X2: X-Men 2
See also:
X Men: The Last Stand (WP McCoy)
X Men: The Last Stand (Uncle Cliff)
X Men: The Last Stand (Noah K.)
This is far, far superior to the first X-Men, although it does share some of the same problems as the first one, including a flimsy overall plot (both films rely on a stupid plot devise of a “machine” that must be stopped from being used to harm, blah blah snore)…and also Halle Berry.
In my heart of hearts I knew the first film really kind of sucked, but saw it a whole bunch of times at the cinema just because I was so excited my beloved X-Men had made it to the big screen. Here I am no longer embarrassed to be the X-Men geek that I am. Here we have the best comic book movie to date, and fuck me there’s been a shitload of them lately.
It’s the little moments that make X-Men 2 for me. The film has enough confidence in its big action scenes and set pieces that it can slow down every now and again for a scene where everyone’s favourite mutants are just hanging around the mansion/school, like Wolverine searching the school’s kitchen for beer, or the calm before the storm at Iceman’s house.
The few new characters add a spark missing from its predecessor, with Nightcrawler providing both some great action (opening scene! opening scene!) and a few chortles.
The fiery Pyro (let that pun slide please) is also a great addition to the team, although those who call into question the adding of more characters to an ensemble film already chock-a-block full of them have a valid point. When we know sweet fuck all about Storm or Cyclops why should we have a whole backstory to these new muties on the block?
Still I will be very disappointed if these two do not feature strongly in the third installment - although having Rush Hour’s Brett Rattner directing it means I’m most likely in for some major disappointment anyways. Not only is he adding X-Men seemingly in dozens to try and appease the comic book fanboys worldwide, he is also MAKING SOME UP HIMSELF, namely, a mutant whore with the power to seduce anyone. Yes, X-Men 2 is the best this series is going to get, so all the more reason to embrace it that little bit tighter.