Rating: Summary: Quite an Upgrade from 1.5 Review: What a dramatic improvement from the last X-Men movie. This film had a great plot. And while it was much closer to the original comic themed stories, it was still a movie adaptation. I'm not sure why producers, writers, directors, or whoever is responsible feel the need to try and rush several years worth of writing genius into 2 films ..... but they try to anyway.The addition of Nightcrawler was beautifully done. More exploration into Wolverine's character and a slight hint to the arrival of the Pheonix in the near future were tastefully implemented as well. Add in little glimpses of several other characters that are yet to be unveiled, and this was an overall entertaining movie. The second disk is full of histories & backgrounds for the original X-Men comic line and several deleted scenes. Some of which were a waste and some that really could have been left in the film, given there was time available. Overall the DVD is well worth buying and I highly reccomend it to any fan of the original X-Men.
Rating: Summary: X-2 is a superior sequel Review: With the huge success of X-MEN, it was only natural that a sequel would eventually follow. Indeed, X-MEN proved to be the harbinger of the current trend of high budget superhero films based on the Marvel comics. X-MEN UNITED is that rare sequel that both builds and improves upon what has gone on before in the first film. Basically picking up where the original left off, things get off to a rollicking start when a strange blue-skinned mutant attempts to assassinate the President. Later, it turns out that government agent William Stryker (Bryan Cox) is behind the attack in order to further a plot to destroy all mutants. As a result, the heroic X-Men must join forces with old foe Magneto (Ian McKellen) to stop Stryker's plans. Like any sequel should be, X2 is a bigger, better, and more fun film than the original. With much of the set-up already taken care of, the film starts off quickly and never lets go. Most of the original cast reprise their roles and they never miss a beat. Hugh Jackman leads the way as the surly Wolverine, remaining a solid focus for the audience to identify with. Patrick Stewart's Professor X and McKellen's Magneto again provide the film's philosophical center with their solid performances. Compared to the last film, Halle Berry actually gets more to do as weather-witch Storm and she makes the most of it with some touching moments. Famke Janssen also scores effectively in the pivotal role of Dr. Jean Grey. As the "new mutant on the block," Alan Cumming adds both humor and warmth as the blue-skinned Nightcrawler. Bryan Cox brings both pathos and menace as the nasty Stryker, while Kelly Hu brings the right touch of darkness as Stryker's aide, Lady Deathstrike. Director Brian Singer directs with a sure hand, while creating a coherent story despite the rather large amount of characters. With its intelligent story, solid cast, and riveting action, X-2: X-MEN UNITED succeeds where many comic films tend to fail, which makes this a film well worth recommending to fan and non-fan alike.
Rating: Summary: Is Fox messing with us again? Review: I loved the movie, but I would wait to buy the DVD. With the first X-Men movie, fox released a nice DVD set. Then three months later they released the Delux edition version. A few years later they released the 1.5 version. After seeing Fox milk the fans for money three times, I'm going to wait at least a year or two before I buy X2 on DVD.
Rating: Summary: Entertainment and Action Review: I never saw the 1st X-Men until after watching this one. Nor was I an X-Men fan. This movie had action and adventure that kept me into the movie. My kids both enjoyed this movie too.
Rating: Summary: Did someone forget to yell "Action!"? Review: Wolverine fights another adamantium clawed ninja chick. Pyro burns a few cars and Cyclops tries to blast Jean Grey. As far as action goes, that's pretty much it. This movie could not have been that costly. Other than the scenes involving cerebro, the special effects are pretty minimal. And the story itself? It could easily fit within the pages of a single 22 page comic book. This movie isn't awful. But great? Give me a break. Can you say lowered expectations?
