Another Third Installment Let-Down

Rating: 4/10 (26 May 2006)

An example of how even the best concept and a cast oozing with talent can't take up the slack in poor writing and directing, the third installment of the X-men trilogy is sure to disappoint many fans. Though largely true to the comics, the plot takes a decidedly depressing tone that had movie-goers in the showing I attended exiting the theatre before the credits had even rolled. Those expecting a film that would showcase the X-men at the height of their strength and heroism were shocked and angered to see that the movie focused more on the organization's inevitable decline, trotting out tired clichés about how ideals survive their creators. While the special effects and action scenes were noteworthy, this was not enough from a series whose hallmarks have long been the sharp social insight and poignant personal narratives of the main characters. Lacking all the crisp one-liners and thought-provoking ethical conundrums that made its predecessors so much fun to watch, X-men: The Last Stand is like the proverbial train wreck  though you'd like to look away you feel compelled to keep watching through its inexorable end.