And so it Begins ...

Rating: 10/10 (2 May 2003)

The first X-Men film was a good movie, no doubt, but it was a very safe movie too. Essential characters were introduced, the general premise was dealt out, and a little battle ensued at the end. Now that we know the basics, it's time to really start the story.
At least I hope that's what they plan to do. For those new to it all: X-Men began in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Back then comics were simpler, geared more towards kids. Story lines took place over multiple comic books infrequently, and things generally set itself right by the end of the issue. In other words, for the most part, it was episodic. But when Chris Claremont took over as writer in 1975, things really started to get interesting, and, I must admit, complicated. I often wonder how much he had planned out in advance. Suffice it to say, by the time the Pheonix Saga got underway in the late 70's, there was no turning back. X-Men became a soap opera. A very complex science fiction soap opera at that. And it seemed to grow in complexity as it went on. The stakes got higher, more and more characters came in replacing old ones, more X-issues were spun off eventually climaxing in what is possibly one of the best superhero comic arcs out there: The Age of Apocalypse (1995ish). It probably should have ended after that, but it didn't. But what a great 20 years of comic book writing that was. I would have never thought it possible to capture its epicness on film.
But with X-Men 2, it is clear that they have indeed upped the stakes. The story is much bigger, the movie's much longer, there are many more characters, many more mini-plots,
**spoiler **

and it ends with a cliffhanger! (If you don't know what I mean, let me just say I think I saw a Pheonix rising right before the credits ran). Needless to say I was thrilled, but also nervous. Are they actually attempting the Pheonix Saga? How far will they take it? Will they actually have the wisdom to stop when it ends? And more importantly, where will it end? Most of the loose ends weren't tied up until 20 years (240 issues) later.

** end spoiler **
The X-Men movies could be the greatest long running movie series in history, a pretty good trilogy, or a terrible disappointment. If they manage to write a good long term story arc loosely based on the comics, and have the wisdom to stop the series when the story finishes, I'm sure Singer and most of the cast will see it through to its end. To Hollywood I say the audience is hooked, our attention spans will last, don't worry about that. Just don't give up the enthusiasm, and don't give up on these movies to soon. I don't want this series to fade into mediocrity like Batman and Superman did.
This movie had great action, great special effects, great characters, great character development, and an incredible plot. But a plot that is only great in the context of its sequels and prequel. This is a good thing. Many would consider this a bad thing, but those are probably people that didn't like "The Two Towers" because it didn't stand on its own. The epicness of the story arc is what got me hooked on the comics in the first place. We have longer attention spans than you think, hollywood. I think 3 more movies should be enough. And don't be afraid to surprise us comic fans either.
Looking forward to X-Men 3. Go see this movie!