I'm a comic book fan. While Spider-Man will always be my favorite (and I am completely psyched by the movie finally coming out next year), I've been known to read the exploits of a few super-teams. Although X-Men isn't something I've ever read regularly, I have enjoyed some story arcs. Now as a fan of comics in general, and Marvel Comics in particular, it's been my experience that Marvel has had, shall we say, a rather poor record of live action super hero translations. Let's look at the Distinguished Competition, shall we...

Batman: Four successful movies, with a possible fifth on the way. (Rumor also has it that Catwoman will get a film of her own.) Also a successful 60s TV show and old cinema serials.
Superman: Four successful movies, a successful 50s TV show, and old cinema serials.
Flash: Successful 90s TV series.
Wonder Woman: Successful 70s TV series, and an upcoming feature film.

Marvel?

Spider-Man: Horrible TV series in the 70s with "stunts" that made me cringe.
Captain America: Some not-good movies.
Hulk: Okay, Hulk translated well, but I never did like that character anyway.
Punisher: ACK! 'Nuff said.
Fantastic Four: Aborted feature film that wasn't TOO bad -- I got to see it; don't tell anyone.

Thankfully, the Marvel dry spell was broken by Blade, and again by X-Men (It's about time I got to the subject at hand). In the not-too-distant future, the next stage of human evolution has begun. People are showing up with certain mutations. Some of these mutations manifest as physical deformities, and others give powers, such as advanced healing ability, telekenesis, or even the ability to control the weather. Those who have mutations are feared and hated by "normal" humans. Reminiscent, in fact, of certain civil rights issues of the 50s, and even some of today, Congress is about to vote on the Mutant Registration Act, a law that will force mutants to identify themselves -- to what end is not said, but I can tell you that with the government involved, it's probably not good.

As with any generalized group, there are good mutants, and there are bad mutants. The good mutants, led by Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), are called X-Men. The evil ones, led by Magneto (Ian McKellan) call themselves the Brotherhood of Mutants. It's a typical good vs evil comic book plot. The specific "Humans vs Mutant" story that this movie tells has been done ad nauseum in the comics, but seems to translate quite nicely here.

The X-Men are comprised of Cyclops (Scott Marsden), who shoots optic blasts from his eyes and must wear an infrared visor (or glasses, when not in "uniform") to prevent them from firing out of control; Storm (Halle Berry), who has already been mentioned as the one who controls the weather; Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), a telekinetic with some telepathic powers as well; Woverine (Hugh Jackman), the quick-healing Canadian whose body has been infused with a metal called Adamantium, and retractable metal claws; Professor X, a very powerful telepath; and Rogue (Anna Paquin), whose mutation is actually a curse -- she drains the life energy from anyone she touches.

On the villains' side: Magneto is a master of magnetism. Sabertooth (Tyler Mane) has a healing power similar to Wolverine's, and an animal rage to match his appearance. Toad (Darth Maul himself, Ray Park) can stick to walls and has a super-long and powerful tongue. Finally, Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos) is blue in her natural state, but is a shape-shifter who can impersonate anyone.

With characters like these, and a plot right out of a comic book, action is inevitable -- and there's plenty of it. The downside to comic-to-film translation is that the types of fight sequences required to remain true to the books renders them cheesy-looking in a live action film. I believe comics translate better to animation, due to the acrobatic nature of many of the characters' powers. Still, I find myself getting excited every time Wolvie brings out the claws, or Storm's hair flies out in the way that indicates she's about to make something happen.

Another drawback to film adaptations of comics is that you're working with a 30 year history (sometimes more), and having to cram all of that backstory into a two hour movie. Of course some liberties have to be taken. Rogue is the victim of this, as her thieving days aren't even mentioned -- nor are Storm's. Also, Rogue is much younger than her comic self, and while the side/after effects of her mutation are mentioned, she has yet to meet the character that in the comic gave her an ability to fly. (I also seem to remember a relationship of some kind between her and Mystique -- okay, I'm a geek.)

Despite all these drawbacks to the general process of making a film based on a comic, screenwriter David Hayter and director Bryan Singer pull it off admirably. They stay as faithful to the characters as they can, given their limitations, and put out an exciting movie with a lot of conflict and action.

I can't wait for the sequel.

This movie is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence.

SCORE: 8 -- While I'm not a big fan of the comic, I enjoyed the heck out of the Fox animated series and this film. There really is too much information in X-History to pack adequately into a movie, not to mention too many characters. As sequels are made, I'm sure we'll see more X-Folks, including Gambit, and the ones who had cameos here will hopefully get more action -- especially Bobby (Iceman) and Jubilee. Recommended, especially for comic geeks-- er, fans. Return to top