decent sequel with ups and downs

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2003)

Swift, flashy sequel centers around the heroic mutant group from the first film as they band together once again to try and defend themselves from duplicitous military scientist William Stryker (Cox)—a fanatical mutant hater determined to try and start a war between mutants and the rest of humanity. In the midst of it all, maverick mutant Wolverine begins to slowly piece together his mysterious past. Endless special effects and exciting action sequences make it fun to watch, but the story isn't strong enough to hold up to them and overstuffed with silly humor. Mostly just plays as an exercise in how many different displays of power it can show in the film's running time. **½