Pretty darn tasty ... but too short

Rating: 9/10 (24 July 2000)

This movie was thoroughly enjoyable, if a bit too short. Hugh Jackman was excellent as Wolverine, as everyone else has noticed, but I was most impressed with Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto. LOTR fans who are anxious to see his portrayal of Gandalf must be encouraged.
Elsewhere, I thought Marsden was channelling the spirit of Cary Elwes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing (e.g., The Princess Bride). Dr. Jean Grey (I don't want to embarrass myself by misspelling Ms. Famke's last name) was fine, on many different levels, and I was impressed by Anna Paquin. She is quite a young actress.
Patrick Stewart was terrific, as always, and I think he and Sir Ian lent this film its gravitas.
The script was efficient, and the director did a fine job of meshing the live action with the pretty good special effects. Here's hoping that the next time, the studio green lights a bigger budget for a longer film and more eye-popping SFX.