Outstanding!

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2000)

When I first heard of the plans for a filmed version of The X-Men, I was skeptical. Many times in the past, comics have been adapted into films. Some have met with a great degree of success (Superman, Batman) and some have been total disasters (Batman & Robin, Steel). After seeing X-Men, I can safely say that my fears were unwarrented. Bryan Singer crafted a superb story that condenses thirty years of backstory into a movie that moves quickly, but gives you enough information on the main characters. As for the characters, the cast was perfect. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan are Professor X and Magneto. The scenes between these two powerful mutants show their common respect for each other, but also illustraits the differences between them. Hugh Jackman is perfect as Wolverine. He's got attitude, he smokes and he's got a mean streak a mile wide. As in the comic, there is an immediate dislike for Cyclops, and a small degree of attraction to Jean Grey. Famke Janssen was perfect as the telekinetic doctor and James Marsden was perfectly stiff as the team's stalwart leader. Halle Barry was a good choice as Storm, and I suspect that we'll see more of this team, hopefully it will be soon. Facing off against the X-Men is Magneto's team of mutants. Mystique, a vicious shapeshifter, does some neat quick changes. Toad and Sabretooth round out Magneto's team and these guys are a formidable force for the X-Men. I think we'll see more of them soon.
So, all of the X-fans can relax. Our favorite mutant superhero team has made the giant leap from page to screen with outstanding results. With the overwhelming repsonse the movie has generated, I hope and pray that there will be a sequel. It would be interesting to see where Professor X and his gifted students lead us