X-Men (2000)

8.5/10

This classic comic book adaptation for film exploded on the screen, with a league of fans whom emanated from both the comic book medium and the cartoon series. The film was met with both great expectation and great reserve as many hard-core fans expressed concern over how true the “Hollywood” adaptation would stay to the original vein of the X-MEN.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, the X-men are a league of mutant humans, who believe that coexistence between mutants and humans is not only possible, but worth fighting for. Lead by Professor Xavier, founder of a school for gifted youngsters, aka Mutant adolescents, the X-men stand between Humankind and the ever present threat of war perpetuated by both humans who fear them and the mutants lead by Magneto, a very powerful mutant who believes that the only ay mutant kind will avoid persecution is to dominate the planet, at the cost of all human life.

Regardless of your age, the X-men has something to offer as a film, great action, great tongue in cheek comedy, a love story, a love triangle, pretty people, amazing special effects and of course Wolverine the iconic loner bad-boy, turned tame at the hand of a pretty woman.

On a deeper level the X-men is a look at racial equality, touching on the topic of genocide, fear of the unknown from both an aged angle and that of teen-agers struggling to find their place in the world while suffering racial persecution.
With that said, the X-men does not portray humankind as the bad guy, but rather tackles the close minded, ignorance and fear of that which is different which breeds racism.

The Plot:

Based off of the comic book. The time is the near future. There is a rift between normal humans and mutants. These mutants have gifts, these gifts can give them supernatural powers. Professor Charles Xavier has established a school where mutants can feel accepted and can learn to control their gifts. One day, a young girl calling herself "Rougue" runs away from home when she discovers her mutant gift. Then, she met a loner named Logan, then they were attacked by a group of mutants and were discovered by some of Proffessor X's students. They found out that the mutants that attacked them were a part of another mutant organization lead by "Magneto". Magneto believes that this dispute between humans and mutants will escalate into an all out war. He has also built a device that will unnaturally mutates humans. Now, Professor X's students must use their powers to stop Magneto, before it is too late.

Cast

Hugh Jackman ... Logan / Wolverine

Patrick Stewart ... Professor Charles Xavier

Ian McKellen ... Eric Lensherr / Magneto

Famke Janssen ... Jean Grey

James Marsden ... Scott Summers / Cyclops

Halle Berry ... Ororo Munroe / Storm

Anna Paquin ... Rogue / Marie D'Ancanto

Tyler Mane ... Sabretooth

Ray Park ... Toad

Rebecca Romijn ... Mystique (as Rebecca Romijn-Stamos)

Bruce Davison ... Senator Kelly

Matthew Sharp ... Henry Gyrich

Rhona Shekter ... Magneto's Mother

Kenneth McGregor ... Magneto's Father

Shawn Roberts ... Rogue's Boyfriend

Trailer