College Downtime Movie Review
Written by Hollowman - March 7th, 2005

X-Men (2000)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, James Marsden
Director: Bryan Singer
Rated: PG-13
Rating: * * *

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With the release of “X-Men”, Marvel Comics hopes that this will spawn a string of successful films based on its long running superhero comic books. With 20th Century Fox’s production of the 40 plus year old comic, Marvel is well on its way.

“X-Men” is far from Warner Bros. “Superman: The Movie”, but it is a fresh of breath air after what has become of superhero movies since the early 80’s (the first two Batman movies excluded). The film goes deeper than just special effects and mutant fighting mutant action. It brings about the philosophy and themes that Stan Winston aimed for when he created the Uncanny X-Men.

Directed by Brian Singer (Usual Suspects), “X-Men” depicts a story of a mutant phenomenon that is being viewed by different ideas on different sides. There are the majority of normal humans who fear and therefore hate these mutants. Opposing these humans are mutants who are willing to fight off this hatred with violence and strive for mutant superiority. Then, there are the mutants who want peace and the ability to co-exist with everyone; these of course, are the X-Men.

The raging mutants are led by Magneto (Ian McKellen), who knows first hand the effects of hatred and persecution; he was a sent to concentration camps as a young Jewish boy in Europe. The X-Men are led by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart is a perfect fit) who teaches his students how to live and co-exist with people and understand and control their powers. Though the two oppose each other, Magneto and Xavier strive for a better world for mutants. They are like the Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. of mutants.

Xavier’s students are lead by Cyclops (James Mardsen), Storm (Halle Berry who struggles with a bad African accent), and Jean Grey (Famke Jansen). They are joined by Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Rouge (Anna Paquin). Any hardcore X-Men fan will not be turned off by any of the actors, since they bring great depth to their characters and gifts (especially Hugh Jackman as the loner trying to piece back together his erased past).



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