Mutated humans battle evil mutants.

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2000)

Comic book fan or not, you will enjoy this movie. The film is plot driven with twists and subtle turns not often found in an action movie. And of course there is the action and special effects we have come to expect in our age. There are differences that will disappoint the Marvel Comics readers but also some that are engaging which can't be said for all screen adaptations. The movie is well cast (excepting Cyclops) and focuses on Wolverine who is well played by Hugh Jackman even if he is taller than the 5'4 character. The movie is not an ensemble, but relegates even Patrick Stewart (Professor X, Jean Luc Picard for you trekkies) to a supporting cast role despite his strong performance. The movie certainly was a hit for my 13 and 11 year old kids and was appropriate viewing for children their age without excessive violence or adult content. There is some minor swearing. There is obvious sex appeal for the adults in addition to the story and action. While, Famke Janssen (strong resemblance Elizabeth Hurley) as Jean Grey, Halle Berry as Storm, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos - Mystique will keep the men entertained, my wife couldn't stop talking about Wolverine on the way home. There's not much that I can say about the plot without giving too much away other than, as expected, bad guys try to take over the world and good guys try to stop them. Certainly an old premise but done with flair. Ian McKellen does a masterful job of portraying the villain Magneto without being over the top and maintaining a believable quality. In the end, the movie left several openings for a sequel and the audience wanting more. As a fan of the X-men comics, etc., I expected an ending with a little bit more flourish, but was more than happy with the overall film. 8