X3 Disappoints, but is Still Enjoyable

Rating: 6/10 (26 May 2006)

I want so much to say "X-Men: The Last Stand" was completely awesome, and that it rocked my socks, but unfortunately the film disappointed me. Clocking in at only 105 minutes, it seemed very rushed, and confusing at times. Also, the characters- and some awesome new mutants- got barely any screen time, and were not fleshed out at all. It's strange because "X2" was 133 minutes and was all about Wolverine/Logan trying to discover who he is, and where he came from. It was a character driven movie, but in this film we find out nothing more about him or any of the mutants.
In "X3" a cure has been found for mutation and the mutants become divided. Some welcome the cure so they can become "normal", and others are angry that they would even think of trying to cure them. The latter is led by Magneto (a brilliant Ian McKellen) who decides to destroy all who oppose mutation. He gathers himself an army, and it's up to Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his small band of heroes to stop Magneto.
Some of the acting and dialogue were corny, and a few scenes had the audience- including me- laughing out loud at the sheer stupidity of some scenes. Monkeys at a keyboard, I tell ya. Jeesh. It wasn't all bad, heavens no. There are just some things that severely disappointed me, and will upset any hardcore fans. Kelsey Grammar as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast is awesome, especially when he battles the baddies. Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut, who is also a cool new addition, delivers a line that had the audience roaring with laughter. And of course, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine always steals the movies he's in. Plus Wolverine's claws rock! One other thing I didn't like was the music; it never seemed to fit the scene quite well, like the composer wrote the music before the movie was finished. But of course, the F/X and the action were great. And even though some dialogue was bad, some were hilariously good. New director Brett Ratner (the "Rush Hour" films) added some great humor to the film. I do wish Bryan Singer who directed the other two did this one, but he opted to do "Superman Returns" instead, which stands to reason.
Overall, the first and second "X-Men" were a million times better, and this one failed in a way. Though it is still good summer fare, and enjoyable for the most part.
I give it 6 out of 10. (I wish I could give it a higher score, I really do.) "X-Men: The Last Stand is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexual content and language.
Brian Ledtke,16, lives in Thomas Township.