X-MEN

Bearded film director, Kevin Smith, once said “The concept behind comic book mutants, is in fact a subtle analogy for homosexuality in society”. Therefore, I would like you to keep this in mind, whilst you watch this film, Directed by Bryan Singer; and Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, and Halle Berry. It was made in 2000 and lasts for 104 minutes.


X-Men

THE STORY:

Now is being a mutant such a bad thing?

Scholarly telepath, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), does not think so – which is why she vocally defends a ‘mutant-registration act’, spearhead by mutant-hater, Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison).

Where as southern siphon, Rogue (Anna Paquin), is scared of becoming one – and that is why she leaves home, and eventually meets up with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) in Canada.

As for amnesiac brawler, Wolverine, on the other hand, he does not give a toss – because he just loves to flex his claws in the ring, POW!

Though as for magnetic mutant activist, Magneto (Ian McKellen), well, he is sworn to defend ‘his kind’ – that is why he gets his bodyguard, Sabretooth (Tyler Mane), to capture Wolverine and Rogue on route to where ever it is that they are going.

Oh! Wait a minute! I almost forgot to mention about Jean’s teacher, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and his allies, the X-men – most commonly known as Cyclops (James Marsden) and Storm (Halle Berry). Because these mutants are the team who save Wolverine and Rogue from Sabretooth’s clutches!

What? You have not heard of the X-men before? Well, they are a place of learning that nurtures mutant kind in academia, and on top of that, they are also a supreme fighting force whom secretly defend mankind.

Anyway, once Wolverine and Rogue are properly introduced to the X-Men, a number of things transpire that gives everybody cause for concern. Firstly, Charles investigates Wolverines physiognomy, whilst trying to figure out why Magneto wanted to capture him. Secondly, thanks to shape shifter, Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), Magneto captures mutant-hater, Senator Robert Kelly, transforms him into a mutant, as he then escapes Sabertooths clutches and runs free. And thirdly, after an accidental encounter with Wolverine, Rogue is goaded into leave the school, due to a not so supple prompting from a disguised Mystique.

Now obviously Wolverine and the X-Men are shocked when they discover that Rogue has left their care, and that is why Charles uses the mutant-tracking device – Cerebro – to trail her to a train station. However, when the X-men finally manage to catch up to Rogue, Magneto and his ‘Brotherhood of Mutants’ beat them to the punch – literally – causing the X-men to leave the scene Rogue-less.

Moreover, once back at the compound, the X-men learn from the sudden re-emergence of Senator Robert Kelly, why Magneto wants Rogue in the first place. Therefore, as you imagine, what next transpires will be a fight that will end all fights – as mutant’s clash – power surges – spectators scream – Toad (Ray Parks) yelps – lights fade – and the beginning of a new film franchise is defiantly going according to plan.

Boy! Aren’t I skeptical?

THE REVIEW:

This morning, I was talking to a friend of mine about the Martial Arts legend, Bruce Lee. Now this conversation started when my friend said to me how he thought that Bruce was a naturally gifted athlete, and that his physiognomy aided him in a way that was not part of the norm. Of course, I, in turn, had to correct him in this matter, and stated that the opposite of what he though was in fact true. Because Bruce was a sickly child – he came from theatrical leanings – and on top of that, his eyesight was something that hindered him in pursuing any form of physical endeavours. Still, Bruce had the determination and the drive to overcome these obstacles, and that is what made him what he is – not some sort of enhanced genome.

OK, so why am I telling you this story now – whilst reviewing the comic book film ‘X-Men’? Well, the answers in the telling dear reader, as the bases of what this film is all about, is in fact contrary to what is presented on screen.

You see, in essence, the whole chronology of this adventurous tale, is about how we – as human beings – derive our own weaknesses from our own perception. For example, if you see a drunken man on the street, do you just presume that he is a down and out waiting for a hand out? Or alternately, do you feel sorry for him, and give him whatever change you have in your pocket?

OK, I understand that my example is an over-reaching one, but still, perception is the key that makes the universe tick.

However, where this film is concerned, ‘X-Men’, well, it is about understanding, but in addition to this, it is also a sci-fi tale that is really great to watch. Heck, even now, after watching the recent prequel ‘X-Men Origins’, I find that this film is still a great film. For a start, it introduces us to the ‘X-men’ and the concept of mutants. Next, it primarily focuses this story through the personable eyes of gruff mutant fan-favourite, Wolverine. After that, it presents us with an adventure story that amalgamates my previous two points. And finally, the actors are great – the special effects are superb – and the overall package is primed to set-up a future franchise (Well? Why else do you think that this film ended in the way that it did?).

Granted, in places, there are a number of snags with ‘X-Men’ – like how Cyclops, Storm, Sabretooth, and Toad, were all relegated to playing second banana. Still, this is by the by, because all in all this is a really enjoyable movie, which tells a story, and is just great. God-damn-it, I am sure that if Bruce Lee were still alive today, he would enjoy it too!

Good film – nice story – great beginning (shame about the ending... of the franchise – click here to see that I mean).

THE RATING: A+