X-Men Take A Stand
Third chapter in series evolves from previous films, develops new identity

By John Schulter

If people could change their identity, would they really want to? Would they want to change what is special and unique about them? X-Men: The Last Stand, the third in the movie franchise, offers these appealing questions while providing an entertaining thrill ride for all viewers.

While it may have the look and feel of the previous movies, minor details make what could
have been a good conclusion fall short of
expectations.

X-Men: The Last Stand stars most of the cast from the previous X-Men films including Hugh Jackman (Swordfish), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek series), Halle Berry (Gothika) and Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings). However, there are some new and exciting additions to the already electrifying cast, such as Kelsey Grammer (as The Beast) and Vinnie Jones (as Juggernaut).

The plot starts to unfold as the characters learn that there is a potential cure in development that could take away mutants’ powers, making them human. This
discovery causes tension between the X-Men and Magneto (McKellen) because of the evil madman’s continued intent to start a war between mutants and humans.
Meanwhile, the X-Men are mourning the death of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) until they discover that she has been resurrected as the Phoenix, the most powerful mutant to date.

Overall, the movie is extremely entertaining. The cast performs to its highest ability, especially Jackman, Grammer and McKellen. The characters of The Beast and Phoenix add a lot to the film’s thrill factor, especially toward the end. Berry’s character, Storm, receives much more time on screen in this movie than in its predecessors. However, the introduction of another new character, the Arch Angel (Ben Foster) doesn’t see as much screen time as hardcore X-Men fans would have hoped.

As expected of a sci-fi action picture, special effects are great, but a little overdone in some scenes such as the unfolding at the Golden Gate Bridge. The film’s compelling twists and turns will keep its audience’s attention and today’s type of moviegoer interested.

Earlier X-Men movies address the notion of a clash in society involving the discrimination of individuals based on their appearance. The preceding films in the series aggressively portray the conflict of humans versus mutants. This chapter takes the conflict to its highest level, entertaining the idea of mutants changing who they are to fit into society.

The problem with X-Men: The Last Stand is that it’s too all over the map with underdeveloped ideas. Many questions and loose ends remain unclear. Answering if it is moral or not to change one’s being is one of these. This notion is touched upon, especially with the characters Arch Angel and Rogue (Anna Paquin), but has no real depth or emotion. Instead, it is hidden behind the film’s frantic pacing and visual effects.

All in all X-Men: The Last Stand is a great film. However, it could have been one of the greatest movies of its genre.Unfortunately, it has instead mutated into something much less powerful.