X-men Review

Today's the start of another movie review marathon. We have a movie franchise that started off big and then really hit hard by its third round; the X-men film series. Still kicking for a fifth round, let's get started on number one. 

In the not too distant future, random individuals across the globe have been given the remarkable ability of a mutant gene that grants them extraordinary powers. The world knows not how to look upon these strange people, known simply as mutants, and fear and persecution is spreading. To stand in the light of these dark times are the X-men, led by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), mutants who intend to protect humanity from their more dangerous kind. Such enemies like Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen) and his Brotherhood of Mutants have twisted plans for the human race; plans that the two mutants Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Rogue (Anna Paquin) have fallen right into the middle of. 

Jackman truly brings the ruthless Wolverine to life like never before, every claw slashin', cigar smokin', one linerin' bit of him. Arguably the protagonist of the X-men franchise in general, his character arc does overshadow the stories of Storm (Halle Berry) and Cyclops (James Marsters). 

Sir Ian McKellen feeds Shakespearean classiness to his portrayal of the freedom fighter Magneto, threatening and yet always in control wherever he walks. Pitted against the humble and brilliant Xavier, Stewart is a perfect choice for the X-men leader. 

Director Bryan Singer knows how to make a movie like X-men both down-to-earth and exciting, by feeding balance on both sides. We get a relatable message of being a social outcast and the fantasy of a superhero mythology all snugly put together in delivery. This comic book action shows the mutants in full glory of their stunts, with support from visual effects that nail the experience. 

Where X-men fails is really giving a solid conclusion. Yeah the heroes have their victories, people walk away to do their own thing, but very much of what's set up isn't closed off by the time the credits roll. Still, what can't be denied is that when it comes to the extraordinary, the exciting and the excellent, X-men gives you what you're looking for.