Minor glitches, major entertainment

Rating: 8/10 (13 November 2000)

Before seeing this movie I've read many reviews of X-Men: The Movie and they were all about how this movie sucked. Some critics even described it as a plastic heap of overrated garbage. Well, I strictly oppose.
First of all, the movie had a quite decent cast - Patrick Stewart was right in his place and Hugh Jackman added a bit of freshness into the movie. Ian McKellen, however, was not as good as in his previous roles (Apt Pupil) as his character appeared somewhat too calm or even sedated. But still the dialogue between him as Magneto and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier were quite vivid and sarcastic.
I also have to say that the effects were satisfying and from the middle onward quite surprisingly well fitted into the movie. Not too much, not too little. Just to support the plot. But the plot is another thing. It is the only thing that seemed only a bit over the average. Intro was O.K. But somewhere in the middle the initial line of mutants fighting for equality was quickly replaced by mutant fighting mutant fighting human.
Directing and editing were average, but most people would say that is not important in action or sci-fi movies - Matrix, Odyssey 2010. Apparently not.
I am a fan of the comic book and therefore I can see that the adaptation is quite good. The costumes are portrayed brilliantly (look at the descriptions of the suits in the comic books and you will notice this). Personalities of the characters are a bit two-dimensional (that does not go for Jackman and Stewart), but the interaction is, though rare, quite humorous.
To put all into place, I give this movie an 8 out of 10. Anybody should see this movie and you may find yourself getting interested into the comic book or wind up owning the movie, like me.
BTW: Viewing the DVD version is a very good idea...all you fans, don't miss it!!!