X-Men

UK Release Date: 18th August 2000

Two mutants come to a private academy for their kind whose resident superhero team must oppose a terrorist organization with similar powers (www.imdb.com).

Director: Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, Superman Returns, Jack the Giant Slayer)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Romijn

Hugh Jackman makes a good Wolverine. His persona is strong. A hard-nut, the anti-hero, the anarchic mutant. The X-Men, led by Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), want him to join them. One mutant can shoots lasers from his eyes (Cyclops -James Marsden), another controls the weather (Storm - Halle Berry) and two can read people's thoughts (Jean Grey/Xavier). 'What kind of power would I have?' is what I find myself asking often. Super-strength, psychic powers, the ability to manipulate metal? Any of those will do, because the ones with these powers are equally the most enticing. Xavier's old friend Eric Lensherr (Magneto) wants the new recruits, which includes the oddly powered Rogue (Anna Paquin). Magneto sees Mutants as an advanced race, and pursues a deadly course of action in order to prove their class. Bryan Singer hooks me immediately, providing us with characters that need little back-story, actors who relish in their roles and the cheesy dialogue, and a beginning to a huge franchise that won't slow down any time soon.

3.5/5