Better than Batman or Superman

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 2000)

I took my nine-year old to see X-Men and he loved it, which was to be expected I guess. But I enjoyed it too. I found the Batman series to be pretty tedious - too dark and brooding for a comic book-inspired movie. Superman, on the other hand, was too light - it left no impression that lasted beyond exiting the theatre.
The X-Men movie on the other hand, though not perfect, at least has an interesting cast that doesn't get completely overshadowed by the special effects, which are very good. Hugh Jackman gives a convincing performance as the angst-ridden Wolverine and Anna Paquin is a very believable Rogue, with considerable depth to her performance. Patrick Stewart is perfect for the role of Professor X, and the rest of the cast is adequate.
True, the introduction of the characters takes up quite a bit of time. But that is a lot more engrossing than the formulaic whiz-bang James Bond kind of intro., that moves from one special effect to the next with tedious predictability. The action, when it came, was good and sharply directed. The big finale was a bit diffuse though. I kept wondering if it was going to be just the precursor to an even bigger showdown with Magneto and crew, and I don't think I would have been thinking that if it had had a bit more oomph to it.
But that is a small quibble. I liked it. I think it is going to be a big hit.