An excellent film, sequel or not.

Rating: Null/10 (3 May 2003)

X2, or X-Men 2, if you like, would be an outstanding film, even if it weren't a sequel. You do not need the first film to enjoy this one, but it does add flavor and detail. The story is good, and the characters do get their moments to shine, although sheer weight of numbers undercuts some of the focus.
The original cast picks up where they left off, with Halle Berry getting a stronger role (Oscar influence, no doubt) and Hugh Jackman continues to dominate. The Rogue/Iceman romance gets a little more development, but gets lost in the third act.
There are plenty of new additions to the cast, the most welcome are Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler; and Brian Cox as William Stryker. Cumming continues his scene stealing streak in movies as the outcast Nightcrawler, a mutant who can't hide what he is. He carries a devout faith that sees him through his troubles. Stryker, in contrast, carries a deep hatred that drives his actions. Where Senator Kelley feared mutants (in the first film), Stryker wants to see them destroyed.
Bryan Singer has again done justice to one of the most popular and complex comics of the more recent era. He has distilled the finer points of the X-Men lore into the framework of the film, but has given it a unique cinematic showcase. The film can be enjoyed by longtime fans and newcomers, who have no idea that Wolverine is missing his mask.
Spoilers
While Wolverine is in Canada, searching for clues to his past, the president is attacked in the Oval Office. Stryker uses this emergency to set in motion an attack on Xavier's school. The X-Men must regroup and stop Stryker. Wolverine learns more about his past, and something is happening to Jean Grey.
The film nicely sows the seeds for the next film, one that if comes to fruition, may make X-Men fans very happy. Even if it doesn't, we have a nice pair in these X films.
There are some nice nods to the comic fans, some very subtle, some quite overt. Hopefully, some will be explored in the future, possibly by Bryan Singer. Either way, this is worth the price of admission.