X2

X2 continues the X-Men storyline started in the first film without missing a beat. It’s not that we are just thrown into action, but they don’t bother explaining everything. This film was made for people who’ve seen the first one already. Just like the second issue of a comic book X2 keeps the basics of the story arc started earlier and explores a few new topics. This instalment sees more of Jean Grey, and the X kids but doesn’t lose focus on the other characters, these groups just get a bit more of the spotlight, as Wolverine and Xavier did in the first film.

This episode sees the introduction of baddie William Stryker, a military guy and mutant hater who is trying to get some pretty strict anti-mutant laws passed. His nefarious plot involves a lovable blue mutant named Nightcrawler that can teleport. His dark past also has some involvement with Wolverine, although what that could be is a mystery. It wouldn’t be a sequel though without the involvement of Magneto. He escapes his plastic prison where we last left him and comes to the aid of the X-Men as they must band together to stand against the duplicitous machinations of Stryker.

Ok, it’s a pretty complicated plot. Considering what I explained only just scratches the surface of the story. That’s ok though; this movie has a lot of complicated characters in it, but it isn’t made to introduce their various stories. The audience already know all that from the first film and the comics. X2 concentrates on action, it concentrates on character development, and it concentrates on spectacle. That’s what makes it good. The movie is smart and treats the audience with respect, maybe surprising considering this is a comic book movie. It works well because we know where we’re going, what to expect. Don’t go see this film without seeing the first one, it is a true sequel and a lot of fun.

X2 looks nice. I personally saw a VCD copy of it so the colours were a little bit dark, and I know I missed some of the subtlety of the film but I’m not sure if that’s the fault of the VCD or the film. I liked the look on the whole, some scenes seemed blown out lighting wise, perhaps that was intentional, perhaps it wasn’t. I guess I really can’t say for sure until I get back to the World and buy this one on DVD. So I’ll just leave all that stuff alone for your own judgment. On to other things: the effects were pretty good. I’m not sure they topped the first film but they we’re cool. I really liked how some of the secondary characters got more attention. Pyro, Iceman, Rogue, and Nightcrawler all got good screen time and got to show off their powers. The teleporting effect for Nightcrawler in particular was very nice. Although I’m still waiting for Bobby to fully ice up as Iceman. They did have a nice cameo by Colossus as he did his transformation in the school attack scene. Anyways the effects looked very nice on the whole.

The fight scenes were pretty cool on the whole. I especially wanted to talk about the final fight between Wolverine and Yuriko/Lady Deathstrike. It was probably the coolest X-Men fight yet. Both characters have super-healing factors and adamantium claws so they just go nuts with it. Honestly just cutting the hell out of each other, stabbing, slashing, it’s a bloody mess and exactly the kind of fight scene we wanted to see Wolvie in. Great stuff there.

Well, it’s basically the same cast as the last film but this time they get a bit more chance to shine. I liked the performances a lot better this time, not to say they were bad before, but I thought the characters got a real chance to express themselves with this script. Some of the really good emotional explorations were seen in Rogue and Bobby’s relationship, Scott and Jean’s relationship, and especially the alienation Pyro feels. I also thought everyone was used better, particularly Mystique and Storm. Xavier was left a bit by the wayside this time, as was Magneto, but I think that’s ok. I don’t need to see them all the time, the story needs to focus on the X-Men more than their trainers. Anyways. Good job with the acting all around. Brian Cox plays Stryker with dark conviction that really shows his evilness well, and Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler really conveyed the faith and fury of a complex character quite well.

Brian Singer came back in force with this film. He gave the fans more of what they wanted but stayed faithful to the film as a cinematic experience. I feel like he really fulfilled the role given to him by the fans. Probably because he obviously is such a fan himself. Really nice work, nice use of the smaller elements, a good story, a good set-up for more, and great fun and action. We got a good deal with Singer, and I’m glad he’s on board for these films. Now let’s just hope he sticks around for the third film.

I worked on this film (PA-ing) for a few months and I had a really great experience, I suppose that makes me a little biased. Maybe I also really like it because I really am a fan of the comics. So for me at least this was an excellent film. All the elements were in place and it came together the way I hoped. Great work, see this film if you like the superhero genre; but definitely remember to rent the first X-Men film before jumping into X2.