Could have been stronger in the detail but is still a superior summer blockbuster

Rating: Null/10 (14 June 2006)

When an American pharmaceutical company carrying out research on one very unique mutant discovers a method of producing a "cure" for the mutant x gene, the effect on the mutant community is dramatic. Some embrace the drug in order to become "normal", others protest the view that they have a disease that needs curing while others take a stand, seeing the drug as the first strike in a war. On the side of diplomacy are Professor Charles Xavier and his school for mutants; on the other is Magneto who is drawing his own army around him. The sides start to form while, although the government claims the drug will be voluntary, a weapons grade version is supplied to the army.
The second sequel in the X-Men series has a title that suggests that it is perhaps the last. This may or may not be the case but the story suggests it is and it is as good a way as any to tie up what has generally been a collection of superior summer blockbusters. I was worried about the loss of Bryan Singer and even more so about his replacement with Brett Ratner but whether or not this is the cause of some of the weaknesses I can't say. I'll get onto my problems with it in a minute but they are not insurmountable and I actually really enjoyed the film on the level that many summer movies pitch themselves  special effects driven entertainment and action. However with this film (and indeed the series) there are more than just the bangs and the material offers much food for thought. In terms of the former aspect the action is great fun, looks great and is well spread out over the whole running time.
Unfortunately the promise in the material isn't produced that well to compliment the action. The lines are blurred in this drama  we can see points in both mutant camps that we agree and disagree with while we also understand the human response. The ethics of it is well presented and is added to with lots of other plot lines and character issues  although this might be the problem, it is trying to do too much in a short time and, as a result, doesn't excel in any one thing even if it does many reasonably well. Having said that though, it is still much more interesting than many summer action movies I've seen over recent years. As director Ratner always seems more comfortable with the big action scenes and therefore doesn't offer much help to the interesting stuff in the script; this wasn't a surprise and at least he is good at what he does well.
The cast is perhaps a bit too baggy (although the story helps solve that problem to a degree) but everyone is good. McKellen and Stewart are as reliable as ever in their characters and bring a lot of dignity to their material. Jackman is good but perhaps over familiar with his character  still good though and a solid lead. Berry has a small role with little to do and she is very much in the shadow of Janssen who is interesting even if her presence is part of the film having too much to do. Grammar is well cast. Paquin is the best of the young cast  others like Ashmore, Page, Stanford and others are OK but are less memorable.
Overall this is a good summer action movie with good material, performances and action. It maybe isn't as strong as it could have been in different hands and with a tighter focus, but it is still a superior summer blockbuster and a strong end (?) to a generally strong series.