X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (Brett Ratner, 2006) ***

Rating: 7/10 (18 August 2006)

This is possibly the best in the series, due to the development in the relationships between the various mutants on both sides (though so many of them have grown complexes by the end of the film that the final confrontation is virtually fought between a handful of brash but inexperienced mutant kids about whom we don't really care!).
It also utilizes a familiar device in superhero films where the latter (or, in this case, one of them) is converted to the evil side. Besides, one of the villainous mutants who has been 'cured' (the main novelty here is that a boy's special power is that he can turn mutants into normal human beings!) betrays its comrades after having been scorned by them.
Still, the effects are overwhelming and at times threaten to drown the narrative. Also, the fact that the leaders of both sides (Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen - who are digitally rejuvenated in an early flashback sequence, surely the film's weirdest-looking effect! - are either killed or stripped of their powers) would indicate that this truly is the final entry in the series...but the last shot suggests otherwise!!