|
|
|
When it comes to superhero sequels, there are certain things fans
expect. One of them is the creative freedom the director now has
to have the main character or characters explore new challenges.
As often, the first film is always an introductory lesson for those
non-fans so they get to know the character. In some films, the process
is slow and the plot is thin. It leaves you feeling cheated and
wanting more in the next film, ensuring repeat business for the
studios. In the last few years, we’ve had one man superheroes like
Superman, Batman, Blade, Spiderman, and most recently Daredevil.
In 2000, X-Men was released and new fans were brought to the comic
book franchise created by Marvel Entertainment. Some of the characters
had background stories while others were simply thrown in the mix with no development.
It was a film with good action sequences and great cinematography.
It had fans of the comic book clamoring for more as they know what
to expect should a sequel come around. Well, X2 (X-Men United) is
here with a better story, more characters, fantastic action scenes,
a pulsating score, and enough material that will have you salivating
for more of the blockbuster franchise.
When the first film ended, the following had happened. Magnetto
(McKellen), after trying to dominate the world with mutants, was
caught and placed in a prison surrounded by glass where he would
be powerless. Wolverine (Jackman) had left the school in search
of clues as to who he is and where he came from and Prof. X (Stewart)
and the rest of the X-Men were back at the school teaching younger
mutants how to control their gifted abilities. When the sequel begins,
the U.S president’s life is put in danger as a new mutant arrives
and puts all mutants on the alert status as the Mutant Registration
Act is being reconsidered. General William Stryker (Cox) comes into
the picture to take control of the situation. Seems that Stryker
has a personal connection to Prof. X and uses the imprisoned Magneto
as bait to lure his trap against his enemies. Meanwhile, at the
School for Gifted Youngsters, Rogue (Paquin), Iceman (Ashmore) and
Pyro (Stanford), all featured in the first film, are a bit older
and able to control their growing strength as mutants. When Wolverine
comes back from his trip, he’s put in charge of the kids as the
older X-Men go out to investigate the situation that occurred with
the president and this new mutant that Prof. X, with the ability
to find anyone, can’t even locate. Wolverine is at his best defense
when Stryker shows up at the school with ulterior motives and puts the entire mutant population in danger. With some help
from unlikely sources, the X-Men have to find a way to save themselves
and the world from being “put to rest.”
To reveal more would be spoiling the incredible surprises the film
has to offer. For those who have never read the comic book, the
film is entertaining and straight-forwarded enough to get an idea
as to what’s going on. For true fans of the comic book, you
will be amazed as what to the writers have in stored. It’s no secret
judging by the trailers that Nightcrawler (Cumming) is one of the
new characters brought in the film. His introduction is so spectacular
that his character nearly steals the whole movie. Much like the
first film, other characters of the comic book, if you know they are, are introduced
in one scene or another. The one flaw that the film may have is
that it doesn’t spend so much time on certain characters when the
film is about the group. It’s tough trying to make everyone stand
out but Jackman as Wolverine is just as good here as he was in the
first film. He’s absolutely AMAZING in his fight scenes as he is
more menacing and more at ease with the character. As Storm, Halle
Berry, who after being remote in the first film, has a bigger part
here and displays the appeal she’s been bringing to her films as
of late. Director Singer feels more relaxed with this film as
he is able to just have fun with the story and keep true fans
happy with the subplots as they know where each character is headed.
John Ottman’s score is definitely an improvement
over Michael Kamen’s score from the first film. It’s much more techno
and filled with certain beats that goes smoothly with certain scenes.
Aside from the lack of concentration on some characters, “X2” is
a fantastic sequel filled kinetic action scenes and a thirst for the
next chapter in the series.
|
