Not just about special effects...

Rating: 7/10 (4 October 2004)

I'm a big fan of everything Marvel, so I had high hopes for the X-Men. Needless to say, it live up to my expectations, though apparently not to those of many critics.
It had its strong points. I always enjoy when there's a strong verisimilitude, that is, the integration of fictional elements into a very real feeling world. These were particularly strong with the opening scene, as well as Senator Kelly's speech. And the special effects were perfectly satisfactory for the film.
One issue people may have had was how much more there was of a story and less usage of their powers, etc. Well, I feel that the X-Men is really more about the human element, and the powers are not so much gifts, but curses that they have to learn to live with, just as the people who are anti-mutant have to learn to live with mutants.
If there was one weak point, it was the running time. But for a potential Saga-starter, it seems almost perfect. Not too long, just enough to give us a taste and leave us wanting more, then swoop in with an exceptional sequel and fulfill our desires. I highly recommend this to comic fans and movie fans alike.