The Last Stand

I just watched the X-Men 3rd installment.

It was ok. Heh, I'm not a critic so I can't really say it more eloquently than that. But I'll do my best to expound on why I said it was "ok".

The main plot of the movie was a good choice. Like always, the X-Men franchise seeks to makes it's readers/viewers think about how something simple as a "cure" for mutation might be viewed with depredation. It's just a shame, however, that everything had to be squeezed in to a 2 hour movie; foregoing the characterization comics delve into to make everything mean something by the time the climax happens.

Ian McKellen reprises his role as Magneto. Although I've always seen this particular villain as robust, I am quite impressed with how the actor portrays him with such intensity. And his age somewhat enhances his menace.

Patrick Stewart plays Professor X with almost the same intensity. The reason I say so is because he gets killed off half-way into the movie. Thus, limiting what could have been a great role. I also found his I-don't-have-anything-to-explain-to-you very realistic and human. I've always pictured him to be upstanding and honorable. What I didn't know was how his choices showed his integrity and strength.

I have never been certain Hugh Jackman was the right choice for Wolverine. Namely because he's too...good-looking for the role. I am glad, however, that they made him more true to the comic book character by turning him into a fighter who isn't afraid to sink his claws into his enemies.

Halle Berry as Storm acted more of a mirror for Wolverine's I-don't-give-damn attitude; she was the clear-headed one in the team with Cyclops unable to perform the duties of a team leader. But her role seemed unnecessary as everyone was working together. Her reaction to the cure was...lacking in depth. I didn't feel there was any reason for her to get too upset over it.

Famke Janssen who plays Jean Grey/Phoenix ended up staring weirdly and crying most of the time. They could have given her more dialogue but the Dark Phoenix storyline was just a side plot. Which is a shame as they could have used it to further exemplify why the cure is so important.

We also see some other familiar faces such as Iceman, Rogue, Colossus and Shadow Cat. Of the young X-men, Kitty Pride grabbed my attention. Not because she was cute (hehehe!), but because her performance was unexpectedly refreshing. I wonder if they'll make a movie with her in the starring role.

So what did I get from watching the movie? I found the younger versions of Magneto and Professor X quite amusing; they managed to hide all those wrinkles well. I feel the death of Cyclops and Proefessor X was unfair and yet quite apt, since comics tend to make it seem plausible for anyone rise from the dead. Overall, it was a good cure for a boring day off as not only did I enjoy the movie, it got me to write this blog article.