Rating: Summary: Way too wonderful for words Review: Super hero movies seem to be almost as trendy as reality TV thse days, so Fox and Marvel had a sure-fire winner when they put together the sequel to X-Men, one of the earliest super-hero movies to arise as the trend began. X2: X-Men United picks up exactly where the first movie left off. Wolverine is still searching for his identity, Rogue is still trying to fit in, and Magneto is still locked in a high-security plastic prison. However, some new characters have been added. Nightcrawler (played flawlessly by Allan Cumming) has been added to the story, and Pyro has bocome a major character, as opposed to his appearance in the first movie, which was more or less a cameo. Other interesting characters that were added include Lady Deathstrike (although mentioning her name is agruably a spoiler), Colossus, and Kitty Pryde. William Stryker is a non-mutant character who has been added, and is the main villain of the film. Jubilee also appeared, but only in a deleted scene which is included in the bonus features of the DVD. The story is the stuff of ideal sequels, and leaves the audience craving the third movie, which is on the way. What is most impressive is the fact that the entire cast has returned, with the exception of a recasting of Pyro, who was probably played by an extra in the original movie, anyway. The entire DVD is of the highest quality, and the menus are very cleverly designed, with each submenu being themed after a mutant power in the film. The only thing missing is a blooper reel, which I was hoping for. But anyway, this 2-Disc set is certainly worth your money!
Rating: Summary: Best movie of the summer Review: The first movie was good. This, is the best movie of summer '03. It only gets better from here. Not a dull moment, Magneto and the X-Men on the same team (well, briefly), and Nightcrawler teleporting. I haven't even watched the extras yet, and I've already watched the movie 5 times! Bring on X3!
Rating: Summary: Forget Storm, Wolverine, Prof. X--give me MAGNETO!!! Review: This movie is so awesome. I was totally surprised by it at the theater. It is not often that a sequel is actually better than the first movie, but this one definitely breaks the mold. Casting Ian McKellan as Magneto was pure genius! The scenes with Magneto are the best in the whole movie (in my opinion), especially the scene where Magneto breaks out of his plastic prison. "...too much iron in your blood"...INDEED!!!! :) Other than the brilliance of McKellan, the story this time around is so much better. It was a good idea to show just how alienated and isolated the mutants are from the humans. It gives the viewer a good idea just how many dimensions these characters are fighting on....they are fighting amongst each other's philosophies...and against their human counterparts. The action in this movie is non-stop from start to finish....there is not a minute where you may become bored. Yet, the sequencing is spread out just right not to lose your interest in the film either. The story easily follows the action...and that is a good thing! If you have not watched a great SciFi/book-based movie this year....besides Lord of the Rings....you MUST see this film! It is so great...you will rush out and get a copy for yourself (if you don't have one already)!! I can't wait for the next one....and more Magneto!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Please make X3 Review: This movie exceeded the expectations I had for it. With this movie having a bigger budget than the last one, this movie had to be better than X1 (which is also a good movie) I liked the way Nightcrawler was introduced to us and the action sequence that followed when he tried to assassinate the president while under the control of the main enemy, Gen. Stryker. I also liked the fact that they let Wolverine be Wolverine and unleash his violent nature when the X-Mansion is attacked in the first half of the movie. The only problems I had with the movie was that there wasn't enough of Cyclops and I wish Gambit would've been in the movie. But hey, there's alway X3. If you love comic book movies, this one is definitely for you. For the hardcore fans, in certain scenes, it also gives you little things you can notice certain things regarding other mutants and teams like X-Force, X-Factor, etc..., that fairweather fans would never know about. Bottom line, the commericials are correct. This is the #1 DVD. Don't miss it.
Rating: Summary: Incredible Sequel Review: This is one of the best sequels I've ever seen. I think this movie beats the first one. The storyline is basically a man named Stryker many years ago discovered his son was a mutant, he sent him to the Professor to get help. His son was sent back to him basically being told there was nothing they could do to help him and that being a mutant was not a disease. The son being angry had his parents toyed with them and showed them visions that weren't real...finally one day Stryker's Wife put a power drill to her temple to try and drill out the visions. Stryker bent on revenge wanted to kill all mutants by using the power of Cerebro. The whole movie is excellent...Wolverine finds more about who he is...Storm's role is larger and more significant...and who can argue with seeing more of Halle.;) Mystique although not in a large amount of the movie has some big moments...Rogue, Pyro, Jean Grey also have pivotal roles as well as of course the Professor and Magneto. The movie has no real letdowns...there is a new addition with the Nightcrawler who is part of many of the crucial scenes to the film. If you don't have a problem with sitting down for 2 1/2 hours then you will love this movie. Plenty of action with a great story behind it...you won't find that in too many movies out there now. Best movie of 2003 in my opinion.
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