Darker, funnier, more violent and mature than the original.

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2003)

When I first saw X-Men back in 2000, I thought it was pretty cool and I really enjoyed it. Over time, I felt that there was really nothing special about the first movie. It introduced the characters but hardly gave them anything to do. I really loathe the movies that now spend so much time (basically the entire movie) introducing the characters, because the filmmakers know there will be a sequel which enables them to let loose and really start up the action. If you look at older movies that have sequels, you can argue that the first movie in a series can stand up on its own. Examples of those movies are the original Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman, Toy Story, The Godfather, Batman, Back to the Future, and The Terminator just to name a few. Lord of the Rings doesn't count because it was part of a trilogy no matter what and The Matrix seemed like it needed a sequel. However, The Matrix is different than the movies that I loathe simply because it was groundbreaking and it was thought provoking.
Anyway, back to X-Men 2: it was extremely awesome! I think because my expectations were a little lower because of the first movie, I didn't go in expecting great things, but I got great things! Hell, I'd pay six bucks just to watch the opening attack again. I have heard people saying that this is the Empire Strikes Back of the series and for the most part, I agree. (Nothing will ever be the complete equivalent to Empire.) This is a darker, funnier, more violent, more mature and more entertaining film than X-Men ever was.
I was glad to see Wolverine killing Stryker's men. There have been few movies since Batman and Batman Returns in which the superhero kills people. Blade of course wipes out tons of people, but I am refering to more mainstream superheros. In Wolverine's situation, do you just punch the guys with the guns out? No, you put them down, so they are no longer a threat. Ultimately, this darker X-Men movie gives the series a new and better edge towards a more adult crowd. The crowd which grew up reading the comics. The violence in this movie was, in my humble opinion, completely justified.
I have already seen this film twice within two days and I bet I'll see it again soon. I can't recommend this film enough. Even if you're not a fan of X-Men, this is good action cinema.