Best action of the 3, worst story

Rating: 6/10 (7 August 2006)

I had the weirdest feeling after I watched this movie. I didn't know how I felt about it. I loved it and hated it at the same time, so I'll break this review up into two categories.
First, the bad. The movie is only 1 hour and 44 minutes long, which is way too short if this is truly the last X film (which they make very clear). Also, the way death is handled. The only person who seems to care and acknowledge the fact that Cyclops may be dead is Wolverine. Even though it is only implied that he died, and it is never made clear, they never mention it again in the film. Also, couldn't Professor X just read his mind and find out whether he was or not? On top of that nightcrawler is gone with no explanation; Rogue is absent from most of the action even though the first film is told from her point of view, Collossus only gets a few cool scenes (he has a larger role though), and Angel has about 10 total minutes of screen time.
But the movie does has some redeeming qualities. The second movie was by far the best, but this one has THE best and most rewarding action sequences out of the series. Storm kicks so much ass throughout the film, the fight scenes are well choreographed (Esspescially the scene in Jean's house), and Kelsey Grammers Beast is excellent. And fans of the comic will love the amount of mutants packed into the film. Kitty Pryde is surprisingly cute and entertaining as well. The final battle is explosive and very emotional.
Anyway, it's not as bad as a lot of fanboys say. It would be impossible to make a movie and follow the comics to the letter, especially with the PHoenix saga. Hopefully the DVD will incorporate some deleted scenes.