Overview

X2: X-Men United is a significant improvement over its predecessor. This time around, the narrative is much stronger and well-paced. And the motivations of all the characters are significantly more focused and plausible. Very little about this movie feels contrived or false. About the only major criticisms are the movie’s relatively shallow depth (compared to the “big” comic book films of Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight) and a slightly over long running time. But in almost every other aspect, X-Men 2 is a well-constructed, entertaining and compelling film. And, as the title suggests, we see an alliance between Magneto and the X-Men.

Analysis & Criticism

The overall narrative of the film focuses on the opposing sides of a growing potential for open conflict. Whenever the prospects of war arise there are, inevitably, those who would welcome its arrival. And more than anything else, the plot of X2 is driven by those who desire war. Magneto’s (Ian McKellen) motivations are already well-established by the original X-Men film. But X2 introduces the character of William Striker, a military man who wants nothing less than the destruction of every mutant on Earth. In other words, Striker is exactly the kind of human Magneto has been warning against.

What these two characters do, however, is to set up a very precarious tension in the film – one that can only be overcome by the united efforts of all the mutants. Striker has a long history in dealing with mutants, as evidenced by his role in Wolverine’s origins, as well as the failed tenure of his son as a student in professor Xavier’s school. This is presented quite reasonably, and adds a strong subtext and motivation to all of his actions throughout the movie. Of course, Magneto’s desire to not only stop Striker, but to be the same kind of character as Striker (i.e. obliterate his adversaries) make him a very powerful, and plausible, villain. Indeed, the film is rather adept at leading the audience to cheer for Magneto at one moment and revile him the next.

Magneto’s plausible motivations also provide a very real temptation for mutants. This is represented by the friendship between Pyro and Iceman. The two teenage boys are pulled in opposite directions by Magneto and Professor Xavier, resulting in Pyro eventually deserting the X-Men and joining Magneto’s forces.

The narrative pace of the film is also a strength. Opening with a chaotic and frenetic invasion of the White House by Nightcrawler, the film goes through its paces very briskly, creating a number of memorable sequences. Among the highlights are: the invasion of Xavier’s School; Magneto’s prison breakout; the visit to Bobby Drake’s home; and, of course, the final sequences at Alkali Lake.

And, of course, there is the emotional climax of the film, which underscores the sacrifices which are made during any conflict. What makes this particularly sacrifice so compelling is not only the plausibility of the circumstances, but also the reactions of everyone else. It is, truly, a bitter pill for everyone to swallow, and the acting, particularly from Hugh Jackman, is very well-done. This may not be Oscar-worthy material here, but it certainly hits the right beats to elicit the intended emotional reaction from the audience.

Overall Grade: B+

X2: X-Men United is a very good movie. The character interactions are on a much higher level than the film’s predecessor. And, too, the narrative is much more economical and compelling in X2. What little attempt there is at a deeper subtext – the need for humans and mutants to be able to trust one another, despite the efforts of those like Striker and Magneto – is also successful, if a bit too reserved.

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

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