Taking a Stand

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2006)

Brett Ratner assumed the helm of "X-Men: The Last Stand" when Bryan Singer had forsaken completion of the "X-Men" trilogy to direct "Superman Returns". Concerns regarding Director Ratner's vision of the Final Act of the beloved trilogy are unwarranted. Ratner along with screenwriters Simon Kinberg ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith") and Zak Penn ignite new energy in the X-Men saga, and provide an emotional catharsis in "The Last Stand". Hugh Jackman returning as hero Logan emerges as a powerful force in this dramatic story arc. Consider the context: "X-Men" has transcended from comic book adaptation to heroic mythology on its own. Mutants born with the X gene, the source of their great powers, are also cursed in a society that professes diversity without the distinction of profound acceptance. In "X-Men" the Mutant plight is a metaphor for the danger of prejudice in all its forms. The Mutants fall into two polarized factions in confronting prejudice. Those who follow Dr. Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) believe the path lies in tolerance, and protecting those who may hate them that being humans. Eric Lensherr (Magneto) proclaims, "We (Mutants) are the cure!" Magneto (powerful Ian McKellen), a Holocaust survivor, believes in his heart that Humans are calling for the genocide of all Mutants, and in fact that Mutants are the next evolution of Humanity. A war is coming, and Magneto intends to win. Lensherr asks, "Who will you stand with?"
In "X-Men: The Last Stand" a "cure" for mutation now exists. Dr. Hank McCoy (unrecognizable Kelsey Grammar), Secretary of Mutant Affairs, informs Xavier, Storm (Halle Berry), and Logan (Jackman) that a mutant vaccine has been discovered and manufactured by a major pharmaceutical company that is being offered to the public. The vaccine suppresses the Mutant X gene allowing the recipient to live a "normal" life. Storm points out that there is "nothing to cure". The key to the "cure" lies in Mutant Jimmy/ Leech (Cameron Bright), who has the paradoxical power to neutralize a Mutant's powers. Warren Worthington II (Michael Murphy), whose company manufactures the vaccine, intends to cure his mutant son Warren (Ben Foster).
On a more personal note, both Scott Summers (James Marsden) and Logan (Jackman) are dealing with the loss of Jean Grey (charismatic Famke Janssen), who sacrificed her life to save her fellow X-Men. Scott has withdrawn emotionally, telling Logan, "No one heals as fast as you do..." Apparently, Jean is telepathically communicating with Scott. For those familiar with the comic book, this follows the Dark Phoenix saga. Flashback 20 years ago, as then "School for the Gifted" partners Xavier and Lensherr visit the Grey household to talk with young Jean, who is a rare "class 5 mutant". Jean demonstrates terrifying telekinetic prowess. Here writers Kinberg and Penn expertly spin our allegiance. Xavier, questioning Jean's capacity for restraint, imposes subconscious controls upon her power, part of the Dark Phoenix origin. What is captivating: Xavier's actions are all control and for normalcy, and not at all about freedom. So does this make Lensherr freedom's champion? Perhaps. Although the militant Magneto (Lensherr) is all about "The ends justify the means." Ian McKellen is simply compelling as the charismatic Magneto. His is a strange wisdom in the matter. This ideological paradox along with the visually stunning physical conflict distinguishes "The Last Stand". Famke Janssen as Jean Grey and Dark Phoenix is a surprisingly powerful presence as she battles to retain a vestige of her own humanity. The love story of Jean and Logan (Jackman) is heartbreaking, and the soul of "The Last Stand". Logan pleads with Jean, "(I would die) for you!"
"X-Men: The Last Stand" is Hugh Jackman's movie. He is the right actor for the right role. Jackman is powerful. As Logan, he delicately balances this unbridled rage and touching compassion. Jackman also embodies the hero's honor which is the core value of "X-Men". Logan is not a nice guy by any means. But no one fights as fiercely or has as noble a spirit as Logan doescredit Jackman again. Logan's forest fight scene is totally amazing. Jackman looks phenomenal and has such a physical presence. No one does hero like Jackman. Oscar winner Halle Berry fairs much better here in Act III. As Storm, Xavier anointed leader of the X-Men, Berry is very strong and the voice of reason. The stunning Berry's cool presence and composure are finally capitalized upon. Patrick Stewart gives a renewed passion and complexity to Xavier, whose character until now seemed void of gray. Stewart is valiant as a character serving penance for a grave misdeed. Of the numerous new mutants, Kitty (Ellen) and Colossus (David Cudmore) distinguish themselves. Some of the familiar characters like Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Mystique (Rebecca Romajin) have been delegated to background stories. One of the weaknesses of "The Last Stand" is the introduction of way too many characters. "The Last Stand" is also stripped of some welcome exposition in its lean 105 minutes. However, Ratner's alacrity does do justice to the story. Like great mythology, "X-Men: The Last Stand" tells a story of impassioned conflict, courage, love, and honor. This is a great "Last Stand". And perhaps, this is not the last, after all.