Could still be better, but overall: much better then 1!

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2004)

Alright, still missing a few things, but just looking at the movie for what it is it was great! The characters seem a bit more comfortable in the yummy leather and the special effects were good. The story line was kind of the same as one, but it was made up for by the more in-depth view into the characters. Also note the perfect music.
First off: POSITIVES!:
What I loved most about this movie were the new characters. Even though some were only seen for a mere minute they were there! Pyro, Lady Deathstrike, Jublee (!), Colossus and of course Nightcrawler.
Having never read the comics and seeing just a few ep's of the TV-series I only knew Nightcrawler for the X-men teens series. He was young then and I don't remember him being German or religious either, but at least I recognized him right away. And I loved it. Nightcrawler is one of the best characters as far as I'm concerned, and as far as powers go, even as a child I wanted his. And of course the black clouds of smoke as he teleported were incredible! And of course applauding the make-up artists whom did his tattoo's. They are really beautiful.
Pyro I already knew, and I knew he would cross over. Still it was nicely done ('What is your real name John?') Same with Jean Grey. Can't WAIT to see her as Phoenix! Femke is a good actress, but she just doesn't really *get* Jean. Jean has always been a matriarch, a leader next to Charles Xavier. She seems to focus just a bit too much on her insecure side.
The story in itself builds on on Wolverine's past. From what I know about the comics, Wolverine has always been one of the characters (if not THE character) that kept the story going. People seem to love him and I can't blame them honestly. The part with the wolf was pretty, but I had a tomb raider flashback right away hum
As far as the story goes it's good, with the added bonus that the two parties have to work together to defeat the new bad guy. Oh and of course NO ONE saw the stab in the back coming :P. A bit overly done but the scene where Storm comes to save the day eventually is great . ('Daddy is gonna be so mad').
Another note I'd like to make is Iceman. His part was much larger in this movie and he is a great character. As a lesbian I recognized a LOT in the talk with his mom. Especially the 'Have you every tried not being a mutant?' part was memorable.
Now on to: NEGATIVE PARTS!:
Alright, my first one is this:
WHY DOES EVERYONE ALWAYS HAVE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE!!???
I mean seriously I get the bobby/Rogue thing and find it mighty cute. I was already used to the whole Logan/Jean/Cyclops thing and this time it was funny.
But STORM/NIGHTCRAWLER???!!!
WHY???!!!
WHY!!!
O_0'
-_-''
Okay, sorry. Calming down
But really, why does everyone always have to fall in love? I'm all for love, but gosh you just can't pass the girls from one to the other Okay, enough of this
Beside the whole love thing there were a few parts over the top. Just about every fighting scene by Wolverine was ridiculous! He is a powerful character, I agree, but this? Nah
Magneto and Xavier had the same trouble. Extracting the iron from someone's blood and then making not one but three balls out of it? Hum I don't think so but well, I can deal. Just as the knowledge that Xavier is so powerful that he can kill anyone on this planet. The movie just looses some points for it.
I don't remember how, but I remember Lady Deathstrike and I was Marjory disappointed. Beside her amazing looks and VERY yummy nails she had NOTHING going for her. She had ONE line, to the guy taking out the trash (To her knowledge) and beside that she could have just as easily been a zombie.
Overall I would give this movie an 8 out of 10.
Next time more Jublee, colossus, and maybe more Kitty. Also I would love some other characters like Psylocke or The Blob ^_^