Bryan Singer

The plot is rather basic, but the film is impressively crafted, making the most out of many of its character introductions and also making superpowers eerie and wondrous in a way later films in the genre often fail at in favour of flat spectacle. The themes and complex issues of persecution, morality, xenophobia and intolerance are additionally better explored here than probably in any of the other installments in the franchise (excepting perhaps X2, the immediate sequel). Finally, a lot of show more the casting is superb, and McKellen's riveting performance as the villain (helped by a script and effects that really and impressively make the most of his powers from a character standpoint) really brings a weight and depth to the film that the story on its own couldn't have managed. show less

Possibly the best superhero film ever made at the time it came out, and while it can't claim that title anymore, it's still holding up extremely well after years of a massive output in the genre. The themes of acceptance, persecution, extremism, survival, identity and loyalty have never before nor since in this film franchise been explored with as much pathos and elegance as they did here, and the dialogue and action are both stellar as well. This movie, probably more than any other single show more film, is why I became a superhero film fan. show less

The disappointment of quickly realising that Fox still doesn't know what they're doing after three unquestionably good X-films in a row (Days of Future Past, Logan and Deadpool) really soured the first view of this film for me. An underwhelming by-the-numbers end of the world fight with more CGI than heart, and stuffed with characters who don't get to shine or develop because they're too busy being namechecked. In a lot of ways, this is therefore a rehash of the issues tormenting the Last show more Stand, though like that film, this one too does have some redeeming qualities that keeps it from being a complete waste. Magneto's early scenes are good, for instance (if very reminiscent of Wolverine's lumberjack stint in Origins), as are Xavier's late ones. In general, it does a decent job of building on some of the character arcs from earlier films, notably the prequel series' core three (Magneto, Mystique and Xavier), and there are a small handful of others in the onslaught of underserviced characters who get solid moments here (notably Quicksilver and, surprisingly, if to a lesser extent, Havok) and on rewatch, such elements have stood out enough that the film climbed from 2.5 to 3.5 stars for me. The main flaw, though, is a villain who never feels like more than an (admittedly scary) plot device, despite generous helpings of screentime. Isaac is a terrific actor, so I can only assume the blame for this lies in the script.

For all that, I still got teary eyed at the new context for the recalled lines from the end of the original "X-Men" as the film ended. So clearly, I was more invested than my whining here indicates. show less

Loved this film. It's toe tapping and happy and sad. I cried at the end and I'm like why? But I grew up with Queen - I was 18 when Live Aid happened - it's a memorable aspect of being a teenager for me. And Freddie Mercury was a genius with a voice to die for - I still remember the shock of his death. And watching the video of "These are the days of our lives" when he's wearing the cat vest and he's obviously dying. Such a tragedy.
So I think you can guess I recommend this film. I found the show more teeth prosthetics very distracting at first but soon forgot about that and that I cried means they did something right! show less