Great Action Movie - diverted from Marvel Intentions

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2006)

I have to say that this movie was awesome in many ways. The action, the excitement, the emotional ties and the passion of the actors (and actresses) made this movie a pleasure to observe. Despite the fact that it was a great action movie, for those who followed the X-Men saga before this movie, there were a few, some very serious letdowns.
--SPOILER BELOW-- In the movie, Professor Xavier divulges the information to Wolverine that Jean Grey was a "the only Class Five Mutant" he's ever seen. He continues to say that Jean Grey's power was limitless, and he knew that from when she was a child. He tells Wolverine that he suppressed her split personality that formed with psychic blocks, and that the impulsive, raging side of her was called "The Phoenix".
--End Spoiler-- This is incredibly inconsistent with the comics. In the actual Marvel issue of X-Men, the Phoenix was an alien entity that was the sum of all life forces in the multiverse. It was the ultimate evolution - the God of Gods. In the comics (and cartoons), the Phoenix Saga began when the X-Men were coming back from an inter-stellar mission into Earth when something terrible happens. Jean Grey encompassed the ship with her telekinetic shielding and saved the crew. She, however, was considered dead. In actuality, the Phoenix heard Jean's death cry and entered her body. Jean Grey fell into the ocean and was found later. The Phoenix took on the shape of a fire bird for Jean (and rightfully so). This is how the *actual* Phoenix saga should have played on.
Also, the class system they developed was very good at helping new fans of X-Men understand the power of others, but it did NOT accurately represent the power. Pyro, in no way, is on par with Magneto. Iceman was not given enough power in this movie as he is classified as an Omega class mutant (class 5 in the movie, if you are following).
--SPOILER BELOW-- One thing I also don't understand is that Jean Grey was able to disintegrate the (until then) most powerful psychic ever to exist with ease, and yet she can't disintegrate Wolverine (who, if I had to place him in a class, would be either a 2 or a 3). Sure, he can heal quickly, but Jean's power is limitless. She could destroy planetary systems if she wished. I found it silly that she allowed Wolverine to get anywhere close to her. Could it have been possible that "Jean" was in control? Sure. Who knows. Just define it a little better and you'd have people following you.
--End Spoiler-- Overall, this movie is absolutely worth seeing. Action, suspense, frightening power, great acting and incredible special effects make this movie a winner. Also, STAY FOR THE CREDITS! I won't tell you why, but trust me - you'll want to.