X-MEN REVIEW

*MAY CONTAINS SPOILERS*

Before the Avengers, there was the X-Men lead by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). The first film in the series introduces us to the famous mutants such as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Magneto (Ian McKellan), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), Storm (Halle Berry) and many more.

When the film opens, the mutants are in hiding in fear of being discriminated. Senator Kelly (Bruce Davison) wants the mutants to reveal themselves and their abilities. A young woman, Marie (Anna Paquin), has just recently discovered that when she touches someone, she drains all of their energy and decides to runs away. This is where we first meet Logan, also known as Wolverine, whose mutant abilities include self-healing and having long claws made from adamantium. He takes on Marie, now known as Rogue, and the pair are suddenly attacked by other mutants, Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) and Toad (Ray Park). Fortunately, they're saved by Storm and Cyclops (James Marsden) and they wake up in the X-Mansion which is where they meet Professor X who informs them of what they are. Meanwhile, Magneto believes a war is approaching and has an evil plan and needs Rogue to help him achieve it. For the first time, mutants must team up to stop Magneto.

I think this is a great way to start off a superhero series. Director Bryan Singer introduces us to the mutants by showing their abilities which is how we identify them. Both Stewart and McKellan give strong performances as Professor X and Magneto. When we first meet them, their relationship is tense due to past events (which are shown in the prequel, First Class). Jackman is the perfect choice for Wolverine, this is the part he will be best known for. Wolverine is strong and brave and Jackman's performance clearly shows that. Paquin is great as Rogue, we feel sympathy for her because she can't touch other human beings without harming them. 

The film moves a brisk pace, it doesn't spend too long telling us about each character, most people who have watched the film will already know who the mutants are. It also has an even balance of exposition, character development and special effects-enhanced action. Speaking of, the action sequences, especially in the battle against Magneto, are choreographed with flair and, by using slow motion and a camera circling the action, this is effective. 

If this film wasn't a success, it wouldn't have lasted much longer than a few years. Fortunately, this problem soon disappeared and there have since then been a total of seven X-Men films. This is due to its strong performances, iconic characters and exciting action sequences.

7/10