Rating: 
Summary: More, more, more! And a little less, too.
Review: The follow-up to 2000's deservedly popular X-MEN, X2 reunites the bulk of the first film's cast for more super-powered mutant mayhem, though with mixed results. While there's nothing wrong with X2, it expands on its predecessor's modest aims to the point where even 133 minutes of running time can't possibly support the entire narrative.Whatever its failings, X2 is still a rollicking good time. The film wastes no time getting off the ground, opening with a mutant assassination attempt on the President of the United States and never slowing down for more than a moment or two until the credits roll. Since plot is half the fun when it comes to the X-Men, perhaps it's best not to delve too deeply into it. Suffice it to say that all the heroes from X-MEN return for more action. They're joined by new fan-favorites from the comic. Some, like the midnight blue and tailed teleporter Nightcrawler, have a significant role to play in the course of the story. Others, like Jubilation Lee, who adventured with Wolverine in his long-running solo comic as Jubilee, have far less to do in "blink and you'll miss it" cameos. Two of the original film's quartet of villains return. Magneto begins the film still imprisoned in his plastic cell, and the shape-changing Mystique continues to impersonate X-MEN baddie Senator Robert Kelly. But X2 isn't just a rehash of old battles. The new storyline expands the roster of enemies to include mutant-hater William Stryker, a covert operative for the government, and his implacable bodyguard Yuriko. Stryker's force of well-trained soldiers figure heavily in one films early, thrilling set-pieces, providing ample fodder for the likes of Wolverine, who gets to cut loose with his adamantium claws to an extent that might surprise some viewers. To the screenwriters' credit, they try to give every character something to do. Unfortunately, this has the effect of thinning some secondary plots out to the point that they barely register. For example, one scene late in the movie shows Rogue (Anna Paquin) struggling mightily with the controls of the X-Men's jet. The moment is extremely brief, and one gets the impression that there was once much more to the sequence, most likely left on the cutting room floor. Other moments like these pass with flash-card swiftness, leading a viewer to wish that the film had another hour or two to work through everything at a statelier pace. If nothing else, the success of lengthy films like THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING demonstrates audiences' willingness to sit for a well-told story, no matter how long the running time. It's disappointing that such great actors also have so little opportunity to stretch their acting muscles. Hugh Jackman, while still exemplary as Wolverine, gets plenty of space for his work. This is hardly surprising, since Wolverine is the nominal "star" of the both X-MEN and X2. At the same time, however, an outstanding actor like Patrick Stewart is reduced to little more than a token appearance. A deliciously evil Ian McKellen as Magneto fares only slightly better. The watchword for X2 appears to be "more." While this means more action, more spectacle and more characters, it also means less of what made X-MEN such a surprisingly intimate film. It remains up to the individual viewer to decide whether the trade-off was worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Action - Simple Story
Review: I must admit, upon first seeing the movie - I was as impressed as everyone seemed to be with it. I was expecting something different in terms of story and direction with this film. It fell short for my excitement. Then I saw it a second time - I loved it. The second time I got passed the lack of original story and started to see the process of the characters coming through. Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) tried to include lots of visuals and actions. Creating villains and believable situations that move the movie along. The effects and action sequences were brilliant. The standout performances included first and foremost Alan Cuming (Annie, Flintstones Viva Rock Vegas) as Night Crawler. His performance was simple and believable. He had heart and compassion and the most incredible mutant ability to date - teleportation. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Roller Ball, Fem Fatalle) as Mystique and Famke Janssen (I Spy, Don't Say A Word) as Jean Grey both had significantly larger parts in this film and were great fun to watch. Also Halle Berry (Die Another Day, Monsters Ball) had some incredible scenes of her weather abilities. Hugh Jackman (Kate and Leopold, Oklahoma) as Wolverine was astonishingly real and motivated for this movie. Sir Ian McKellon (Lord Of The Rings, David Copperfield) was extremely devious as Magneto and the best villain to watch. He seemed to be having a lot of fun with this one. The parts of Patrick Stewart (Star Trek, Animal Farm, Prince Of Egypt) as Charles Xavier and James Marsden (Alley McBeal, Disturbing Behavior) as Cyclops were very small and really the only week points in the story. The president was week and the whole underling White House connection was poor. The story was simple - Humans Vs. Mutants. One man, a scientist was planning on killing all Mutants....one Mutant was planning on killing all Humans. Wow! I liked the concept, but there is definitely more action then story in this one. 5-19-03
Rating: 
Summary: This is the X-Men!
