A set-up movie that truly does set-up...

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2000)

In the past, directors have given us weak attempts at translating the pages of our favorite comics on to the big screen. We have flops like Punisher, Captain America, and the Batman sequels. In fact, the only two remotely well-made comic book adaptions I can think of, are the original Batman and, I'm going out on a limb here, Spawn. Movies are two hour pieces of eye candy, while comics are a continuing epic that not only have time to focus in on action, but also the character development of their heroines. It is in this rare occurrence, though, with the X-Men movie, that that line between comics and movies has been crossed, and a very successful crossing at that.
Bryan Singer, the director of X-Men, has crafted the greatest adaption of a comic book on to the screen that I have ever seen. Throughout the movie, each character, whether villain or X-Men, has development, with the exception of Storm whose development I suppose was lost due to her being Halle Berry playing Storm. Logan, a.k.a Wolverine, is the focus, and who better I ask? He is almost everyone's favorite X-Men, and with good reason, he has frekin' adamantium claws, people! The script, I must say, gave me great delight. It is far better than what the early buzz gave it credit for. I didn't get a chance to discover the writer, but kudos that that (those) certain person (people). To me, the script came off as very intelligent, almost too intelligent. When you combine that with the great performances given by Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Patrick Stewart (Professor Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), and, of course, how can I not mention Ray Park (Toad) for his amazing moves and Famke Janneson for her being not only beautiful, but also suiting Jean Gray just fine, you get one helluva pace that just doesn't quit. The movie seriously flew bye, as my childhood memories of reading the comic flashed before my eyes. It is a true bliss to finally see your favorite characters up their on the screen, exactly the way you imagined it.
What is so great about this movie, is not just the movie, but the way it sets itself up for something even greater. This is truly one, great set-up for something bigger to come. As I said before, each character had some sort of development. Some examples include Sabretooth and Wolverine's dilemma concerning Wolvie's dogtags, also Wolvie's origin, the love triangle between Wolvie, Cyclops, and Jean Gray, Magneto's struggle, Ice Man growing up, the Mystique and Rogue connection (I'm not spoiling it), and even new characters (I can only hope Gambit, my favorite X-Men, next to Wolvie, or course).
Bryan Singer has left the door open, and I can tell you that whatever comes again is going to make all the fans very happy. This movie is a gift from God. It not only satisfies for the two hours, but it also leaves you thinking about the sequel, and the sequel after that. Only time will tell. For now, ignorance is bliss, and you can bet your sweet-@$$ that I'm seeing it again, and again if I have to. Can't nobody hold me down, bub!