X-Men
Australian Rating: M15+
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Put simply, X-Men is the most enjoyable comic book adaptation in the cinema since the first two Batman movies. In fact I would venture to say that in its metaphors and messages X-Men is the far superior film.
In one of the most dramatic and powerful opening scenes in a movie of this type, we find ourselves in a Nazi concentration camp, in Poland, in which many people, who it is assumed are Jews, are being separated and directed off to different places, presumably some going to the death chambers. Actually I don't want to spoil this scene too much, but I will just say that a young boy is taken from his parents and in his distress discovers his powers.
Cut to some time in "the not to distant future" and we are introduced gradually to a host of "talented" characters and the situation of this modern time, at a conference, at which the discussion is to decide whether mutants should be isolated from the community for the protection of others.
Patrick Stewart plays Professor Xavier, who established a school for the children with these gifts. Joining him is an elite band of mutants whose goal it is to maintain good relations with normal society and stop the "bad mutants" from doing the whole usual world domination thing.
There is Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) - the subject of an experiment who picks up teenager Rogue, who drains the energy of whoever she touches, and a host of other mutants with strange powers.
The refreshing thing about this movie is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, allows the audience to have fun, but also offers a few lessons for those watching (without ramming them down your throat as Hollywood often does. Was it just me or was anyone else nauseated by the end of American Pie when the teenagers started getting all moral? I thought it was a great movie until this happened).
The messages are clear enough. The film almost directly juxtaposes the holocaust with this futuristic world (perhaps one we could more easily understand (?)) in which the beginnings of mutant segregation are evident. The showdown is cleverly staged on Ellis Island - the symbol of American freedom - the place where new immigrants would arrive, but now it is the site for a conference on the dangers of mutants. This is a witty shot at the values of American society. Is America really the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave??
X-Men is delightfully witty, with excellent one-liners and an extremely charismatic cast - especially Jackman as Wolverine. Go Aussie go! The chemistry between the cast members works also. Sure it may seem outrageous, but you have to suspend disbelief and then it is extremely enjoyable. With the added weight of the hidden messages, this is a very surprising gem of a movie - surprisingly deep and fulfilling compared to most comic book films.
I loved it!
Wolverine takes on the morphin' Mystique!