Though most sequels are under par when compared to their predecessors, a few movies can live up to, and even surpass, the previous ones.
Some of these movies are “Ghostbusters 2,” “Terminator 2” and the latest sequel to hit theaters, “X2: X-Men United.”
The movie begins with an attempt on the president’s life by a mutant, who leaves only a note, demanding mutant freedom, attached to a knife.
Soon, all the X-Men from the previous movie decide that they must find this mutant before the government does so that it can find out who is behind the assassination plot.
But government agent William Stryker (Brian Cox, “Adaptation”) has a different idea.
Determined to start a war on mutants, Stryker begins his shady operations with the help of the U.S. government.
Before too long, the safe haven of the Xavier Academy is overrun with government agents who kidnap mutant children and take them to the underground lab in the far North.
Of course, hormone-charged Rogue (Anna Paquin, “The Piano”), and Bobby (Shawn Ashmore, “X-Men”) are center stage, along with the ever-amusing love triangle between Jean Grey (Famke Janssen, “Rounders”), Logan (Hugh Jackman, “Kate and Leopold”), and Cyclops (James Marsden, “Zoolander”).
The movie’s message is powerful and deep on many levels.
Issues such as discrimination, sacrifice and good versus evil are prevalent through the entire movie, making it interesting and thoughtful.
“X2” improves upon the last movie because of its depth.
The last movie’s success depended mostly on the fact that the movie was based off a very popular comic.
This movie will do well because it’s more exciting, more thoughtful and has more shirtless Jackman.
Everything is better in the sequel.
The directing is great, not Oscar-worthy, but excellent for an action flick.
The script is great, with witty dialogue that’s sadly too rare in action movies.
The acting is also great, even though the talented Berry is pushed to the side in order for others to be placed in front.
Sir Ian McKellen has another great role as Magneto, but sadly his accomplice Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos) has very little to say, despite her prevalence on screen.
The end of the movie leaves you guessing as to what will happen next.
And it’s my guess that it won’t be too long before we see an “X3” headed our way.
Something is wrong with the mutants’ jet, the Blackbird. Can mutant matriarchs Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Storm (Halle Barry) solve the problem? (20th Century Fox)
