Brutal Extravaganza

Rating: 7/10 (29 May 2006)

Scientists discover a "cure" for mutants thanks to the genes of a young mutant whose power reverses the X gene in mutants when they come close to him. Mixed feelings surface among all mutants upon the release of this "cure" though naturally Magneto takes it as an insult and the fuel to finally strike back at the humans blitzkrieg style. Complicating matters even more is the return of Jean Grey and her uncontrollable destructive alter ego The Phoenix. Compared to the first two parts of this trilogy, X3 is by far a more violent, action oriented, and emotionally charged film. The film wastes no time in making its point clear as well. The plot unfolds very quickly and allows the action to take over. A viewing of the 1st two films would be necessary to understand character relationships and the magnitude of their interactions in this movie. There are some dynamic fight sequences and confrontations in this film; Calisto vs Storm (For once Halle Berry is allowed to play her character to her most bad ass potential) Pyro vs. Iceman, Wolverine vs. everyone(!) and the most emotional scene in the trilogy where Jean Grey and Dr. Xavier engage in the most hardcore mind battle since Scanners. All of that leads up to a jolting climax battle between Magneto's Brotherhood and the X-Men on Alcatraz. This movie doesn't slow down for anything. The one thing that was a tough adjustment for me was watching Kelsey Grammar beat the crap out of people. His diplomatic roll fit him well though. This one moves much faster than the 1st two films and though everyone can nitpick, X3 does a fine job of concluding this trilogy though as always it is left opened for more films if the grosses stay up.