Review: This is most certainly one of the better adaptations of a comic book (or TV series) to the big screen I have seen on quite some time. Although it departs from the comic series in some very apparent ways, it has been said that that was part of their intent. The shadows of the impending Pheonix Saga are well placed and thought out. Although there are only a couple of scenes with them together, Xaiver (Stewart) and Magneto (McKellen) make you really believe that they were at one time (and perhaps still are) very good friends. Mystique (Stamos), instead of just being some eye-candy, takes a dominant roll on the movie. Aside from that, the story was engaging, and the actors well met with their rolls.
I very much look forward to the next installment. Fans of the comic series will appreciate the cameos and refernces to other characters as well. Only one little nit-pick: I thought Colosus was Russian.
Rating:
Summary: X-Raves
Review: Having watched X-Men 2 and the Matrix: Reloaded, I must say I enjoyed the former much better. While the Matrix: Reloaded semed to have lost its storyline to EXTENDED and meaningless action sequences, X-Men 2 revels in good storytelling, superb acting and sufficient special effects. Essentially a good versus evil story, this installment sees Strykler, a military scientist, fuming over his own son's mutany condition and seeking revenge on the mutants. Vowing to eliminate all mutants, he engagaes a war with Professor Xavier and gang, who seeks help from enemy mutant, Magneto. The story may be predictable but is greatly helped by solid acting from Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Jack Hughman and Halle Berry. As usual, props go out to Ian McKellen for his excellent portrayal of Magneto, a great combination of evilness and contempt. This is ultimately a very enjoyable movie for any moviegoer wheather you are an X-Men or not.
Rating:
Summary: Well done Bryan Singer
Review: When I first saw X-men 3 years ago, I was a little worried about Bryan Singer's approach to making the film. After being an advid X-men fan from childhood to present, it seemed like tampering with story lines and setting things in "reality" was not the proper way to approach an X-men movie. I was, of course, wrong; and the movie turned out very well. Coming into its sequal I had high bars I expected it to be able to clear, and it did so with no problem. First off, Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner, was amazing. He is by far the best characterization I have seen yet in the X-men movies. He lept from the pages of the book to the screen rich in detail, and full of the essence of what the x men stand for. Whether it be because of 9/11, the war in the middle east, or simply by pure accident, heavy ideals were laced in the film that maybe were or were not intended. These ideals make X2 have a very emotional core. Its alright to have religious beliefs, its alright to look different, and its alright to be lost, as long as we work for the same goal. Wolverine was stunning and finally going berserk the way he is famous for in the books. New Mutants abound for cameos including Colossus, Siren, Kitty Pryde, and Douglas, and some familiar faces resurface for more sustained roles such as Bobby 'iceman' Drake, Pyro, and Rogue. The action and special effects sequences were well done. The story was cohesive, even for people who never picked up a comic book, and the tear jerking climax set up definite potential for a third movie. Anyone whos read the series knows roughly whats coming next, and those who don't might pick up a comic who never have before just to find out a little about what comes next. I could go on all night about the movie, getting into specifics but I will let anyone who reads this see it for themselves and develop thier own feelings. Those who didn't like it, I don't know why, but please understand what you are talking about. I have been a fan of Bryan Singer since the Usual Suspects, and look forward to further X-scalades from him. The DVD can not come soon enough. Thank you Bryan.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: Great continuation from the first movie! Lots of action and drama, the movie sucks you in! Can't wait for #3!
Rating:
Summary: Mutant
Review: I wasn't the biggest fan of the first Xmen, and went to view the sequel under duress. By the conclusion of the movie I was pleased I had been dragged to see it. Xmen 2 is certainly better than its predecessor, in fact I would go as far as to say it is one of the best movies currently screening. (I'm unsure whether the difference in film budget between to two movies has anything to do with this?) Xmen2 has an amazing start with a breathtaking Nightcrawler sequence. From here it jumps straight into a serious multi-plot, grip the seat, drama. Throughout the movie many of the comic book characters emerge such as Artie, Siryn, Colossus (the Russian teenager who can turn into steel), Pyro, Iceman, Cyclops, Rogue, STorm, Nightcrawler (who stars in the best action sequence of the movie), Mystique, Dr Jean Grey, Prof Xavier, Magneto and Australia's own Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The story line revolves around Prof Xavier's School for the Gifted being invaded by "Stryker" and anti mutant radical who blames the professor for his own sons condition. Many of the students are taken prisoner, and others become fugitives (surprise! these include the Xmen). SO becomes the quest to free Prof Xavier and save the mutants from a human uprising. This involves, not only the release of Magneto but also other interesting storylines. Throughout the movie I was hooked. There is not one moment where you can pull your eyes away from the screen, and no time for a toilet break, which you can often take in other "slower" action movies. The ending paves the way for a third instalment of the series, which I would definitely pay to see. GO SEE IT!
