I watched X2: X-Men United and I really liked it! 4.5/5
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It’s rare for a sequel to not only live up to its predecessor but also surpass it in almost every way. X2: X-Men United does just that, taking the groundwork laid by 2000’s X-Men and expanding its universe, themes, and stakes with remarkable confidence. Directed again by Bryan Singer, this sequel amps up the action, deepens the characters, and gives us one of the best superhero films of its era. With its razor-sharp blend of thrilling spectacle and emotional depth, X2 set a benchmark for how sequels should be done.
A Bigger, Bolder Plot
X2 wastes no time diving into the action, opening with one of the most memorable sequences in superhero cinema: Nightcrawler’s (Alan Cumming) daring attack on the White House. It’s a breathtaking mix of spectacle and suspense, and it sets the tone for a darker, more ambitious story.
The film’s plot revolves around Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox), a ruthless military scientist with a sinister agenda against mutants. Stryker kidnaps Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and seizes control of Cerebro, intending to use it to eradicate mutants worldwide. This forces the X-Men to join forces with their nemesis Magneto (Ian McKellen) to stop Stryker’s genocidal plan.
This uneasy alliance brings tension and unexpected humor to the film, as the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants are forced to work together despite their fundamentally opposing ideologies. It’s a clever narrative choice that raises the stakes and provides some fantastic character interactions.
Character Development at Its Finest
Where X-Men introduced us to this world, X2 dives deeper into its characters, giving them room to grow and shine. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) takes center stage again, and this time, his mysterious past is brought to the forefront. Stryker’s connection to Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton adds an emotional undercurrent to the story, making the stakes personal for our clawed hero. Jackman’s performance is raw and magnetic, balancing Wolverine’s feral rage with moments of vulnerability.
Nightcrawler is a standout addition to the team. Alan Cumming’s portrayal is haunting and sympathetic, as Nightcrawler wrestles with his faith and his role in a world that fears him. His interactions with Storm (Halle Berry) and his heartfelt perspective on forgiveness add emotional weight to the film.
Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) also gets her moment in the spotlight as her powers begin to evolve in dangerous and unpredictable ways, foreshadowing her transformation into the Phoenix. Janssen brings nuance to Jean’s growing struggles, making her arc one of the film’s most compelling elements.
Even supporting characters like Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) and Pyro (Aaron Stanford) get their moments to shine. Pyro’s gradual descent into Magneto’s influence is chilling, while Iceman’s heart-to-heart with his family reveals the everyday struggles of being a mutant.
Action That Soars
If X-Men teased us with its action, X2 delivers in spades. The set pieces are bigger, bolder, and beautifully choreographed. From Wolverine’s brutal rampage through the X-Mansion to the aerial dogfight aboard the Blackbird, the film never lets up on the adrenaline.
One of the highlights is Magneto’s daring escape from his plastic prison. Ian McKellen is magnetic (pun intended) as always, and the sequence is a masterclass in suspense and clever visual storytelling.
The climax at Alkali Lake is a thrilling convergence of the film’s emotional and action beats, with the X-Men and Magneto’s team facing off against Stryker’s forces. It’s here that the film balances its blockbuster thrills with character-driven stakes, a testament to Bryan Singer’s direction.
Themes That Resonate
X2 continues the franchise’s tradition of using its mutant metaphor to explore social issues. Prejudice, fear, and acceptance are central themes, and the film doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of these topics. Stryker’s hatred for mutants is chillingly believable, making him one of the series’ most memorable villains.
The film also explores the idea of identity, particularly through Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Rogue (Anna Paquin). Each character’s journey highlights the pain of being different and the strength that comes from embracing who you are.
Visuals and Score
Visually, X2 is a marked improvement over its predecessor. Newton Thomas Sigel’s cinematography captures the scale and intensity of the action, while the effects work—particularly in Nightcrawler’s teleportation—still holds up today.
John Ottman’s score is another standout element. The music elevates the film’s emotional moments and gives the action scenes a pulse-pounding energy. The main theme is both haunting and heroic, perfectly encapsulating the tone of the film.
Minor Flaws, Major Impact
If there’s one critique to be made, it’s that some characters—Storm and Cyclops (James Marsden) in particular—don’t get as much screen time as they deserve. Cyclops, in particular, feels sidelined for much of the film, which is a shame given his importance to the team.
Still, these are minor gripes in an otherwise stellar film.
Conclusion: A Superhero Sequel Done Right
X2: X-Men United is everything a sequel should be: bigger, bolder, and more emotionally resonant than the original. With a compelling story, rich character development, and unforgettable action sequences, it solidified the X-Men franchise as a cornerstone of the superhero genre.
This is a film that balances spectacle with substance, delivering thrills while staying true to its characters and themes. It’s no wonder X2 remains a fan favorite and a benchmark for superhero storytelling.