Good but could have been so much better

Rating: 7/10 (25 May 2006)

7 out of 10 is a rating from an X-Men fan in general and certainly a fan of the first two movies. If I were to remove my rose-tinted glasses (no I'm not Cyclops...) it would probably be around 5 out of 10.
Why you ask? Well...
a) Some of the characters are far too unnecessary and under-developed. Take Jean Grey. I think she has around 50 words of dialogue all movie, and I could probably include her younger counterpart playing her in the first 5 minutes in that assessment. An explanation is given about the Phoenix side to her character but throughout the movie she tends to just stand there, gazing at something in the distance. Without giving away details of what she does, there's no real idea as to what her motives are, where her loyalties lie, what she wants out of the situation. Of course she "takes a stand" on one of the sides of the battle but why? Also, a mutant with "unlimited powers" begs the question - did Magneto really need an army? It's like sending the US army to Iraq when everyone knows Jack Bauer could do the same job with a spud gun.
b) Magneto doesn't end up behind bars!! What the hell happened there? A man who has his face, his agenda, his words beamed around the planet - he commits some pretty darn harsh crimes and he's strolling around a park at the end? It's not like he was inconspicuous.
c) Why did they even need Mr. Marsden for this film? Rather than write him the 10 minutes of screen time he got they should have played it so differently, given him a purpose in the film.
d) Ditto Angel.
e) Ditto Colossus.
f) Ditto Rogue.
I imagine you can see a thread of thought there! HOWEVER: It is an enjoyable film for the effects and action, and overall the film does move at a frenetic pace. Wolverine is again played very well by Hugh Jackman and Magneto is also done well by Sir Ian McKellen. You have to see it just to complete the trilogy. Although the way they left things you wouldn't count on it ending there....