A Dated but Important Superhero Entry

Rating: 6/10 (18 September 2016)

The gulf that exists between this film and where superhero movies are now is so vast that X-Men feels quaint by comparison. But there's something to be said for a plot that mostly keeps a strong focus on character and a compact running time. The resources for large-scale spectacle just wasn't there yet, which may have benefited the end result in some aspects, but it leaves you feeling like there's something missing. There are some clunky action scenes, which does add a bit to the old-fashioned charm, but it does also make it feel quite dated.
I like X-Men more than most superhero stuff just by the nature of the world in which they occupy. Their problems and sufferings are easy to relate, and the antagonist's perspective is clear and understandable. The conflicts are driven by character choices that remain consistent. The varied abilities of the mutants has endless potential for the screen. Plus, they really feel like a team, where each character serves a useful purpose and is given real personality.
I'm not always the biggest fan of where superhero movies have gone, but this was clearly an important piece in getting the ball rolling. It's too bad that the genre's progress has made this more of a historical artifact than an enjoyable movie.