Uneven but still quality ending to the X-Men series

Rating: 7/10 (14 November 2009)

The conclusion to the X-Men series (discounting the "X-Men Origins" franchise) is a quality film experience. Whilst lacking the touch and character involvement of the first two films, it's still an exciting ride.
Scientists have discovered a cure for the mutant gene, leading to a violent campaign by Magneto (Ian McKellen) to halt it's production. He is opposed by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who must also contend with Jean Grey (Famke Jannsen), his former apprentice who has returned from the dead in a new, darker persona...
There are too many new characters here and only a few of them have any effect. Kelsey Grammar's Beast is no substitute for Alan Cummings similarly blue-skinned Nightcrawler, and Ben Foster's winged Angel looks great but does not have much of a character. On the other hand, Dania Ramirez is sizzling as Callisto, Vinnie Jones plays it for laughs as musclebound Juggernaut and Ellen Page makes a great debut as Kitty Pryde. Her scene with Juggernaut is funny, and demonstrates the actor's knack for comic timing.
Of the returning players, Hugh Jackman is still good as the rough-and-ready Wolverine (hence why he got his own film) and McKellen and Stewart stamp their usual gravitas on proceedings, although a scene where they're digitally made up to look young is unconvincing. Daniel Cudmore, Shawn Ashmore and Anna Paquin are great in their respective roles. Famke's Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix does not have very much to do, limiting her dramatic impact.
The special effects and action scenes lack the touch of the first two but are still great fun. The finale in San Francisco is superb.
Not a great motion picture, but still polished and entertaining enough to deserve a place alongside it's predecessors.