Rating:
Summary: X2-Wolverine remains the star with an ever expanding cast
Review: X2 is probably the best sequel to a superhero film since Superman II. Yes, it's that good and easily surpasses the first film in every way. The first film was perhaps necessary as an introduction to the many people who hadn't heard of the X-Men. With this film, the X-Men are back and more of the traditional old school "new" X-Men are introduced. The film is loosely based upon an X-Men graphic novel called "God Loves, Man Kills" as well as borrowed snippets from other X-Men stories (including the beginning of the Phoenix saga) that have been fused together for the screenplay that brings in a few original elements as well. The theme of man's intolerance towards his fellow man continues as the forces of hate attempt to destroy the mutants. X2 promotes this theme quite effectively as it also tackles real issues, sometimes in allegorical form, such as terrorism and what constitutes a freedom fighter. The opening sequence with Nightcrawler (a new X-Man not seen in the first film) makes his appearance in a big way in the compelling opening segment. The action is non-stop and the characters are all so interesting that many of them could indeed have films of their own. This comes with the decades of comicbook material that has been written for them of course. Thus, Wolverine's rapid falling in love scenario reflects the attraction between Logan and Jean Grey in the comics that has taken years to develop, whereas in the film it's more of a love at first sight compression due to time constraints. This is fine as the movie attempts to cover a lot of ground and manages to do so by sacrificing natural character development for a very big cast of characters. Singer deserves a lot of credit for making a film that is literally teeming with interesting characters though. In such films, it can be reduced to a convoluted mess. Not so with Singer's able direction. The characters mostly get their limelight moments (some more than others), but it is the sum of the parts that make the movie fun to watch. For those uninitiated with comicbooks, the story might be difficult to follow, but if you pay attention it can be accessible to anyone. If you know the background of the characters, you'll understand everything without too much effort. For laypersons, the special effects and action alone are worth the price of admission. I recommend this film to the many readers of the X-Men who grew up reading about their world where issues regarding diversity and tolerance were explored with an increasingly adult slant. This film brought back some great memories of my childhood and teenhood and for that alone I was very entertained. The acting by the principal actors is top-notch with Sir Ian McKellan having the presence with the most gravitas, while Brian Cox again delivers a great job as the villain of the piece. Hugh Jackman is a great Wolverine and inbues his character with the right balance of style and emotion. Alan Cumming deserves some mention for his German accented Nightcrawler rendition, as he acts convincingly through the tons of makeup. The rest of the cast all play their parts quite effectively as well. It's rumored that Halle Berry was not pleased with her shortened screen-time and perhaps the next film will give her Storm character more of a pivotal role. The star of the X-Men is Wolverine though. He is the most popular in the comics because he combines a sense of danger and mystery that interests people. Thus, for this reason, the events in the X-Men emanate from Wolverine, sometimes to the detriment of the other characters. So although this is an ensemble piece, it's a Wolverine-centered film and I, for one, have no problem with that. And I can't wait for X-Men 3, which will, no doubt, feature the Dark Phoenix (another revered storyline from the comics) saga that is probably the most definitive X-Men story written.
Rating:
Summary: VERY GOOD!!!
Review: i really like this movie... more intensed... only ONE thing... i really think ANGELA Bassest should play the mature Storm. She has the acting ability to relay her thoughts just by the way she looks at you... and the physique!!! ...
Rating:
Summary: XCLENT!
Review: This X2 sequel is just amazing, and I went 2C The Matrix 2 yesterday, thinking Matrix 2 would beat X2. But it did not.
Go and watch X2 guys! You don't have to be a X-men comic reader to enjoy this movie.
Can't wait for the DVD.
XXX
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