X-Men: The Last Stand

UK Release Date: 25th May 2006

When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, and the Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organised under Xavier's former ally, Magneto.

Director: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, Red Dragon) 

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ben Foster, Anna Paquin, James Marsden, Famke Janssen, Ellen Page, Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Shawn Ashmore, Vinnie Jones

Bryan Singer should have never declined The Last Stand. The reigns went to Brett Ratner, who's taken us on a severe rollercoaster of emotions. Now having watched this more than once, I can safely say I feel warmer towards it, knowing full well what takes place, and to be honest, it's not all that bad. TLS doesn't stand up to X2, but it has big guts with a battle to end all battles. The government are giving mutants a 'choice', by providing an antidote to cure them of their powers. Whilst some mutants accept this bargain, others refuse and unite against this 'threat'. Stuck in the middle are the X-Men, who have Jean Grey to contend with. Her powers are too strong for her to handle. Her alter-ego Phoenix threatens to destroy everything. The Last Stand is both riveting and insanely annoying, because it dare do what other superhero films (or most of films for that matter) do not. The aggravation comes from certain events being brushed swiftly under the carpet. The end show-down more than makes up for the haphazard middle section, so it does not end on such a sour note. 

3/5