Action Packed Fun

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2000)

The greatest comic book of all time is transformed into a very well made film. Incredible special effects and a great cast make this a must see film. You do not need to be a comic book or X-Men fan to enjoy this action packed block buster, but you may enjoy it more if you are a fan. The film does not have the best acting in the world, but action films aren't necessarily made for superb acting. Still there were a few performances worthy of mentioning. Patrick Stewart better known for his "Star Trek: The Next Generation" role is one of the better performances. In this film he plays Professor X the leader of a school for gifted children. Film veteran Ian McKellen turns in the best performance of the bunch. He plays the powerful revenge seeking mutant Magneto. Coincidentally both Stewart and McKellen are English and about the same age. Stewart enjoyed a birthday the day before the "X-Men" premiere.
Australian born actor Hugh Jackman has his hands full playing the X-Men's principal character Wolverine. He appears to be a good casting choice despite the fact that the comic version Wolverine has a stronger build and has a Canadian accent. Oscar winning actress Anna Paquin plays the character known as Rogue, but she suffers from the same problems as Wolverine, she is supposed to have an accent. In her case that of a southern belle, but she is observed only a few times actually trying to muster one. However aside from the few flaws the film is really sensational. You get to see three beautiful and talented ladies Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos.

Look for Ray Park's particularly entertaining role as the otherwise disgusting mutant called Toad. The best costume of the bunch would go to Tyler Mane's character Sabretooth whom most closely resembles his comic book counterpart. Halle Berry's costume would follow a close second.
The film is about two groups of mutants living in a world were they are not wanted. One group focuses there unique individual powers on bettering themselves and one day protecting those who do not trust them. The others are revenge seeking mutants and want to wage war on humanity because of their differences. It will take mutants against mutants in order to save humanity.