Don't believe the negative critics

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2006)

Man, was I afraid, after reading a load of negative reviews, when I went to see X-Men 3 today (24th May, premiere day in Belgium). But I was needlessly worried...
I never thought Brett Rattner could pull off the high stakes that were set before him by Bryan Singer, but he actually managed to do so. Although the movie is too short to have each of the characters worked out in full, it's the cast as an ensemble that delivers the goods. X-Men 3 contains at least five memorable scenes that stay true the the earlier established character development, and add great momentum to some crucial scenes. Rattner definitely wanted to end the trilogy with a bang: the adagium that the heroes are invincible and the baddies are, in the worst case, a bit scratched after an encounter with the heroes, but nevertheless ready for another round in some possible next sequel, is simply not true here. Apart from this, several new characters or characters that only appeared as a brief cameo in the previous installments (Colossus and Shadowcat) are introduced, among which Beast, played by Kelsey Grammar, is the most charismatic advocate for mutant rights, while the only disappointment in the movie is the spineless performance of Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut. While Wolverine has settled in his new existence after the second installment of the movie, and now has developed in just another agent for professor X's secret army of X-Men, he seems for the first time contented in his new role. Magneto, on the other hand, still shows an almost racially inspired disdain for his fellow human who is not blessed with mutant powers, even when one of his closest friends is cured accidentally, his behaviour against his former co-worker is simply despicable.
SPOILERS AHEAD Of course, the comic book aficionados, who earlier on applauded when Bryan Singer gave an explanation for the white hair strand in Rogue's do, will be annoyed a bit by the developments in the movie, which quite differs from the comics. Particularly Jean Grey succumbing to the dark side of her personality, Mystique being a premature victim to the mutant cure, Rogues personal wish to be liberated from her powers that prevent any physical contact (which drives her nuts) are highly apocryphal, but I think the X-Men movie franchise has reached a point where it can be regarded as "grown up" as an independent entity.
There's, however, more spectacle to this movie. Wolverine's run-in with Juggernaut. The matured Storm who has obviously reached the peak of her abilities. The Danger Room simulator. And of course, Magneto's vicious attack on the facility where the "cure" is being guarded. SPOILERS END
To conclude: absolutely do stay until after the credits of the film, as a little surprise plot twist will have you knocked backed to your cinema seat. It has something to do with the ethical dilemma professor X taught his children earlier on in the film.