X-Men: The Last Strand: (Of Stan Lee's Self Respect?)

Rating: 3/10 (8 June 2006)

As an Australian i am perhaps somewhat biased. As such, i am the first to acknowledge that perhaps the only substantive, redeeming factor of this movie is Hugh Jackman (aka Wolverine). His hair still sucks, he can't really smoke a cigar and his super hero skills ( 'adamantium' and healing himself) are quite unimpressive. However he can act - just, in this movie.
Compared to the rest of the cast, however, Hugh Jackman's acting skills are acceptable.
The problem with this movie is that it is like a bad sequel - a deformed and retarded creation that should never have seen the light of day. Halle Berry is clearly disinterested in what she is doing and Patrick Stewart is as wooden as ever: (Yes, he is bald, and speaks with a slightly gentrified English accent but that never made him a good actor in Star Trek Generation - and it does not here either!). The script of this movie is awful. That much is beyond contention.
However, as always, one would expect an action movie, particularly one involving super heroes to rack up some brownie points in the special effects department. This movie does not. The 'special effects' are singularly unimpresive. The explosions look like something you would see on a tour of Universal Studios and the CGI is basic at best. The effects displayed in the 'explosive fianl battle' of the movie barely rate a comment. As was demonstrated by Apocalypse Now - the best way to depict the destruction of buildings for the purposes of a movie is to drop a few napalm cannisters on a village while the camera is running. Decent special effects are certainly lacking in this movie.
I enjoyed X-Men and thought X2 was impressive and interesting. I am a comic collector and enjoy watching special effects on screen. I also enjoy watching decent acting. However, I found little to enjoy in this movie. Those that should be major characters are relegated to bit parts, while the acting skills of accomplished actors such as Ian McKellan are not utilised at all.
Script: predictable Special effects: underwhelming
While i sat through this movie with the dignity not to complain excessively, upon exiting the theatre i wished i was man enough to demand a refund. Don't make the same mistake, see "V for Vendetta" instead and watch a movie with substance (and explosions, lycra and killing).