The original X-Men came out back in 2000. It was well-recieved by pretty much everyone, opening strongly with $55 million. It went on to gross over $400 million. It was considered on of the most accurate movie adaptations up until Spider-Man came out. It had its ups and its downs. Fortunately for us, the new sequal, X2, has almost no downs at all. This movie grabs you and never lets go until the credits roll. I know that is an overused description, but it is very true for this film.
X2 not only has more characters, but also a bigger budget.You can tell. The X-Jet is completely re-imagined, with new equipment and a new look. Thankfully, a lot of new characters surfaced, mostly seen in the invasion of Xavier's School For The Gifted. Fan-favorites such as Shadowcat, Syrin, and Jubilee all show up briefly. A few make almost microscopic appearences, such as Dr. Hank McCoy, who eventually becomes the blue-furred Beast, and Remy LeBeau, who is the energy-throwing Gambit. Others have bigger screen time. Pitor Rasputin a.k.a Collosus, shows up and throws guys through walls, it was awesome. Bobby Drake/Iceman returns to throw some chilla round as well. But the three biggest additions have to be flaming Pyro, pyscho Lady Deathstrike, and the blue teleporter Nightcrawler.
Returning are pretty much everyone from the original, with the exception of Toad and Sabertooth. Hugh Jackman particularly shines as Wolverine, showing some serious rage throughout the film. I also was really taken aback by one scene with Cyclops (James Marsden). It was touching and heart-wrenching. I really loved it.
Veryone is given something to do in this one, which I really enjoyed compared to the first one, in which some huge characters were sidelined. Jean Grey and Storm are given a particular task which takes them pretty much half the movie, but we are never bored with it.
On another note, Shawn Ashmore, who palys Iceman, has been around for quite awhile. I've been saying that this kid is going to be the next big thing and now everyone is taking my lines! DO I know how to pick them or what?!
In conclusion, see X2. You will not be disappointed. It has action, drama, romance, and a heck of a lot of violence for a PG-13 rated flick. As for the battle between Deathstrike and Wolverine, I just have one word: PIN-CUSHION. |
