X-Men

2000 • 104 minutes

About this movie

In the near future, "mutants" are the next link in the chain of evolution. Each are born with a genetic mutation that manifests into extraordinary powers. Under the tutelage of Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), the world's most powerful telepath, these "gifted" students have learned to control and direct their respective powers for the greater good of mankind. But when the Professor's former colleague and friend, Erik Lehnsherr a.k.a. Magneto (Ian McKellen) wages war against them and society, Xavier brings together a special group of mutants called "X-Men" to protect the world that fears them.

Ratings and reviews

Though I am a fan of Bryan Singer and the X-Men, this was the biggest movie let down of my life :( So much about the actual characters and undertones that I loved from the comics are not here. This movie felt like empty special effects with a far fetched plot and character re-imagines that were almost insulting to previous fans of the brand. When I first saw it in the theaters I felt tricked, these are the X-Men in name only.

We owe a lot to Fox's experiment. They showed us what works and what doesn't work in adapting comics to this medium. Maybe more of the latter, but I suppose it needed to be done, a necessary evil. I'm making this franchise sound worse than I really feel it is... I loved this movie when it released, and the second as well. Maybe 5 stars back then. As I have gotten older and know more about what makes a good movie, and have many comic book movies to compare, it has gone down a couple pegs.

I would have probably given it 5 stars when I first saw it. I'm giving it 4 now because the special effects are a little dated. But the story is rich, and only gets better as the series continues. Overall I love the series and this one I think was the least of them, and still four stars - particularly in context of the rest which are at least five stars. Excellent cast. Of course amazing story. Only compliments really.