Not bad, but definitely not great

Rating: Null/10 (18 July 2000)

While I enjoyed this film and am mildly looking forward to the sequel(s) -- I am amazed by the ability of an average movie to receive such gushing reviews. What has happened to us as moviegoers?? The action of the movie kept it moving along and held the audience. However, that wasn't entirely neccesary because the movie was predictable from start to finish! The acting was all around good -- if not GREAT in places and parts (i.e. Patrick Stewart), and all the characters were at least interesting. Nonetheless, the back-story to all of them was noticeably absent. I had to wonder "why?", at times, did this particular mutant team up with Magneto or this one with Dr. Xavier. Do they feel torn with the issues? Do they have extreme loyalties to the person, or just to themselves? Why did their "powers" develop as they did? The scene in Washington D.C. at the begining of the film where the Senator makes a speech in the middle of a conference was as subtle and intelligent as, say, an orangutan using an adding machine. The comparisons to Macarthyism and racial oppression were certainly appropriate -- but give the audience a LITTLE credit! Sheesh! That said -- the movie was still worth the $5.25 I plunked down (matinee price), but not by much. The feigned attempts at catchy one-liners were cute, but forgettable. Obviously, the sequel(s) are already being written.....or even completed as the movie not only leaves several issues unresolved.....but hits the audience over the head with them as the movie ends. Again -- this is unneccesary and only a plot device to make more money in the future -- not about good film-making. Oh well.....it's not the first time thats been done and it definitely won't be the last, so I don't blame "X-MEN" for that. Final Verdict.....6.5 stars out of 10.