X-Men (2000) Review

X-Men (2000) Review

Welcome to a new segment in which I take a look at all the X-Men movies, ahead of Days of Future Past. In today's review, I examine one of the best: X-Men (2000).

I had a strange childhood. Christopher Reeve's Superman wasn't my hero. I never looked up to Michael Keaton's Batman. I grew up on X-Men. And it was awesome. Now, 14 years since the film's release (and my birth), does it hold up to my nostalgic memories? Not quite, but it comes ever so close...

For those who have been living under a rock for 14 years, X-Men is the story of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, in the role of a lifetime), who upon helping fellow outcast Rogue (Anna Paquin, whose bizarre Texan/Canadian/Alien accent doesn't detract from an excellent performance), is taken in by Charles Xavier (a masterful Patrick Stewart). Xavier is the head of a school for mutant youngsters, most of whom are runaways, rejected by their families and friends. The school, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. The lower levels reveal the headquarters of the X-Men, a team of older mutants, protectors of mankind from Magneto (the great-in-everything Ian McKellen).

Magneto is really where the film excels. A Holocaust survivor, he has an inbuilt hatred of humans. So, when a bill for mutant registration surfaces in Congress, lead by a surprisingly layered Senator Kelly (Bruce Davison), it gives him an excuse to enact a plan to spark a war between human and mutant-kind. The great thing about Magneto is that you really understand where he's coming from. There are times, in fact, where I was actually rooting for him and his sidekicks (who we'll get to) to succeed. He's the definition of a compelling villain!

That sentiment is defeated by the depth and likability of the heroes director Bryan Singer chooses to focus on. Wolverine is a perfect anti-hero, a man willing to use his powers to win a quick buck (in one of modern cinema's greatest character introductions), but ultimately has a heart of gold. Rogue is also fascinating. She is the main emotional "in" for the audience, a young woman feeling lost and afraid in a seemingly hateful world. Her father-daughter relationship with Wolverine is at the centre of the entire film. Xavier is also fantastic, infected with the gravitas that only Patrick Stewart can bring to a role. As with Magneto, you completely understand where he is coming from.

Something I hadn't noticed until recently was the intelligent, deftly handled social commentary. The main parallel I picked up on was the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. The Congress speeches are very reminiscent of the period. "Are [insert minority] dangerous", "Should we let them integrate with children?" "Can they be trusted". The great thing about this is that it's never in your face. You either don't pick up on it and find the movie entertaining, or read the subtext and enhance your viewing experience. It's very reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy. In fact, I'd go so far as saying that Batman Begins wouldn't have happened if it weren't for X-Men.

Where it fails, unfortunately, is with the supporting characters. Trying to fit a wealth of character development into a rollicking 90-minute screen-time is a tall order, and one that Singer never rises to. A romantic subplot between Wolverine and Jean Grey arises from one sticking a needle in the other. Cyclops and Jean's relationship is about as interesting as porridge. Storm is given one scene with an ailing Senator Kelly, which sadly descends into a CGI demo before it can get half-interesting. Mystique, whilst being bad ass, is barely given anything close to a personality. Toad and Sabretooth have less dimensions than a straight line. 

The score, also, is disappointing. The main theme is a dull, forgettable elephant fart. I re-watched it last night, and am already struggling to recall a single chord. The Rogue/Wolverine theme is the only slightly memorable piece.

Despite it's flaws, X-Men stands tall as a superior, high-minded 90-minute thrill ride. If you like your superhero movies with a little more meat to chew, I strongly suggest checking this out.

Five Word Verdict: An intelligent, if overstuffed, blast

Score: 4/5

What are your thoughts on X-Men? Are you excited for Days of Future Past? Let me know in the comments below. Be sure to check back tomorrow for my review of X2: X-Men United. As always, if you enjoyed this, you can follow me on Twitter (@The_Hamster_Boy) and let me know any of your article suggestions. See you next time!