Too many mutants!

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2006)

In this busy sequel from "X2" Jean Grey (Famke Jansses) returns from the dead--but is becoming evil. Magneto (Ian McKellan) takes control of her. Also the government has found a cure for the mutant gene--Magneto and his brotherhood intend to destroy the cure while Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his X-Men want to protect it.
There's a lot going for this movie. It's under 2 hours and moves very quickly--there's barely a letup. The special effects are just incredible and the battle sequences are fast and furious. Also stay through the closing credits--there's a nice bit right after it. There were also a few twists and turns I didn't see coming. The acting is MOSTLY good--McKellan is excellent as Magneto; likewise Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Kelsey Grammar is fine as Dr. Hank McCoy (Beast). But this movie has some problems too.
The fast pace leaves no time for introductions or to really get to know the characters. Shawn Ashmore as Iceman is given little better to do than to look worried; Aaron Stanford scowls through his role as Pyro; Ben Foster as introduced as Angel--and given about two lines. Same with Collosus (Daniel Cudmore)--only a line or two. However there is a great sight gag when he casually walks down a hall with a huge TV under his arm. Anna Paquin and Ellen Page are given boring 1-dimensional roles. It's not the actors fault--they're given NOTHING to work with! They throw way too many mutants at us and then drop them. Also Patrick Stewart is TERRIBLE as Xavier. And I've had it with Halle Berry. She said after "X2" that it was over for her. Then when her Oscar didn't help her career she comes back for "X3". She is NOT Storm--she's pretty bad too.
The script is dumbed down too. The mutant cure would have been interesting to explore (but it isn't) and the Dark Phoenix storyline (lifted directly from the comics) is a lot LESS complex. The movie is just interested in throwing mutants and special effects at us as fast as it can. Also a main character was needlessly killed off at the beginning.
Honestly though I DID like it. I was never bored and the effects were just perfect. Afterwards though I realized it was all loud music, special effects...and little else. Still it's a perfect summer popcorn movie. For that I give it a 9.