I liked it, but I think non-fans will like it more

Rating: 8/10 (21 July 2000)

I liked it, and I think even people who aren't fans of the comic will like it (possibly even better than us fans - see my cons list.)
Pros: - The special effects were VERY well done. I was impressed, especially since I thought the fx were going to be cheesy and lame. My main concern was with Wolverine's claws, and I have to say, they rocked.

The story/plot was solid. Not the best story to come out of Hollywood, but I liked it. Especially so because you didn't have to know anything about the comic or the characters to follow along.

Good humor in appropriate spots, good action, they didn't overuse the special effects, and had no need to use effects to cover for a weak plot/story (see above).

Cons: (these don't overly affect those of you who aren't fans) - Ok, I'm a fan of the comic (not hugely, but I know most of the characters), and I just have to say they did a crappy job of casting Rogue. For those of you who don't know the comic, consider yourself fortunate. Along the same lines, I think Storm could have been cast better, and had a better hair job, but she was ok. (on a Pro side, I think the rest of the casting was done well, especially Wolverine, though he could have beefed up just slightly more, and add some more chest hair)

I would have liked to have seen some background/history scenes for Cyclops and Storm, though I know Storm's would have taken too much movie time. Still, I think they could have at least squeezed in Cyclops. Maybe they'll get into these in the sequel.

Give Magneto some better clothes/costume! Yeesh! I grudgingly could accept the Batman-like rubber suits they gave the X-men, but Magneto didn't even have decent 'normal' clothes. He looks like a total dork (except for one scene where I remember him having a kinda cool red metallic looking shirt). At least they gave a decent explanation for the helmet.

Bottom line: Worth your $7-8 if you like action-hero movies, especially those that don't depend on blowing up 95% of the set, but actually rely more on a plot/story. =)