A Solid Adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2000)

With the auspicious arrival of the new X-Men film, things are looking up for the comic book world in its increasingly unpropitious history at the movies. Joining Donner's Superman and Burton's Batman on the shortlist of truly fine comic book adaptations, X-Men looks to become the next major franchise. (Hopefully, it will fare better in the sequel department than the other aforementioned Warner Bros franchises.)
Though Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan may have lead billing as far as the credits are concerned, this film really belongs to Hugh Jackman and Anna Paquin, as fan favorites Wolverine and Rogue, respectively. Though Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier) and McKellan (Xavier's old friend-turned-nemesis Magneto) form the intellectual core of the film, the emotional aspect, the connection to the audience, is conducted by Paquin's sense of alienation, her growing fondness for Wolverine, and his developing friendship for his new, young charge.
Much praise will be heaped on Jackman for his portrayal of Wolverine, but kudos must also go to James Marsden (Cyclops) and Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), for it is their by-play and chemistry that gives Jackman his best and most memorable moments. Had they not played so well off Jackman, Wolverine would not have come off so well as he does.
How does the rest of the cast fare? Halle Berry (Storm) is the only X-Men to stand unconvincing in her role. Although it's not entirely her fault: she is simply given very little to do, and as a result fails to convince the audience of her capabilities. Marsden and Janssen are good in their roles, but more time should have been spent on showing us that they are in fact a couple. We are told that they are, but we never see it. Considering that much of the mood of the film and is derived from the triangle of Cyclops, Grey and Wolverine, it would have been nice to have been provided a glimpse into their private life.
The only big failing is the score by Michael Kamen, which falls flat on its face. It's not merely inadequate; it's just plain bad. Had a good composer been brought in who could have developed motifs for the important characters, such as Rogue, Wolverine, Professor X and Magneto, things would have been considerably improved. Just a few notes would have been enough; somewhere between three- and seven-note combinations, to connect the audience sonically to the characters.
Still, I highly recommend the film, and not just to fans of the comics. I think non-fans, people who've never even heard of the comic let alone picked up an issue, will enjoy it just as much. On a scale of 1-10, X-Men gets an 8.