‘X-Men 2’ blends characters and story to create superb sequel

Referred to as “The Uncanny X-Men,” circa the Stan Lee era, the

filmmakers for the sequel to the “X-Men” movie were as canny, crafty

and creative as conceivable in converting Marvel comic’s marvelous

comic book series to the silver screen-again. All viewers were rapt

in the blending of fabulous characters with edge-of-your-seat

suspense.

Whether it be Pyro’s wrathful inferno, Iceman’s glacial fury,

Night Crawler’s teleported acrobatic aerial assaults, or Lady Death

Strike’s pernicious claws, the addition of these mutants was crucial

to keeping the audience riveted to their seats. The new combined with

the solid foundation the expectedly terse, comical, banter between

Wolverine and Cyclops and the reprised roles of a number of critical

actors, including Ian McClellan, Halle Berry, Rebecca Romjin Stamos,

Patrick Stewart, etc., served as a magnificently star-studded bonanza

of both talent and awe. Every actor’s repute preceded them in superb

performances bringing a hint of reality into the “X-Men” world of

both fascination and intrigue.

Much like “X-Men,” “X-Men 2” engrosses its audience with one

sinister mad man’s fiendish plot while webbing a weave of deceitful

subplots and unexpected twists. The line between friend and foe is

severely blurred and treachery is abundant. Make no speculations, or

predictions, just enjoy the ride.

As a disclaimer, two types of audience members will be slightly

miffed by a couple of details. First, this film has no scarcity of

gratuitous violence, which is a serious departure from its

predecessor. Secondly, it has glaring incongruities with the comic

book series, so die-hard fans will have to bite their tongues on that

one. Otherwise, if you revel in action flicks like me, do not miss

“X-Men.”

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. He can be

reached at Capedcrusadr@aol.com.