X-MEN 2
A 20th Century Fox Release

review by Joseph B. Mauceri

SYNOPSIS: In a world filled with hatred and prejudice, they are the outcasts. Those who cannot accept their differences fear them. They are the next link in the evolutionary chain, each born with a unique genetic mutation. These mutations give them extraordinary powers. Professor Charles Xavier is the world's most powerful telepath who instructs and teaches these "gifted" students on how to control and direct their powers for the good of mankind.  They fight to protect a world that fears them. In X-MEN 2, they face their most dangerous adversary yet. Now they must unite with their enemies to combat a menace that threatens mankind and mutantkind alike.

REVIEW: It's hard to believe that comic book legend Stan Lee created the X-Men universe over 40 years ago. Unlike "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man," "The Fantastic Four," or "The Avengers," The X-Men's characters were easily identifiable with the young comic readers who were experiencing their own feelings of not being understood, feeling like misfits, and dealing with the prejudices of adolescence. Over the years, the series has grown into an impressive franchise and, thanks to director Bryan Singer, X-MEN and X-MEN 2 remain true to their origins.

Singer is quick to point out that "X2 is not a sequel. It's the next adventure in a saga -- an evolution from the first film." A bold statement he makes good on. Given the current state of world affairs, X2 taps into the themes of today's headlines and offers audiences a bit more than mere entertainment. Good science fiction, fantasy and horror allow audiences to explore new depths of the human condition by moving it into the realm of the fantastic. For all the $120,000,000.00 spent on this film -- and you can see every dollar on the screen -- X2 never loses sight of its humanity. It's little wonder when you realize that Singer, a boy from New Jersey, is a student of the cinema who is inspired by the works of George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola. X2 easily earns Singer his spot on the list of the first great blockbuster filmmakers of the 21st Century.

Why could this movie be even bigger than "Matrix Reloaded?" Casting, casting, casting. It's one thing to make the comic book readers happy with casting choices, it's another to bring talent to roles that elevate these heroes and villains into "people" the audience can sympathize and identify with. I only wish I had the room to give each actor his/her due, because they are all that damn good! Allow me to quickly point out two things. One, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are two of the last of a breed of actors. When I think of them, I think of such other screen luminaries as Sir Alec Guinness, Richard Harris, Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton. What these master thespians bring to their characters is priceless, and they create memorable performances, even in the worst of films. Secondly, while there are Oscar worthy performances here from many of the cast, Alan Cumming is brilliant as the blue teleporting mutant, Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler. It's a performance that transcends the makeup he wears, leaving no doubt in my mind that his is the first supporting actor nomination worthy performance of 2003.

You want action and special effects? X2 is relentless! I spent my late teens and early twenties gorging myself on Hong Kong martial arts movies. At times they can be way over the top, but I love them as much as I love White Castle hamburgers. Some of those films -- like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" -- have expanded the boundaries and broken new ground by venturing into the territory of the artistic. X2 has amazing sets; fight choreography that is astounding, excellent costumes, and cutting-edge special effects. As I sat there taking in the overall impact, for me, the viewing experience was reminiscence of the first time I saw Cirque du Soleil. Likewise, X2 is more than a re-invention. It is an evolution!

There are great sequels - The Godfather Part II; there are highly anticipated sequels - Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom; there are sequels that go beyond our expectations - The Empire Strikes Back. Then there are sequels like X2 that re-write the rules and become cinematic legends opening day. My thanks to the cast and filmmakers for allowing me to forget my age for a moment and to cheer and applaud for the good guys.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
http://www.x2-movie.com/
 
 

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