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X-Men
2 check out website: www.fox.co.uk
Indeed, one could also argue that
all the cast are far more relaxed in the roles they're playing. No doubt helped
by the fact there's a lot more dialogue this time, the only real weakness of the
first film. This film is a real franchise movement as it's a continuation and development from the first X-Men film.
It is all in the
matter of covert manoeuvring to imprison all mutants along with the captive Magneto,
still locked in his plastic cell, and being interrogated by William Stryker about
a particular school for gifted youngsters. Wolverine returns in time to be told to look after the school's youngster while two teams go out. One team, Jean Grey and Storm, to locate and investigate the demon-looking mutant while Xavier and Cyclops in civvies visit Magneto. While this distraction takes
place, the school is invaded and despite making capital against the odds, Wolverine
is forced to flee taking Iceman, Rogue and Pyro with him while a brief appearance
of Colossus is enough to indicate that he's taking the other young mutants to
safety. Mystique, meanwhile, is also arranging for Magneto's release her own way.
Be wary of being chatted up by pretty blondes when you're not God's gift to women! Ultimately, there is a unification of the various groups, some background
about Wolverine's origin and a stern warning to the President not to make war
with the mutants which will undoubtedly lead to film 3. OK. It's a
great film and should be on you must see list this time of year. Can I be critical?
Sure. Halle (Storm) Berry's Oscar doesn't change my mind that she was sorely miscast
in this film and really could have been played with a more African than American
outlook. Like the comicbook on occasions, Xavier is still too powerful
and much of the time is spent in reducing his power level so he doesn't dominate
business. It would be interesting to see the action would be affected if Xavier's
role was deliberately down-played to remove the safety net the rest of the X-Men
have from him. Being the most powerful telepath in the world is nothing when there
isn't anyone there to show how far down the level you have to be to be second
place. Jean Grey, apart from having a shorter haircut, also has a sudden
increase in power levels without really much of a rationale as to why other than
a repercussion from the first film. This was treated far too much as a side issue
to the main story when there was no real indication of a wild fluctuation towards
the end or what really caused it. Saying all of the above, one can't fault much of this film. Kudos for an interesting performance by Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler. I might not like the tattoos used for texture or the teeth instead of fangs but a fun albeit morose part. Director Brian Singer plays decent lip service with references to Muir Island and Project: Wideawake - if you're reading this, Brian, don't forget that giant Sentinels were around while all the Japanese had at the time was 'Gigantor' - and a brief cameo by Hank McCoy and shame we didn't see more of Shadowcat and Syrn. With a three back-up features
on film production at the end of the film it might not compete with the extra
DVD but video buyers aren't totally forgotten either. Can't wait for
the third film. GF Willmetts
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OTHER REVIEWS - December 2003
Other reviews this month Dreams Underfoot by Charles De Lint Spirits In The Wires by Charles De Lint First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain Roma Eterna by Robert Silverberg The Life Eaters by David Brin and Scott Hamilton Midnight Lamp by Gwyneth Jones Dreams of the Compass Rose by Vera Nazarian One Lamp: Alternative History Stories edited by Gordon Van Gelder The Druid King by Norman Spinrad Star Trek: Nemesis novelisation by J.M. Dillard Unto Leviathan by Richard Paul Russo The Sundering by Walter Jon Williams Nylon Angel by Marianne de Pierres Falling Out Of Cars by Jeff Noon The Darkest Part Of The Woods by Ramsey Campbell Lord Of Snow And Shadows by Sarah Ash Tales Of Ten Worlds by Arthur C. Clarke Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Radio Sunnydale Dante's Equation by Jane Jensen Archform: Beauty by L. E. Modesit Jr
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My,
what a large leading cast! All of them having their own bit of the
action with only a few short-changed but understandably considering
the plot but even so, they all have their moments in the sun. 
The
awareness of the mutant menace is heightened when a teleporting
demon-looking mutant shows how poor the White House security is
against a single individual determined to meet the President and
leave a calling card for freedom for mutants.
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