Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

A cure has been found for the so-called mutant problem. Those who believe that there is no need of a cure declare war against those who created it, and anyone else who aids them. The X-Men decide to draw the proverbial line in the sand when a re-risen Jean Grey winds up in the other camp.

My Thoughts

Personally, I liked seeing more characters from the Marvel Universe – even if we didn’t recognize them. I had to look at a cast and crew list to see that Callisto, Jubilee, and Psylocke were in it. We also see Angel, Juggernaught, Jamie Madrox, etc. It’s really too bad that we don’t know who many of the mutant characters are until the credits roll.

I’ve gotten over some of my anger at some of the choices for cast (Magneto and Storm for example), but I think the writers were intentionally trying to tick off Marvel fans. Take Juggernaught as an example. He’s actually Cain Marko, Charles Xavier’s step brother in the comics. Another would be Phoenix, or Dark Phoenix from the storyline presented. It took a cast of hundreds through many different titles to subdue the Dark Phoenix in the comics.

Another problem is that the movies aren’t consistent. Mystique is portrayed as a brunette here, but is a blonde in all the other movies. It’s the little things that add up to topple a mountain, especially if that mountain already has holes all through it. If I went on about how many incarnations of Emma Frost we’ve seen in the various movies we’d be here far longer than you want to be.

On the good side at least we get introduced to the cannonball express – don’t worry if you don’t get it, comic fans will. (Colossus throwing Wolverine with his claws extended at a target).

Again, we see many characters from the Marvel Universe but don’t even know it’s them until the credits – if we can read that fast. There’s Flea, Siryn, and Artie just to name a few with those already listed. The actor playing Artie, who we didn’t know was a mute who warps reality, was uncredited.

Okay, maybe I’m not over my anger. Who in their right mind thought the lineup casting thought it was a good idea? Ian McKellen (Magneto), Halle Berry (Storm), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), Anna Paquin (Rogue), and James Mardsen (Cyclops) is a good cast? I do think Kelsey Grammer did okay as Beast, and I always like Patrick Stewart (Professor X).

Conclusion

While barely passable, I do recommend watching it at least once if you can find it at a used dvd store in the 2.99 range. It’s better than a lot of the crap coming out of Hollywood these days which isn't saying much. Watch it with no expectations of you’re a comic fan. If you can, tell me how you did it though.

Recommended: No

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older