Thursday, May 25, 2006
Damned, Evil Mutant Hater
I’ve been looking forward to X-Men: The Last Stand since right about the time that X2 ended. I looked forward to it even more when I saw that Angel was going to be in the movie--my favorite character from my favorite comic book in a series of movies that captured the magic of my adolescent obsession. After reading the review of X3 on MSNBC, though, I’m now about as happy as if I had heard that Peter Jackson had directed the movie.
Working with a $165 million budget (“X2” cost $110 million), Ratner uses more money to make a lesser film. The overkill of the final scenes, which include Magneto’s transformation of the Golden Gate Bridge into a bridge to Alcatraz, is typical of his spectacle-over-people approach.
“Sometimes you forget when you’re juggling so many characters,” says Singer on the DVD commentary track for “X2.” “They’re all crossing each other’s paths and you’re trying to establish them and make them interesting, humorous, but most importantly believable.’’
He could be offering a critique of “The Last Stand,” which leaves you with little interest in following the franchise further. Aside from killing off several key characters (presumably for good, though Jean’s resurrection makes you wonder) and introducing new mutants who make little impression, Ratner fails at maintaining our interest in the characters who do survive.
The think I always loved about the comic book was that regardless of their immense powers, the X-Men were some interestingly screwed up people. Take the emphasis off of the characters, though, and all you have left is a bunch of people running around in funny costumes and getting into brawls. No depth=no fun. That isn’t to say that the comics or the earlier movies are monumental artistic creations, just that they managed to be just a touch smarter and more interesting than typical summer blockbusters. Smart enough, at least, to rise a step above the special effects.
Disappointing isn’t a strong enough word.
Comments & Trackbacks
Angel? Really? Everyone knows Iceman was the best of the X-Men.
Ah, mon ami, but you forgettin’ th’ bes’ X-Man o’ dem all: Remy LeBeau, otherwise known as Gambit.
An’ he ain’t in th’ movie.
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However, I was very happy to note that Kelsey Grammer is playing as Beast. So with Rogue, Jubilee (albeit in a very minor role so far), Logan, and Hank McCoy in the series, at least they got 4 out of my top 5.
Dude, maybe you should save your dissapointment until after you’ve seen the movie. I’m just sayin’…
You’re right; I should. I’ve been a little skeptical about the movie, though, since I heard that the guy who directed the Rush Hour movies was taking the helm. This just sort of bolstered my worries, I suppose.
But, yes, you’re right.
Don’ worry. Just went to see the film, and the entrie family thought it was strong, strong work.
Nobody came home disappointed.
I’ll be seeing it on Monday. Preferably early, so that I can a) avoid the Memorial Day night crowds and b) get matinee ticket prices.
I went in with low expectations, and came out happily surprised.
Here’s my comparison:
X-Men: Last Stand is to X-Men as Return of the Jedi is to Star Wars or as Return of the King is to The Fellowship of the Ring.
X-Men 3 isn’t as good as a movie as X-Men 1, but I enjoyed the hell out of it and it did nothing to diminish my love for the franchise. Unlike, say, the Matrix sequels which I hated and which I never intend to watch again.
Yo, David. Where ya at?
Short version: X3 : First 2 X-Men movies :: Matrix Revolutions : First 2 Matrix movies Longer version: Well, maybe not that bad. It’s not awful, it’s just not that good. And the weakness is mainly in the treatment of the characters. Also...
Helllloooooo?
*knocks on blog door*
Hellooooo?
Anybody home?
Mary?
Sorry. Here’s my life right now: a couple trade show directories, a new magazine launch, all the in-house ads and promos I can handle, the 2007 media kit, and, on the side, a series of kids’ product instruction manuals, little Web updates, and a hacked site. All, of course, on quick deadlines and all with their own little problems.
I haven’t really looked at or thought about blogs in a couple weeks. For that matter, I haven’t even had a chance to see X3 yet.
Am weak. Am weary.
Done that. Been There. So, if you have a moment? Spare David a good thought, well wishes, and your prayers… I’d take it as a kindness done me. Thanks. ...
so gimme your damn reveiw already!
I saw it but I dont see a lot of movies so I can be entertained by a bad movie and be blissfully ignorant.
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