X-Men Comic fans, prepare for a wild ride...

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2006)

I've been reading the X-Men comics since I was 10.I'm 23 now. I watched the cartoon in the 90s, and bought the action figures and cards. I'm telling you all this so you can get a sense of who I am. We all sort of need to realize going into this third installment of the X-Men movie list that what sort of X-Men fan you are might sway your opinion on the movie.
First off, the basic plot of the movie continues off where Singer left it. Jean Grey's Phoenix character rising from the ashes. Second off, it involved a mutant cure that was created and proved that it works. Ratner does a strong job of telling the story accurately and there are no plot holes or points where I was left going "What?" except for the secret ending after the credits, which everyone must stay for. All I can really say is watch carefully.
The movie moves at a very quick pace, but not so fast that it loses moviegoers in the dust. The action is jam-packed, and for fans of the comic book, you'll enjoy this change of pace from Singer's drawn out, gloomy bits. However, as I'll get to in a moment, Ratner's job is much different than Singer's, and I think he did it well.
Acting wise, there were strong points and weak roles that weren't explored. Hugh Jackman had the humor down pat, but also could maintain emotion and trauma when it was needed. Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellen continued their roles, and it's even more clear that these two were born to play Charles Xavier and Magneto. Stewart is much angrier in this movie, but for good reason. Magneto's big scenes, while action packed and illustrious, were not as jaw dropping as his prison escape in X2.
Anna Paquin's character was not explored enough, and Daniel Cudmore's Colossus is strong willed, but tight lipped. I am a huge fan of Ellen Paige's Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat/Sprite, whatever you'd like to call her. Juggernaut's character was a bit frustrating to watch, just because he's not a mutant in the comics. Kelsey Grammar as Beast was just, amazing. I loved every second of his on-screen time. The character of Callisto needed to go. I liked how Iceman not only had a bigger role, but he felt more evolved. Of course the love triangle was fairly apparent, Iceman kept his (no pun intended) cool, and completely balanced an evil, almost enjoyable Pyro. Halle Berry's Storm was stronger in this movie, and for good reason. I liked the change they made with her character. She feels like she believes in being a mutant and wants to fight for it, and I easily forgive her for X-Men and X2's ho-hum attitude. This time around it feels like she wants to be there, and she does a great job of giving life to Storm's otherwise timid presence from the first two flicks. As you can see, numerous characters were present in this film. This was a major gripe I had, but at the same time, her scenes were entertaining. Psylocke, while never really named, is easily spotted by comic fans alike. That is the biggest problem with this movie. Comic fans will get more enjoyment then everyday moviegoers. But it's the sort of problem that is understandable when you think about it this way.
The movie feels more sugary and action packed for a reason. Change needed to happen. In fact, it was forced. Singer started the phoenix saga in X2, and there was no way to avoid it. Zak Penn's script was strong, with the appropriate twists and turns. Watching this as a comic fan, you're used to the movie's rapid procession through various sets. It's understandable to see all these mutants and not get their back stories. This movie was more about a war going on between mutant supporters and mutant loathers. It does a fine job of placing characters on sides. I really enjoyed it for what it was: an energized, high tension, emotional roller-coaster of a film. Does it have it's faults? Sure. One or two. But this was quite good, on par with it's predecessors in terms of strength, but not in terms of strong characterization. I'll be seeing it at least 2 more times.