Best Comic Book Turned Movie Since Batman

Rating: Null/10 (16 July 2000)

Turning a comic book into a full length feature film is either wildly successful or a terrible flop. In recent years, comic book-turned-movies have left much to be desired (Judge Dredd, Spawn). I went into X-Men expecting it to be good and I was pleasantly surprised.
Director Brian Singer does an excellent job of making the characters seem real as opposed to cartoonish or just actors wearing bad Halloween costumes. The opening scene is as powerful as anything to come out of Hollywood since Saving Private Ryan. The settings are realistic as opposed to the overly Gothic style of Batman and the intrusive colors of Dick Tracy. It is basically a few mutants fighting it out in an otherwise regular world.
The fight scenes are well thought out and the mutants' powers are used effectively. For example, Magneto renders Wolverine defenseless by controlling Wolverine's Adamantium frame and claws. Also the powers are not over-exaggerated, allowing clear winners and losers in fight scenes.
The plot was solid and as intriguing as possible. Of course it has to be some large-scale diabolical plan to alter humanity or destroy it as in any super hero movie. The outstanding aspect of the plot is that it is a main story with interesting subplots often left out in comic book movies. We see the struggle between mutants and humans, between Magneto and Professor X, and genuine character development of the X-Men, with an emphasis on Wolverine.
I'm sure X-Men comic book stalwarts will be quick to point out several inconsistencies between the film and the comic book, but I encourage them to dismiss it. You don't have to read 30 years worth of X-Men comics to appreciate the film, but fans of the comic book should not be disappointed either.
The entire cast gives above average to outstanding performances. Hugh Jackman is excellent as Wolverine, and the chemistry between Ian MacKellan and Patrick Stewart is just what the relationship between Magneto and Professor X calls for. Despite comments from critics that Anna Paquin is too young to play Rogue, she delivers in that role as well although more of a southern accent is needed.
In short, expect many sequels as there are quite a few ways the film can go. The last 10 minutes scream for sequel and there is probably already plans to make it. Besides, we still have to meet The Beast, Gambit, and a slew of others.