Better Adaptation than the First

Rating: 8/10 (3 May 2003)

The assumption by the writers and director that the audience watched the first film greatly benefits X2. Necessary investments in plot and character development during X1 come to fruition here without needing further explanation as both elements are essentially unchanged. In fact, it appears this story takes place just a few months (maybe even just weeks) after the Liberty Island incident. This allows more time to be devoted to the execution of the storyline with fantastic results. The new characters are interesting, humorous, and symbiotic with the abilities/weaknesses of the others. And the dependably vapid Cyclops, the biggest dud of X1, is happily shelved for most of the movie.
My only disappointment is the overly simplistic allegory of the main storyline. Obviously this is a tale of racism and discrimination. Those who fear mutants are regarded as unreasonable, rash, and foolish and no legitimacy is given to their position. Meanwhile, we are made to somewhat sympathize with the homicidal mutants because they are being persecuted. It's too much to hope for in today's PC world, but the sophistication of the story would greatly benefit from a more neutral perspective. I mean, in X2 (***************Possible Spoiler Coming****************) all of humanity is just seconds away from obliteration because a single mutant is duped into murdering everyone. Maybe we can afford just a little sympathy for the impotent humans! When actual extinction hangs in the balance, how irrational is their discrimination (see Roger Ebert's self-righteous quip in his review)?
All in all an intelligent and fun action flick. Who would have thought that a standoff between two guys in wheelchairs who don't even face each other could be so engrossing.