Bucky (X-Men)
X-Men
Directed by Bryan Singer
Story by Tom DeSanto and Bryan Singer
Screenplay by David Hayter
This is a movie that comes out with great anticipation. Many already know the characters and have a good feel for the story. However, you don’t need to know anything about them to get a good feel for everyone in X-Men.
Starting out with character development you get to see all the mutants and their abilities start to finish. Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) are quite possibly the greatest casts ever for the roles. Though originally I was disappointed with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Anna Paquin as Rogue, both did do a surprisingly great job for roles I really couldn’t see them playing (even though the relationship between the two is “southern” at best). Jean Grey (Framke Jannsen) and Cyclops (James Mardsen) were okay. They seemed to fill the roles well even though they only had a few moments to shine. Then again, anyone could have shined next to Halle Berry’s rendition of Storm. Now there is a shi**y casting choice if I have ever seen one—a blatant Hollywood maneuver. Basically, she fills the role because she is attractive and black. Halle Berry might have dome some great roles in other films, but this one is a true career failure. Fortunately, she isn’t seen often enough to really make me angry. The true surprise of the major motion picture was Rebecca Romijn as Mystique. She smoking hot in blue paint. If not for Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen she might have stolen the show.
Instead of just being a “check this guy out, now this guy” plot, it actually has a story line that helps bring out each character. The dialogue is bit campy and poorly delivered in a few cases (cough, Halle Berry), but does achieve a great comic translation throughout most of the film. Unfortunately, the story gets weaker and weaker as the movie goes on. From character development to the big finish you really start to think, really are ya fu**ing with me?
They modernized the outfits, and they look great. Xavier’s School for the Gifted is very quirky and had a few backdrop appearances from various heroes—mostly for comic lovers to ogle at. Some, but not too many for a first timer to wonder, who the fu** is that? Special effects are great, and none of it really feels out of place. Mystique’s morphing is truly spot on perfect.
Overall, this was a success both in super hero and comic movie possibilities. There’s much that can be improved, but the ability is there for improvement. It’s a fun watch for the fanboys, and if you actually have a girlfriend, don’t worry. She will be happy enough with Hugh in the opening scene to keep her seated and quiet for the rest of the film.
Review by Bucky