A Disappointing Finale

Rating: 6/10 (6 August 2006)

In this third, and probably final, instalment of the X-Men saga both factions of the mutant population rally for one last clash which will decided both their fate and that of the rest of humanity.
As an enormous fan of the previous two X-Men films I fully expected the trend to continue and for The Last Stand to be the biggest, deepest and best of the trilogy. Unfortunately, it disappoints on most levels.
Viewed in isolation from the other two films, it has many merits. The special effects are exciting and well executed, the acting competent and the writing believable (under the circumstances!).
However, the change of direction from Brian Singer to Brett Ratner is clearly in evidence. Many of the lead characters' personas are inexplicably dumbed down whilst others are unceremoniously sacrificed. New characters are introduced only to feature as little more than props.
The depth of both story and intelligence from the second film and conveniently ignored to make way for more explosions. The returning cast make a good fist of things but only Kelsey Grammar vindicates the introduction of so many new faces.
Saved to an extend by the enigmatic ending, X-Men 3 leaves the viewer feeling somewhat unfulfilled.