Um - Why?

Rating: 3/10 (16 July 2006)

I have lived for comic book hero cartoons my whole life. Spider-man, Superman, and then XMen. I never read the comics but I was a faithful fan of the Sat morning cartoon on Fox in the 90's. And I loved it. Then they announced the movie. One couldn't express my anticipation. The first movie was good although slightly lacking action, but character development and story were key. The second, although more violent, was better for filling in holes and extending the story, as well as adding more action.
And now the third...
I have read many posts on this site and I can't believe that there is such a divide in the reviews of this movie - you will either love it or hate it. I will say that I am not a die-hard, comic-addicted fan, but I am incredibly disappointed to say the least with this movie. I just purchased XMen and X2 on DVD to re-watch them in anticipation of this third movie. I wish I hadn't because now I will have to buy this third movie.
How can the writers do such a disservice to the fans by killing off such major characters and not developing others. I had anticipated major back stories on the kids - like Iceman in X2 - only to be denied. Scott's death - ugh! I kept expecting him to show up like in X2 saying "Whoops - not dead - here I am to help!" Jean's death in X2 was a sacrifice to save the others.Wolverine killing her - um, I don't think so. If you are going to kill Xavier, save it until the end, as he dies in redeeming and then saving Jean.
There were good points - stunning visuals of the GG Bridge, the house destruction with the death of Xavier, and some cool new mutant powers, but the mutants were unlikeable. You still have to care about villains in a story. Sad to see Mystique and Magneto humanized, but it does give them a fitting end - becoming what they revile most - homo sapiens.
It reminds me of a disaster movie from the 70's like Poseidon and Inferno. let's get a lot of really good actors, with a very thin script and see if they can "survive". Well, Mr. Rattner, you did it - you made a disaster movie alright - or should I say a disastrous movie?
If you are fan, you've probably already seen it and been disappointed. If you haven't seen it yet, then I would warn you, you are probably not going to like it. (Some people in the theatre actually WALKED out! Haven't seen that in awhile...)
3 (for Xmen 3) out of 10 - Save your money (or go see "Click!" It's better.)