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Based on the long-running Marvel
comic book series, X-MEN takes place in the near future, as certain
humans are evolving into mutants with special powers. In the
Canadian wilderness, a young runaway mutant named Rogue (Anna Paquin)
and a bad-tempered, quick-healing mutant with retractable metal
claws called Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) are suddenly attacked by
Sabertooth, one of Magneto's (Ian McKellen) powerful lackeys.
Fortunately, Cyclops (James Marsden) and Storm (Halle Berry),
students of the compassionate Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick
Stewart), interfere and bring them back to Xavier's School for
Gifted Youngsters. Here Wolverine and Rogue learn more about the
conflict between Xavier and the militant Magneto, who wants to power
a device that will genetically alter humans, with possibly deadly
results. Only Xavier's students can stop Magneto's plans. Director
Bryan Singer (THE USUAL SUSPECTS) displays his expertise with an
ensemble cast, accomplishing a feat by making the first live-action
film about an entire group of superheroes. Hugh Jackman's portrayal
of the ill-tempered Wolverine is dead-on, while Patrick Stewart and
Ian McKellen are ideally matched in their Martin Luther King, Jr.-
and Malcolm X-like roles. Smart and well-paced, X-MEN towers above
most comic book movies.
Genres: Action/Adventure and Science
Fiction/Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hr. 44 min. |