this one keeps you guessing

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2006)

If you are a die-hard X-men fanatic like me, you probably went into this one a bit skeptical, especially with a change in director. However, I was pleasantly surprised by X-Men: The Last Stand and Brett Ratner's overall abilities as a director.
I think the most important thing to point out about this film is that it wasn't the storyline or characters which made it stand out from the previous installments - it was the special effects and cinematography. Most of the scenes were incredibly done and I kept wondering throughout the film how long it must have taken to complete them (especially the Golden Gate Bridge sequence). I have to say that all of the computer generated graphics were the most realistic I think I've seen, easily on par with what was seen in the latest Star Wars or Spider-Man films.
The story itself wasn't anything spectacular, and comparable to the last two, while also I must say remaining true to the characters in the comic books. Many aspects of the plot kept you guessing throughout and left me hoping for a sequel. With this in mind, things didn't get out of hand either and the film continued the same portrayal of the main characters as in the first two. Ratner also did a good job at not going overboard with the role of the Dark Pheonix which could easily have taken up too much of the story.
The acting was for the most part as good as the previous films and Kelsey Grammar was a very convincing Beast. I did however notice the increase in the number of punch lines, pretty much anytime anyone was in a fight. Most were decent, but it kinda got out of hand, notably when Juggernaut cussed at a very young looking Kitty Pride (this is a family film right ?) Other than this, I didn't have any other complaints.
Overall the film was a complete and entertaining action thrill ride which clearly had a much larger special effects budget than the previous installments. Cheers to Brett Ratner for staying true to the series as well as bringing to life more of the "dazzle" of the X-Men. 9/10.