The best film in the series thus far

Rating: 9/10 (23 September 2011)

Despite being a long time fan of the X-men movie franchise when this movie was released I wasn't exactly desperate to see it. I'm going to put it down to a lack of promotion. I was hardly aware of the movie even existing when I made the last minute decision to see it at the cinema.
I rate this film a 9/10, based on my personal enjoyment. I loved the character development (minus that of Angel Salvadore), enjoyed the SFX and the storyline. I particularly liked seeing a young Mystique and watching the way she develops into who she will be in the future. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the basis of both Banshee and Beast. I didn't believe January Jones wrecked the film as much as others have made her out to have; she definitely wasn't a highlight, but I didn't find it ruined the film either (if you ask me, people are just being picky). I loved the casting of the film and the action scenes. The story kept me engaged.
The one thing I find annoying is the way the films do not ever match up. For example: Emma Frost as a teenager in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is saved from "The Island" and taken in by Professor X to his school, while in this movie she is a grown and established mutant fighting against Professor X in his youth prior to a school ever being established. None of the films are ever consistent with each other which can be mildly annoying; but I choose to judge a film on its own rather in comparison to other movies. I would enjoy it more if they all added up and molded together.
An overall enjoyable and well executed film for the X-men series. It is thus far my favourite.