The additional info has been placed at the bottom of the review.
Hey folks, Harry here with the first review of X-MEN that I've seen anywhere. Now, before you get in it here, you should know that most of the visual effects shots are no where near complete. That the editing and pacing are still very rough, and the purpose of this screening was to take comments like these from Guido The Killer Pimp, and help refine the film. This will be the first time Bryan will have seen the film with an audience, and there will be changes. I also find it very reassuring that this is not a bad review and not a praise... but instead a review that likes the movie, but is awaiting to see how the final print will come along.
X-MEN
I've seen the rough cut of this film. Here is a short review...
Hey Harry-Just saw the director's first cut of the X-MEN. Obviously, most of the effects aren't done, but the movie is not as bad as some are dreading(hoping?) It starts out in Nazi Germany with a young MAGNETO being seperated from his parents. We get to see fences bend as he first activates his power. After this short prologue, the film really begins 50 years later with Dr. Jean Gray addressing some sort of congressional hearing that is thinking about seperating mutants from humankind. Leading the charge is a senator played by Bruce Davison. Hiding in the audience are Magneto and Xavier. Meeting up, Xavier tries to convince Magneto that humans are good. Magneto, of course, doesn't buy it.
Next we come upon Rogue at some bar somewhere(no titles yet)snowy. Wolverine is involved in some kind of ultimate fighting championship and beats the crap out of some guy. Later, the loser tries to pick a fight and we get to see the Wolverine claws. This effect of the claws coming out is almost done and already looks very cool! You may seen some of this in the trailer when he cuts the shotgun in half. Anyhow, Wolverine takes off and Rogue joins him. They get ambushed by Sabretooth, who throws Wolverine into some trees and tries to take away Rogue. Fortunately, Storm(Halle Berry) and Cyclops save the day.
When Wolverine wakes up, he is at Xavier's school for mutants. Magneto has a plan to turn a whole bunch of really important people into mutants and Xavier and his crew have to stop them.
Enough about the plot cuz I don't want to give it all away. So, how are the effects so far? So far...so good. As I said, Wolverine's claws are very cool. Toad's tongue is still not finished but could be great. However, some of the fighting bothered me. Wire removal still has to be done, but even without seeing them, you're gonna think they are there.
Some serious editing needs to be done here. Also, so far, the big action sequence at the Statue Of Liberty is a bit of a letdown. We'll see if it gets better.
Mystique is awesome and pratically naked. Believe me, when she is on the screen, you really don't care what's going on!
So, are people gonna dig this film? Honestly...I doubt it. Anyone who doesn't know the X-Men isn't going to get it. And there really isn't enough action to hold the average viewer. Fanboys always have a problem with something, so who knows? By the way, at one point Wolverine makes fun of the black leather suits. Cyclops answers "What would you prefer...yellow spandex?" One of the only laughs in the film.
Overall, the jury is out...but I don't think it will be the huge hit Fox is hoping for. I really wanted to love it, but will wait and reseve judgement until it is more complete. With editing and VFX, it can only get better.
Guido The Killer Pimp
P.S. X-MEN PERFORMANCES
How could I leave out a review of the performances in this film? Here goes...from best to worst. Hugh Jackman-Wolverine-I was one of the naysayers when I saw this guy, which makes it even more incredible when I say he is absolutley great! You really believe that this guy gets off on kicking ass. Give this guy a chance and you'll see how good he is. Magneto(Ian Mckellan)-Of course, he's superb...like always. Maybe a little too frail, but that is addressed in the film and works. I have no problem buying him(except for the goofy helmet). Xavier(Patrick Stewart)-Unfortunately, not a lot to do, but he does the little he has to do very well. Besides, he's the one actor who you have to agree totally looks the part. Ray Parks-Toad-Man, does he ham it up. He looks like he's having fun at least. Unfortunately, maybe a little too much. At one point during a fight, he breaks into a little dance much like the leprechaun from Lucky Charms. Hope this doesn't make the final cut.
Famke Janssen-Dr. Jean Grey-Pretty decent. One of the only people you care about in the film.
Mystique(Rebecca Stamos)-Who cares if she can act?
Rogue(Anna Paquin)-Nothing much to do except cry and look sad. Brings nothing to the role.
Tyler Mane-Sabretooth-Ooh...big scary man with long hair and a big growl. Big deal.
James Marsden-Cyclops-Could've saved money by casting a bush. BORING!
Halle Berry-Storm-This is the one embarassment in the film. I will say she is funnier here than in BAPS. She has some strange accent that goes all over the place. Big mistake in casting.
