A treat for X-Men and sci-fi fans

Rating: 7/10 (2 August 2006)

This is the long anticipated final in a trilogy of films based on the popular American comic book heroes,The uncanny X-Men.
The storyline is based on a world where mutants exist. Human who have special powers or gifts. One of them, Charles Xavier envisions a society where human beings and mutants will peacefully co-exist. He establishes a school where young mutants can escape from the worlds prejudice. They are also trained to use and control their powers.
Another Mutant called Magneto believes that mutants are superior to humans. They are the next step in the evolutionary ladder. He gathers a group of mutants and launches a crusade to dominate the human race.
In this film, a rich businessman funds a scientific project that yields a vaccine for the genes that give mutants their gifts .He is motivated by the fact that his son is a mutant. The vaccine is proved to be successful. Mutants are divided as some seek a cure and others seek to maintain their gifts.
Furthermore, one of the X-Men called Jean Grey, who was thought to have died in the previous installment comes back to life. She becomes more powerful than any other mutant. Unfortunately, She leaves the X-Men and decides to side with Magneto,
The film is quite easy to follow. The characters are great. Almost each character has their own separate storyline. Some of the dialogue is quite humorous . Hats of to the special effects team. The mutant powers exhibited by the characters and their effects are very credible. Fights are well choreographed
Ethical issues raised by the films are very relevant to today's society. If a cure could be found for the misfits of society, would people be willing to take It ? Is it right for one person to control another for the benefit of society? The reality of death is also treated with due respect. Most significant of all, the need for individuals to stand for righteousness regardless of personal feelings or opposition.
The violence, although rather frequent and voluminous, is not bloody or gory. Nevertheless it is debatable whether the film should be given a 12A certificate. In one of the scenes a totally nude woman is seen lying on the floor. Some of the characters have little regard for human life, as seen by the way they kill mercilessly
Screen veterans Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart put in some superb performances. Kelsey Grammar, well known as doctor Frasier Brain from the hit 80's TV series " Cheers", also adds to the magic. In a change from the earlier films, former beauty queen Halle Berry plays more of a leading role.
Overall this is a good film for adults and teenage children. The hype prior to its release is justified after watching the film.