“X2: X-Men United” (20th Century Fox)
“X2: X-Men United” starts off the summer blockbuster stampede. It is the first of a series of sequels, installments, and new summer fare that will be filling the screens at our local movie theaters. As with all sequels, the question is: is it as good as the original For comic book purists the answer is probably going to be yes; for the uninitiated the answer will be no.
The original “X-Men” had the benefit of introducing characters who were brand new to the screen. Hugh Jackman was virtually unknown when he appeared as the steel taloned Wolverine. Hallie Berry was seen as Storm before she ever won an Oscar. Patrick Stewart was better known as Captain Picard of “Star Trek” fame than as Professor Xavier.
All three of these actors are back in the roles they originated, but by now we are more used to seeing them on the screen. Plus we want to see them do something other than what they did in the first film. Jackman is still amazing as he whips his metal claws about fighting evil. Berry is beautiful but bland as the weather-controlling Storm. Stewart is underused as the brilliant but paralyzed head of the X-Men.
It is great to see Rebecca Romijn-Stamos again in the role of Mystique. This character is a shape changer and can assume the total look and identity of anyone. Still it is when she moves about clad only in blue paint that she attracts attention. Also blue-hued is Nightcrawler who is played by Alan Cumming. This character is a solid addition to the X-Men force and amazes one and all as he transports himself through time and space.
The problem is there are too many X-Men. In addition to all the ones named above we also get glimpses of (1) Pyro (2) Syren (3) Iceman (4) Jean Grey (5) Cyclops (6) Magneto (7) Rogue and (8) Lady Death Strike. Enough already. It is hard enough to keep the main group straight. When they add the new kids on the block, it becomes mind-boggling.
Plus the script makes no sense to the non-comic book reader. Questions concerning the relationship between Wolverine and William Stryker (Brian Cox), who is the leader against the mutants, are never answered. Also why is Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) so conflicted and distraught You don’t learn that answer here. And finally what happened to the other “bad”mutants from the first movie They don’t appear in this sequel.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
“X2” has the action but not the plot required to be a better film than the first. You will have a good time with it and leave wanting a third installment. But maybe next time they will get a clearer script and a few less good men and women to fill the screen.
I scored “X2” a de-clawed 5 out of 10.
