Hate the shortened title, liked the film A LOT!

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2003)

Well, what can I say about 'X2' (or should be really titled 'X-Men 2')- as it is called in Australia? Does the film rock? Yes, yes it does! Is it better than Spider-man? Nope, but it's pretty damn close. Is it better than the first 'X-Men'? I'd say it's on par with the first film.
(Minor spoilers)
The film opens with an attempted assassination of The President of the United States, by an unknown mutant named Nightcrawler. This causes Professor X and his school of mutants some worry, as they are ultimately striving for harmony between Mutants and Humans. The President grants General Stryker power to hunt and seek out Xavier's school, and the X-Men find themselves separated from each other. Stryker captures Professor X to utilise his powers, and the rest of the X-Men must regroup and join old enemies to try and save him.
'X2" brings back Wolverine in full onslaught mode, as well as introducing a very cool Nightcrawler. Bobby Drake, aka Iceman, gets more screen time as well as fiendish friend in Pyro. Storm, Rogue, Cyclops, Jean Grey all come back in full force, as well as some nice cameos from Colossus and Hank McCoy, aka Beast. Magneto and Mystique return as well as old rivals. Add Lady Deathstrike in the mix, and you've got one gigantic mass of super powers. There is some great scenes, particularly involving Wolverine, and I'm sure all the fans of this stuff have seen this film already. It's also got a poignant message that is very relevant to issues concerning reality. I'm glad they didn't overkill it. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and Brian Cox (Stryker) shine in this film in their respective roles, and the rest of the cast do admirably as well. Strong hint at the end for comic lovers as to what might happen in the X3, and Bryan Singer should be given kudos for directing a sequel that could be debated as being better than the first film. However, I'm going to stay safe, and suggest they are both damn good, and it's hard to pick a winner.
**** out of *****!