*so jealous* I can't wait to see it.
It was just 'not bad' ? Elaborate. What was the best and worst aspect of the movie? What would you give it, in a percentage?
It's maybe 3 stars. It simply didn't thrill me until the final sequence between Jean and Wolverine. Not quite sure how this happened, but Ratner doesn't pump the action up to the level it needs to be, IMO.
This is more a "sum of the parts" experience where certain scenes resonate---Jean ("Phoenix") attempting to seduce Wolverine after waking up, Jean levitating her childhood home in a face-off with Magneto and Xavier, Jean obliterating Alcatraz and turning the armies to dust with a feral, Carrie-like and almost demonic presence in the film's climax.
In other words, this film belongs to Famke Janssen who is alternately sympathetic and terrifying, and the introduction of her "schizophrenic" personalities gives her a chance to really run with the ball. The last scene between her and Wolverine is really something and I wish the rest of the film had been as gripping. She's way underrated in the biz.
Ian McKellen is also terrific here, as in everything. What other actor today can bring the same sterling authority to X-Men and Lord of the Rings, and just as comfortably to Da Vinci or Gods and Monsters or Richard III? I saw him a few seasons ago on Broadway in Stridberg's Dance of Death with Helen Mirren, and he blew me away (as did she). And I love how outspoken he is. Almost like a hero to me these days...
I found the theme (curing the "disease") to be heavy-handed and a little bit silly.
I liked it enough, I suppose, but wanted to love it. Ben Foster is really striking in a few scenes...
I also checked my watch a few times.......