Great Movie Overall, Minor Discrepancies and Minor Spoilers

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2003)

When I went to see this movie I did not know what to expect. The opening scene was more than amazing. The arrival of Alan Cummings as Nightcrawler is the best additions to this movie ever. His accent the character's depth, if The Oscars were to actually look more at sci-fi films for once, he'd be a great nomination choice. Generally the acting was great. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are great as usual. Those guys deserve some recognition out there (seems like the British actors always have the best acting, must be from all that theater). First off with the principal characters, Famke Janssen, was perfect for the role of Jean Grey. After looking at the cartoon series and comics she plays the role perfectly. I really hope to see this Phoenix storyline develop, especially to see the return of Jean Grey. Wolverine? What I can say, Hugh Jackman has been great in the role and continues to portray the character as remembered in the other mediums. I still wonder why they haven't given Halle Berry anymore storyline. Halle Berry looked great in the role; I think Storm would be a perfect Revlon spokesperson. Storm was a real popular character in the comics. Its actually sad to see Storm's accent go, especially since the character has not been given any real depth at all, but it was nice to see her use her powers all around though. Cyclops like Storm still hasn't been given any great storyline. Although I think James Marsden looks a bit young for the role not giving it the leadership quality Cyclops had (he makes a great Cyclops just not for this time period), I think its nice to see him give him some emotion at the end. Mystique was great as usual and looking good, I hope they attempt to establish the mother/son relationship between nightcrawler and mystique, so much potential there. Rogue was Rogue as usual. I hardly saw the character smile throughout the whole movie. I really hope they can age the role in the next movie, cause I really want to see the Rogue I saw in the comics and cartoon series, who was strong, funny, heart of gold, a leader herself and had that strong southern feel, something I don't see in Anna Paquin's portrayal, she plays the role well, but could have been better suited as shadowcat or another younger role. Especially if they bring Gambit who has to be someone in their 30s or late 20s to match correctly with the right Rogue. Rogue/Storm/Jean were equals with their different range of powers, but in the movies Rogue seems so much lower. Iceman was another one, who wasn't smiling, but I did like the actor, and I think he would be perfect for Jubilee. Speaking of Jubilee? Will they ever feature her? Nice to see Colossus pass by, even though it seemed he was missing his accent, probably the most familiar part of the character. Hope to see Beast, Gambit and Jubilee, making the X-team united for once. Kelly Hu was great, why didn't they give her more lines or maybe a deeper story. The fight scenes were awesome and she looked pretty good, she is a formidable opponent for the other great leading ladies Famke, Halle and Rebecca. Why did Jean Grey leave the plane, couldn't she use her power from inside? Why did they leave William Stryker's son in the dam? That was pretty horrible to see the guy in the wheelchair and everyone leaving. Why wasn't Xavier able to read Magneto's mind about what he was going to do, especially since Magneto didn't have his helmet, which was his only protection against Xavier's powers? Bobby's family was pretty cruel, especially his brother? Are all families of mutants as evil like that? Where did this whole mutant gene from the father's side come from? Makes no sense, must have only been there to get a few laughs. It was really strange how Wolverine this time around couldn't smell Mystique or anyone else for that matter? He used to be able to find everything and smell the wrong and right people, guess he lost that power this time around. Overall a great movie to see and hopefully it can be even better a 3rd time around.