Stunning sequel

Rating: 9/10 (4 May 2003)

X-2 is one of the better sequels in town, and considering the strength of the first, that's saying something. It borrows the strengths of the first -- amazing visual effects, screenplay balanced between action and humor/character development -- and improves on them. Brian Cox (who I just saw on video in "Nuremburg") has to be one of the great villainous actors of today. He so practical and singleminded in his villainy that he is fun to watch. So many of his kind get boring to watch because they're always overacting. Alan Cumming was surprising as a superhero. I knew he was a good actor, but well, he really stole the show at times! I can't wait to see more of him. The rest of the gang, Brotherhood and X-men alike, were all outstanding, and better than the first movie. Mystique's taking initiative was especially fun to watch since we so rarely get to see a secondary character making a plan equal to one the big boys would think up. Hugh Jackman is brilliant as Wolverine. I agree with those who say he IS Wolverine. I appreciate that bit of eye candy for the ladies, and can see why so many of the female characters have a bit of a thing for him. He really is the consummate "bad boy." The guy we most need to thank for bring us these two hours + of pure entertainment is the one and only Bryan Singer. He's done a wonderful job of bringing the X-men to the big screen. (And though another comment mentioned that the trailer for Matrix made this film seem less in comparison, I also watched the trailer for Hulk...) **Thank you, Bryan Singer! Hope you stick around and can't wait to see what you come up with next!**