‘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.
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