An overall eXcellent addition to the X-Men franchise

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2006)

It's inevitable for fans of a book, show, etc. that's getting made in film to rebel.
I too was disappointed with how they used some characters. Phoenix in particular since I got all giddy when seeing the flame-like bird in the water during the last few seconds of the previous movie.
However, the translation from something to the screen can never be 100% accurate. A movie has to sell and that means that some things will have to be adjusted (a la Phoenix and her flames) which I'm perfectly fine with. They made their own representation of the characters which should please most.
The worst part of this movie is the time. Everything is rushed. I mean everything. It's a shame not to see certain characters more, but considering all the eye-candy characters we do see, I, again, am alright with it.
Now to the good.
The effects and action will blow you away. They did the finale battle really well and many others. I also like the little things they did, like the boy flying his paper planes with his powers, and etc.
The story is a bit shaky. At some points I feel like it's about a person who is resurrected... then a cure... then that person again... then - oh yeah - the cure... But it touches upon some very insightful things that I really thought about after...
Fans will be turned off at some points with the lack of character time and they way they are portrayed but if you turn that 'OMG, that character isn't like it was in comic book #37,' you'll be in for a real treat.
Here's hoping to another sequel.
Pros: Great effects and action, interesting points. Cons: Lack of time for certain characters, a bit rushed.
P.S. There's a special, but short, scene at the very end of the credits that informs us of a character not being as dead as we thought they were.