Disappointing and slow

Rating: 6/10 (13 September 2000)

I went into the theatre expecting to fall in love with this film. I had read and heard good things about it, and I like my superhero films a bit dark. And while I am not a die-hard X-Fan, I looked forward to seeing Storm, one of my favourite super-heroines, on screen and larger than life.
I was disappointed by the film, in the end. I needn't tell you what a washout performance Halle Berry gave as Storm. A strange imbalance in this crowded movie was too much character background for some characters, none for others. I assume they will work this out in sequels, but isn't assuming that there will be sequels a bit pretentious? It certainly isn't a good excuse for making a lame first film, which should be able to stand alone. I submit Star Wars for your edification.
I think that what really hurt the film, (aside from the fact that for long stretches, nothing happened) is the lack of humour. I counted 4 jokes, and they were wry ones at best. I'm off to watch Batman (1989) again.