An enjoyable film for people with open minds

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2006)

Let me get this out of the way: I loved this movie. And, before anyone makes the claim that I am some sort of non-fan, johnny-come-lately, only here because I liked the first two films kind of guy, I've been collecting comics since the eighties and have read many of the old books from the sixties and seventies. So, no, I'm not some poser fan.
This movie is just fun. After the cerebral and somewhat slow paced first two films, it was fun being able to just enjoy the action.
Yes, the movie lacked character development... and much, I imagine had to be due to the short running time. But in the end, I wanted to watch it again.
Many people complained that the characters were somehow misportrayed. I'm wondering if I saw the same film as them. Magneto still as motivated as always... Cyclops driven to act the way he does by grief... Wolverine finally coming to grips with his role as member of the family. Jean showing the conflict that she struggled with to maintain (and ultimately losing) control.
I do wish that they cut back on the amount of mutants and tried to focus on a smaller group... but oh well.
BTW... I've been seeing people complain about the lack of Nightcrawler... play the new video game and you'll find out why the character didn't come back.
Comic fanboys really need to lighten up and just enjoy the spectacle. Too many people complain that it doesn't follow the comics closely enough (in terms of story and/or character) and some even feel that it doesn't follow the previous movies enough. To them I say: HUH? Not even the first two movies followed the comic books... even remotely. And yet somehow fanboys all over the world rejoiced at the "acurate portrayal"? HAH! And how can one complain about the movie continuity. Last time I checked, the story picked up right were the second one left off. Really, fanboys... you stay any tighter about this and you'll pass a diamond.
To the work of Brett... sure it lacks the visual stylings of Bryan Singer... but you know what, I liked it. Some of the FX were lacking (Colosus didn't look as cool as his brief cameo in the second film) and the movie could have stood to be longer, but the pacing and action were excellent. (and people really need to stop blaming him for the story... he directed it. People need to complain to the script writers) Go in and watch with an open mind. You'll have fun.