a surprising, action packed film that remains true to the heart of the comic books, while adding modern resonance

Rating: 9/10 (17 July 2000)

I had never read the x-men comic books, so the only thing drawing me to this movie was the chance to see Patrick Stewart as Professor X. I was neither disappointed nor confused. The characters were well-delineated, the script was both funny, surprising, and serious. The theme of intolerance was handled superbly. The action scenes were amazing--you really felt like these characters could do all these amazing things. But the film really benefitted from some wonderful performances. After this, Hugh Jackman IS Wolverine. His performance still makes me think, two days after seeing the film. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen(Magneto) spar admirably, and although you know who is good and who is bad, the line between satisfyingly hazy, as it should be with such a complex issue. The best part of the film was the relationship between Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine. The rest of the actors do very well with their characters, and you just know that the sequels will be even better, as long as Bryan Singer is the director, and the scripts are kept to such exacting perfection. I recommend it highly as the best action film this summer, not to mention in a long time--both exciting and intelligent. GO SEE IT NOW!