Dark comic book adaptation

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2002)

In the near future, where children are being born with a special X-Factor in their genes, giving them special powers, and making them "mutants", the seeds of a new Holocaust are being sewn by Senator Robert Kelly. The situation brings fellow mutants and former friends Erik Lehnsherr, a.k.a. Magneto, and Professor Charles Xavier into opposition. While Xavier seeks to stop the hatred toward mutants peacefully, Magneto seeks to even things out, with a machine that would speed up the mutation process in all humans, making everyone equal. To stop Magneto, Xavier brings together a special group of mutants called "X-Men" to stop him. Two mutants with dangerous powers, Logan and Rogue arrive at Xavier's retreat seeking refuge.
This is one of the few comic book adaptations that delivers fully. Ignore the fact that this takes liberties with the comics by changing costumes and leaving out characters. The changed costumes are better - darker colours making it feel more realistic rather than bright spandex, the missing characters maybe a disappointment but the film would have been too packed for any characters to come through. The basic story is exciting and allows plenty of room for great set pieces. The mood is perfect, Singer delivers a dark vision of the near future.
The script is pretty clever, taking the US's natural reaction to mutants and putting it onscreen - this is a country that doesn't accept other nationalities readily, of course some senator would try to make political points out of hatred. The fact that both Magneto and Xavier are both flipsides of the same coin, trying to deal with the same problem makes it very clever - not merely a bad guy and a good guy set-up. The action scenes are the best though and are very stylishly done by Singer - it's clear he likes his characters and their powers.
The cast are roundly excellent. Stewart and McKellen add great class in the two fatherly roles and both give good performances. Hugh Jackman is the best of the rest, it was here that his star started rising. In fairness it helps that he has the best character in the whole film in the dark, mysterious Wolverine. Does anyone else think he looks like a young Clint Eastwood? Paquin is good as are Janssen and Berry. The bad guys are OK in terms of looks but they don't really have any character - they are merely henchmen. Given the screen presence of Ray Park when he did his recent heavily made-up bad guy his Toad is a bit of a disappointment.
Overall this dark comic book action movie is excellent for a blockbuster. It's main problem is that it is far too short and really leaves you wanting more. Hopefully for X-men 2, Singer won't take the Batman route and lighten the mood to make `Happy Meal' merchandising deals easier.