Flashback Friday-X-Men 2 (2003)

In the world of movie sequels, there are many that are released to the movie going public. But there are few movie sequels that not only stand on their own, but also advance the story forward.

One of these  movies is X-Men 2, released in 2003.

Taking off from where X-Men ended, X-Men 2 begins several months later. A previously unknown mutant, Nightcrawler, (Alan Cumming) has attempted to assassinate the President. In retaliation, the governments puts into a place a series of anti-mutant measures.  Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is trying to find out where he came from while Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) is trying to break her boss, Magneto (Ian McKellen) from prison.

Complicating things is William Stryker (Brian Cox), a scientist who breaks into Professor X’s school and take hostages, Professor Xavier included. Now both teams of mutants must come together to rescue the hostages.

Up until earlier this year when I saw X-Men: Days Of Future Past, I would have said that X-Men 2 is the best comic book movie ever made. But second place is still not bad.

What I liked about this movie is the mixture of the action and the drama. While this movie has the requisite heroes vs. villain scenes, it is much more complicated. This movie blurs the lines (especially within the mutant characters) of who is a hero and and who is a villain. The scene in the movie when Bobby comes out to his family (spoiler alert), who then rejects him, breaks my heart. The final scene of the movie (which I will not spoil for those who have not seen this movie) was on the greatest movie cliffhangers I had seen up to that point.

I recommend this movie.

X-Men Days Of Future Past: Best Comic Book Movie Ever

*-This review contains spoilers. Read at your own risk if you have not seen the movie.

The reviews X-Men Days Of Future Past have been nothing but glowing.

I can happily report that this movie is amazing.

In the future, a war has killed millions, both mutant and humans. To prevent this future from happening, Professor Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to the early 1970’s. Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) is creating Sentinels that are targeting mutants. Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) is going to kill Dr. Trask, starting the war. If Wolverine can prevent Dr. Trask’s assassination, the war will not happen.

This movie is everything everyone has said and more.   All of the characters from the X-Men universe are included, even those that had been killed off in previous films.  It’s funny, it’s gut wrenching, it is truly the best comic book movie ever.

Hugh Jackson does the full monty (backside only) for a few moments.  I’m not ashamed to say that it was a very enjoyable few moments.

Stay after the credits, there is a very interesting scene.

This movie is a must see.