The Next Evolution In Summer Blockbusters

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 2000)

Much like the mutants that 'X-Men' brings to the screen, this movie is of a different breed. Instead of falling into the mold of the prototypical summer blockbuster movie, 'X-Men' has raised the bar for action films in general and especially for comic book adaptations. What sets it apart is that it exceeds certain expectations for a movie released between May and August. Amazingly, 'X-Men' has been blessed with several mutations which give it an edge over typical summer fare: a well-developed story, abnormal amounts of character depth, and the ability to give its characters good dialogue. Also, the performances are good; the scenes between Wolverine & Rogue and Xavier & Magneto are especially impressive. Like most anything released these days, the special effects are above par and the cinematography is fine. Plus, Bryan Singer has shown that he has what it takes to direct an action film.
Despite its relatively modest budget, the makers of 'X-Men' have done something that the people behind movies like 'The Perfect Storm', 'M:I-2' and 'Gone in Sixty Seconds' did not do: make a movie for an intelligent audience and give them what they deserve - an intelligent action movie. 'X-Men' is not just another sensory overload of pretty special effects and loud noises and after watching this movie audiences will be wondering why they've put up with the same old song and dance every summer.