Wish it wasn't the Last Stand

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2006)

I am a huge X-Men fan and I think knowing back-stores and relationships and such does make a difference to this film. Sure enough the previous two films set up the characters neatly, but having a little bit more knowledge (from the cartoon series anyway) made parts of this film breathtaking. The interplay between Magneto & Xavier hits a high point in this film  a respect was always there but the friendship element is allowed to shine through, no matter how briefly. The Beast's sensitivity  especially at his appearance is summed up in a brief scene beautifully. The underground repressed mutant community is also depicted well, and the 'racism' issue fully unfolds. The plot is simple enough  a cure for the Mutant X gene has been developed. Ideally it will be available for mutants who want to fit in, who hate their powers and want 'normality'. However, it is developed as a weapon  as the President thinking sums up  how can there be a democracy when one man can move cities with his mind? I think anyone who has seen the development of nuclear weapons and superpowers could ask the same question. But that's what X-Men is all about, telling a real story with fantastic details. What's good? Wolverine obviously, Hugh Jackman still all pain and suffering and manly swagger. You can see why he's been chosen as the first spin-off franchisee. Xavier, Patrick Stewart shows the man, shows his humanity, his helplessness, I am a huge fan. Beast, Kelsey Grammar is beyond perfect for this, his voice, his subtlety. Storm is given a bit more to do, in an attempt to evolve into the strong, proud female she is in the cartoon series. The special effects are stunning, I never saw any 'playstation graphics'  CGI so evident it detracts from the believability. The direction is great, switching from fast to slow, action to drama. What's bad? Too many characters, you will hear this critique a million times but there can be overcrowding and it's unnecessary. Rogue is awful, the character is just so dull and whiny and Paquin's accent is like a take-off, 'I'm wunnerful'?? Terrible. The side story is just doubling up on the idea some mutants would relish a cure  I think that's obvious without her teary mutterings to the boyfriend she can't kiss. There is the odd line of brutal dialogue too, Vinne Jones seems saddled with 99% of it! Mystique is underused but her moments are excellent. Magneto is a mixed bag, am I the only one who think Ian McKellum is in everything? Obviously he is a tyrant with strong views but he almost goes too far with his 'take over the world' vibe. There is a line he speaks about Xavier near the final battle that is contrary to the respect previously shown and seems to be a cheap joke. Overall, a great third installment, the emotional elements made it my favourite  and a personal dislike of Cyclops! I can't wait to buy all three as a box set. I wish there was more to come but it doesn't look like it.