X-Men stars Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto, and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. It also features Halle Berry as Storm, James Marsden as Cyclops, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, Anna Paquin as Rogue, Tyler Mane as Sabretooth, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos as Mystique, Ray Park as the Toad, and Bruce Davidson as Senator Robert Kelly. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is a movie adaptation of the popular comic book series.

The story centers around two mutants named Rogue and Wolverine and both the X-Men's and Brotherhood of Mutant's interest in them. It also focuses on the turmoil that mutant kind is receiving from humans because of Senator Kelly's push for a bill to require all mutants to register their livelihoods and abilities.

I liked this movie. Not so much because I am a fan of the comic book series (which I am) but because of its almost seamless translation from the comic to the big screen. The character Wolverine was developed perfectly. Jackman gave a worthy performance of the Canadian canucklehead (one of Wolverine's many nicknames from the comic). Stewart's performance of Charles Xavier was brilliant--the look, the mannerisms, the charisma--wonderful. McKellen's performance of Magneto was magnificent; the capture of a seemingly ruthless character with a hidden compassion for mutant kind. Care was taken to bring as many traits from the comic book characters to the movie without looking hokey and unbelievable. The standoff between Xavier and Magneto outside the train station is evidence of this. Check out this scene; it's one of the best. I also really liked how they incorporated a few mutant cameos in the movie. For diehard fans of the comic, this was a treat.

I do have a couple of rants about the movie, though. The characters Storm, Cyclops, Toad, Sabretooth, and Mystique were underdeveloped. A first timer to the X-Men would not have much to go on for a back story to these characters. A little more insight on them in the movie would have been helpful. The story gives us a little history on Magneto, but almost none from Charles Xavier. We want more!! For instance, how did Xavier and Magneto become friends?  Where and when did their philosophies emerge?  Perhaps, when this movie is released to DVD and video, extra footage may become available. Then again, the movie is set up for sequels...maybe the answers will be revealed then.

This movie is got something for everyone: action, well known characters, drama, romance triangles, and mystery. It may be geared for the kids, but adults will find it entertaining. If you haven't seen it, go see it. If you have, don't spoil it for those who haven't seen it. Enjoy the thrill. This marks the fourth comic book movie to have a successful translation without being campy (the other three being Superman, Batman, and Blade).

by:  Zero

Our final take on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being best)