aka X-MEN 3
Movie Review by Dr Kuma
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin
Director: Brett Ratner
The X-MEN trilogy comes to an end (?) in the same style as the first two instalments – with great visual class. Unlike most of the Marvel transfer’s, X-MEN also has always had a human level to underlie the impressive effects and this is brought to the fore in this episode.
The X-MEN series has also benefited from one essential ingredient; it’s always been very well acted by the principals involved, which is definitely the case here, especially Stewart and McKellen, the light and dark of the human psyche. Hugh Jackman also gives us the best Clint Eastwood impression yet seen. Casting directors need look no further there. The very reliable leads also highlight the films main failing in that the secondary cast are only fair to poor. One would have thought with such an array of Mutants, Magneto (McKellen) could have chosen so much more wisely rather than have the feeble Pyro and Juggernaut by his side. I would use the term as his “acting second in commands” but the word acting is something one does not really associate with Vinnie Jones, who fails to deliver 4 out of the 6 sentences he is given. The only X one associates with this performance is that Vinnie is an X footballer and is a truly Xcruciating actor (bar SNATCH).
X-MEN will please fans of the first two films as well as fans of the comic, but it will be really interesting to see how SUPERMAN, from the series’ original director and driving force measures up to this. Bar a couple of excellent scenes (especially in the showdown at the rejuvenated Jean Grey’s home) this is real popcorn and a great deal will be forgotten quickly afterward, but that shouldn’t take away from that fact that while you are watching this, it’s very entertaining, if a little too dark for kids.
Note: Fans of the series should wait until after the credits role for a surprise where a theory discussed by Xavier seems to have been a premonition rather than a lecture.
Dr Kuma’s verdict: All in all a good effort, but as with the television show, some of the players really don’t have the X factor to carry a line never mind heavy boulders, while others, even though this was supposed to be the final, could see themselves through to the next round with “flying” colours. If that happens is down to the fans…and the box office.
