Toss me. Don't tell Xavier - X-Men III mini review

[anotheranon]

Disclaimer: I'm aware that the movie was based on an epic storyline in the comic books that could hardly be done justice in a 2 hour movie. Having said this, I'm not familiar with the X-Men comic books, so this didn't really bother me too much.


Highlights:

• Ian McKellen chewed a lot of scenery as Magneto - again. Not high art, but then, this movie isn't really meant to be. He's a joy to watch in almost anything, I bet he had a ton of fun in this role :)
  
• Costumes - oh, the shiny! Especially the bad guys (tattooage! Corsetage!)
  
• Hugh Jackman's arms, oh my, Mr. Jackman shirtless! [cough] Ok, shutting up now.
  
• wild fighting out the ying-yang, including the demolition/relocation of a major American landmark. For standard action fare, it doesn't get better than that :)
  

Lowlights:

• the ending - didn't Jackman do this exact same scene in "Van Helsing"?
  
  • tangential - it's amazing how psychic-fu can shred skin, but not pants - perhaps pants are adamantium lined? :P
  
  
• the ending - nooo, I don't want 'em all tamed! Hopefully the foreboding in the very last will pay off in the sequel.
  
• Few of the actors got to really act all that much - it was largely an action vehicle with little meaningful dialog. To be fair, that's about what I expected, but there are some talented actors here - it would have been nice to get a little more verbage from the students (Rogue/Iceman/Kitty Pryde).
  
  • or not - it suffered a bit from "Cast of Thousands syndrome" where many characters were on screen long enough to make you curious but not long enough to really add anything to the story.
    
  
  
  It's fun. You won't die if you miss it, but it's a wonderful rollercoaster ride if you choose not to :)

Comments

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

I agree with much of what you said, good and bad, and it was a lot of fun. I think those that were tamed either were adamant about not coming back or something will happen to repower them. This sort of thing happens on and off in the comics, IIRC.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

D. is my "comics consultant" and from him I'm aware of "retconning" (new writers rebooting canon as they see fit - is that right?)

I just can't see Rogue staying away for too long, she's such a clever kid. Besides, she could always smooch on Wolverine once she's of age - it might hurt him, but won't kill him :P

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

Heh, yeah, if Jean as Dark Phoenix trying to demolecularize him doesn't kill him (and I like your point about his seemingly immune pants), Rogue certainly wouldn't. ;-)