) message of tolerance, but it treats its message's opponent with respect, and I admire that sense of fairness.
Aside from all the deep stuff, the movie is also a rockin' good time. Stylish direction, nifty effects (that are not overused, as in the sequel), and a few good action sequences keep the proceedings from becoming too pompous and preachy. Magneto's origin segment is effective, if a tad thoughtless (I'm not quite sure if it trivializes the Holocaust or not), and poor Rogue's isolation is well-conveyed. Jackman is a cool Wolverine (I'm glad he was basically unknown), and even Cyclops and Jean Grey aren't bad. The only real loss is Halle Berry as Storm, who can't act to save her life; I haven't seen "Monster's Ball," but I can hardly believe that such a wooden performer won an Oscar for another film! Perhaps she thinks that she's too good for this material; in that case, she shouldn't have been cast.
That bump aside, this movie is all good. Kamen's score is over-the-top but it fits, and is certainly more engaging than Ottman's annoying orchestral blasts in "X2." Production values are solid, if already dating (the rapid advance of computer technology is such a nuisance). There are some great set pieces, especially Magneto's confrontation with the cops. You know, there's really nothing to complain about, except that they hacked out some good scenes that are available for viewing on the DVD releases.
I don't even like the "X-Men" comic, but I LOVE this movie. That's a testament to how good it is. After the dramatic final scene with Professor X and Magneto, I was jazzed for the sequel; I wanted to cheer as the closing theme music started. Too bad I was letdown in a big way...