We are the future, Charles, not them. They no longer matter.

X-Men

(2000)

It wouldn’t really be accurate to suggest that Bryan Singer's film paved the way for deluge of superhero movies in the past decade (a number were on the way at the time), but it certainly proved that there was a ready audience even when story and budget limitations were very evident.

The film didn't leave a huge impression on me first time round, except in a "That was okay" way. But what the director firmly achieves is a coherent world, both visually and narratively. He scores majorly with the (lucky) casting of Hugh Jackman, and revisiting the film it's the relationship between Wolverine and Rogue that succeeds best. Stewart is a bit dull (and takes a third act back seat), while McKellen makes a most urbane Magneto.

Elsewhere the use of mutants ranges from the inspired (Mystique) to third rate (Sabretooth, Toad) to miscast and vaguely characterised (Storm). Bruce Davision is particularly good as Senator Kelly. If the climax is a bit anti-, this works well enough as introduction to the world.

***

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The Reverend Thomas says you wet his trousers.

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Now In Full Color, with a Happier Ending

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