Few sequels earn the oft-quoted tagline “better than the original” but “X2: X-Men United” is not only better than the original, its way better. Other sequels sit up and take notice: this is how it’s done.
The story continues the popular Marvel Comics tale first explored in 2000’s original “X-Men:” mutants with special powers doing really fascinating stuff.
This time around premier storyteller and accomplished director Bryan Singer spares no expense with more elaborate special effects, better action sequences and more amazing mutant powers.
Shot mostly in Vancouver, “X2” holds the record for the largest film ever shot in Canada. The story opens with an incredible attack against the president of the United States by a mutant with amazing abilities.
The attack causes a renewal in the anti-mutant movement, this time led by the sketchy William Stryker (Brian Cox). Stryker’s evil plot may prove to be the X-Men’s toughest mission ever.
Most of the original cast has returned for the sequel, including the mysterious tough-guy Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), telepath Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), teenager Rogue (Anna Paquin), arch-villain Magneto (Ian McKellan), the mastermind Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and the sexy, shapeshifting Mystique (Rebecca Romjin-Stamos).
Several new mutants have joined the ranks of the effervescent X-Men, but the best new character is the teleporting, blue-skinned, highly religious German mutant called Nightcrawler, played to the tee by Alan Cumming.
Overall, “X2” is better than the original because it isn’t saddled with the burden of having to introduce everyone. But it’s not just this lack of background exposition that leads to its success. Singer has done his homework and has made a film which appeals to both ‘normal’ and comic book fans alike.
Visually, the film rocks off the screen with imaginative special effects, including a extraordinary scene where newcomer mutant student and bad-boy Pyro (Aaron Stanford) uses his fire-controlling powers to hold off a swat team. The flying flames burst across the screen in a blaze of colors and explosions.
“X2” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and brief language and opened in theaters everywhere last Friday.
