X-Men – Film Review | DauntlessMedia.net

X-Men – Film Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

Overview

X-Men is a solid film in terms of establishing and introducing a new movie franchise. And certainly the fundamental concepts of the X-Men stories are very compelling. But the film is otherwise average. While X-Men is a competently made movie, nothing jumps off the screen in terms of characterization, narrative or acting. In other words, the movie is good, but not truly memorable.

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Analysis & Criticism

The premise of X-Men, that humanity is on the verge of a tremendous leap forward in evolution, is the most difficult element of the film to swallow – aside from, perhaps, Magneto’s plot. Once you’re past that – and really, if you’re not going to suspend disbelief that far, this film just isn’t for you – there’s quite a bit of plausibility behind many of the characters, particularly that of Eric Lensherr, aka Magneto (Ian McKellen). His character, and performance, are what elevate this movie toward respectability. The fact that Magneto would abhor the possibility of Mutant registration is established by way of his experiences in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland, 1944. This makes his character’s motivations not only plausible, but absolutely compelling. What makes his character evil are the means by which he chooses to conduct himself. And that’s a very strong element in the film.

Aside from Magneto, most characters aren’t given nearly as much background in terms of psychological motivations. Logan, aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), is perhaps the primary character of the film, but his past is kept deliberately ambiguous. Marie, aka Rogue (Anna Paquin), has one brief scene in which her character is established. Otherwise, the rest of the characters just show up and are introduced without any measurable development of character. Of the remaining cast, perhaps Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier fares the best. But some characters, such as Cyclops (James Marsden), Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) and Toad (Ray Park), barely exist in more than two dimensions. At the very least we get a handful (albeit brief) character moments for Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Storm (Halle Berry).

The story of the film – how Magneto plans to use Rogue’s powers to operate a machine to turn the world’s leaders into mutants – is typical comic book, doomsday fare. And despite some solid effects work, and reasonably capable acting, the pedestrian plot ends up overwhelming much of the movie.

The most compelling element to the film, however, is the conflict introduced through Magneto’s backstory: do those who have more power than others have an obligation to use that power for the betterment of all? If the film is viewed in this way – with mutation as a metaphor for power of any kind, be it political, social, economic, etc. – then its commentary is very relevant and worthwhile. In essence, the film presents two sides of the issue: Magneto, who seeks to use his power for the betterment of himself and those, like him, who also have power … and Xavier who seeks to use his powers to help everyone.

Unfortunately, this aspect of the film is presented only incidentally to the rest of the narrative. In-jokes for comic book fans (e.g. “Would you prefer yellow spandex?”) and action-set pieces are given preference to any sort of in depth exploration of the more profound elements of the story. It’s not that X-Men needed to be high art – as an adventure film, it’s quite enjoyable – but objectively speaking, it just doesn’t approach the level of, say, Batman Begins in terms of intent.

Overall Grade: B-

X-Men is a good movie. And that’s about all that can be said of it. There’s nothing especially new or tantalizing about the film. And it misses a few opportunities for a deeper story. Worse still, for being a strictly narrative-based adventure story, its primary conflict and plot are hardly adventurous.

Topics: Comics, Film Review
Filed under: X-Men