X2 – Filmworks, Manchester

Yes, today was previews day for X2. (as it’s officially titled, but it’s the sequel to X-Men, if that helps at all) So of course I had to go – it’s a hard life, but someone’s got to have it *Grin*.

I loved the first X-Men, so I’m probably biased (and a bit of a fan of Hugh Jackman too) – but I still thoroughly enjoyed X2. It’s about half an hour longer, and still doesn’t feel like it’s too long at all – there are very few slack moments, it just keeps on going and going, and getting better. The story line is as daft as the last, but while watching the film, disbelief is very easy to suspend. The effects and character building were pretty good, and with a cast as huge as the original X-men comics, it’s always going to be an uphill struggle. But there were enough hints at future characters to keep fans happy, even to the extent of almost “cameo” performances by some of them.

Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler deserves particular mention, despite the dodgy German accent- I suppose it’s part of the character, but personally I found it irritating. Then again, that’s me. However, between the character and the special effects around it,the role seems to be a real scene-stealer every time. (Hardly a surprise when it comes to Cumming) BrianCox is up to his normal standards, and the entire cast appears to have had fun making the film – there’s an onscreen chemistry/cameraderie between them all that’s obvious, which helps build the idea that the characters are a team, despite personal differences etc.

Ian Mckellen’s still excellent as Magneto, and Patrick Stewart is – well – Patrick Stewart. It strikes me as impressive that between his roles as Gandalf and Magneto, McKellen’s in some of the biggest films of the last three years. Now all he needs is a bitpart in the Matrix sequels and he’ll be in every giant film of the 2000’s (so far).

All in all, it’s two hours that require suspension of disbelief, but that’s easy to achieve. Damn good fun – I’m sure I’ll see it again before long.

Now, when’s Matrix Reloaded out?