Bryan Singer’s second bite into mutants, X2:X-Men United, stars the same cast as the first movie, including Hugh Jackman (looking and acting as good as ever!). The beginning of the film starts with an assassination attempt on the president, by a mysterious teleporting mutant (Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler). In order to locate this mutant, Professor Xavier must use his neat-o Cerebro machine to locate this mutant. This second film introduces a new character, William Stryker. A man determined to destroy all mutants, through some diabolical means. The X-Men must figure out his plans and stop him before all is lost. It’s a good thing the acting is quality, because the actors are not given much to work with. I found this sequel more enjoyable than the first one. I knew the characters, and the action took over in this one. The audience learns more about Wolverine and his past. And we’re also given a teaser for something that obviously happens in the books, and no doubt will happen in the next installment (provided the actors are back). Once again, this was just fun to watch, nothing to breathtaking. Alan Cumming was fun to watch as Nightcrawler. I have no idea if he’s a permanent character, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him back. I have read other wishes to have Wolverine slip to the background now that his storyline is revealed, but, seriously, Hugh Jackman is a powerful actor, and he holds the story together. I guess these are geek movies, but I still think of them as action, so they need a Man’s man as the lead (and I might not watch the third if he’s not the star!)