...........Wow.........Wow.................Wow

Rating: 10/10 (25 May 2006)

Having read everything about the XMen 3 -Last Stand, I was still surprised & happy/sad at the end of this movie. Yes, there's a hot scene between Logan & Jean Grey (or is it Dark Phoenix?). Yes, there are major deaths on both sides of the fight between the X-Men & Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants. Yes, there are good 'funny lines' delivered by my personal favorite - Hugh Jackman. Though not enough brutal Wolverine fight scenes ---- as in X2 when he's defending Xavier's School. Good news is the transformation of Jean Grey to Dark Phoenix. It's subtle, tense, yet horrifying. Unfortunately, Mystique is not given enough screen time (she's my 2nd favorite Mutant). However, Ellen Page (star of 'Hard Candy') is perfect for Kitty Pryde and so is a beefed-up Vinnie Jones as the Juggernaut. Even if this movie does exceedingly well, I really don't think they could round up the main cast back for a 4th installment. Best way to go is with Hugh Jackman and the 'Wolverine' film. Wolverine's current screenwriter is David Benioff (husband to Amanda Peet). They don't have a director yet, but I don't think they'll have a problem securing one. The question is would Bryan Singer direct? After Brett Ratner punk'd poor Hugh Jackman on MTV......I don't think he'll work with him again, though I could be wrong. Enjoy and don't leave your seat till after all the credits roll.