X-Men 3: The Last Stand

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2006)

X3 IS 3X THE FUN I am awed that director Brett Ratner knows movies, how the elements should blend, what cinematic entertainment is all about. As a nod to his predecessor Bryan Singer (nothing wrong there), he took the best elements from Singer's storyboard, and combined these with his own beliefs about what a real X-Men movie should be.
More than an action movie, his X3 had emotional depth and literary tightness, plus movie clarity, character development, superb visuals, excellent timing.
There were many highlights: the Juggernaut/Shadowcat chase scene, Phoenix vs. Professor X, the Building-a-Bridge scene, Wolverine vs. Spike, the Danger Room scene, Beast in Battle, Angel in Flight, and the climactic scene with Jean and Logan.
I am impressed by the script logic. i.e. how Professor X explained the origin of the Phoenix phenomenon.
I enjoyed Halle Berry here more than in the past two films. She is a stronger woman here with fine leadership qualities. Hugh Jackman's character Wolverine shines throughout the movie. Mr. Jackman is the best thing to happen to Hollywood action since Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones.
The only thing I didn't appreciate was Famke Janssen's makeup as Dark Phoenix. The cosmetics was meant more for the role of Regan in an Exorcist remake.
There was emotional resonance in X3, without the need for corn. I cried twice while watching the film. Several X-Men died here, whose names I can't tell you for the sake of the element of surprise.
Congratulations, Mr. Ratner. Terrific juggling act. It was definitive MOVIE MAGIC.
X1 was a 9.5. X2 was a 9. X3 is a 10.