X2 (2003) (AKA X-Men 2, X-2)
"Have you
tried not being a mutant?" - Bobby Drake's mother
in "X2"
I didn't see the first "X-Men" film
until about 4 or 5 days before I saw this sequel.
The comic book genre isn't really my bag. I bought
a lot of "Archie" comics and stuff like that as a
child but not really too many super hero types. The
first film had a lot of talent I liked, including
director Bryan Singer and openly gay actor Sir Ian
McKellan, but I still didn't bite. I didn't really
even understand who the X- men were or what they were
about.
All of this was brushed aside by
the trailer for the second film which made it clear
what the true genre of the film was. "X-Men" is a
gay film. Anyone who thinks it's about anything else
is fooling themselves. Just look at the talent involved
in this sequel, at least two actors are openly gay:
McKellan and Alan Cumming. If Singer is "openly" gay,
I haven't heard about it, but all the brouhaha over
the sexual harassment of teenage boys during the filming
of "Apt Pupil" certainly opened the door for speculation.
And don't get me started on Patrick Stewart. Regardless
of who is in reality, and who isn't, and who is open
about it and who isn't, the perception is there that
the talent involved here is, if not gay, at least
gay friendly.
The trailer for the film highlighted
the theme that the "mutants" are perceived as outsiders,
problems and unwanted. There is talk of "registering"
them and quarantining them. All of this sounds very
familiar to any gay person who lived in the 80's during
the beginning of the AIDS crisis. This trailer made
me want to see this sequel but felt it might be necessary
to see the original film first. I headed to my trusty
DVD store and picked up the most current release of
the first "X-Men" film on DVD (dubbed "X-Men 1.5"
to prepare us for sequels and to accent the special
added material). I watched the film and was amazed
at the storytelling, the characters, the characterizations,
and the amazing special effects. The first story hooked
me.
The second film made me a true fan.
Exploring several characters and storylines introduced
in the first film and adding many new and diverse
characters, the second film truly creates a futuristic
world where evolution has begun in a new direction,
where life on planet Earth is changing rapidly and
in many frightening ways. There is much story to keep
up with and many new developments to process. Chief
among these is the closure of the story regarding
Wolverine's past as well as the evolution of the Wolverine/Jean
Gray/Cyclops love triangle. The Wolverine/Rogue/Bobby
triangle is also played up a bit with Bobby definitely
becoming much more important to the story here. Storm,
likewise has more to do as does Magneto. The latter's
character arc is quite nice here.
The acting is, of course, top notch.
McKellan is given a meaty storyline this time and
provides a sympathetic villain that truly makes us
question the role of right and wrong in ethical situations
where war and dissent are at play. McKellan also gets
to quip one of the most important lines a gay man
has ever uttered in a traditional mainstream movie
role. To young Pyro, played by the hunky Aaron Stanford
("Tadpole"), Magneto offers this most wonderful wisdom,
"You're a god among insects, don't let anyone tell
you otherwise." From masculine and forceful Magneto
to youthful and questioning neophyte, the advice takes
on a fatherly air, but the real life sexuality of
McKellan and the theme of the film provides enough
smoldering subtext to further the plots of 100 sequels.
Standford may play up the angst of his character to
pyrotechnical levels, but that doesn't hinder his
performance from being one of the truly most interesting
characters to emerge in this sequel. He is definitely
an actor and a character to look out for. And his
chemistry with McKellan pulsates.
Stewart, like McKellan, is even
more well used here as his Charles Xavier character
has much to do with evil-doer Bryan Cox's dastardly
plans. Halle Berry provides much support as Storm
using her super powers much more frequently. Berry,
likewise, as an African-American women, is also allowed
a bit of the "outsider" subtext here with a chance
to provide a strong character whose race is irrelevant
to her abilities. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos gets in some
good quips while playing into the special effects
her character requires while Famke Janssen's character
of Dr. Jean Grey is utilized superbly in the film's
climactic moments.
Not so perfect here but certainly
admirable are James Marsden (as Cyclops), Alan Cumming
(as Nightcrawler), Anna Pacquin (as Rogue) and Kelly
Hu. Of these, Cumming certainly has the most difficult
time of it (there's a joke in there somewhere) as
a Bible spouting German oddity who also begins to
fall for Storm. There are some hokey moments, but
Cumming does the best he can with what he is given.
It's much help that he has an excellent cast, a talented
director and a hard-working crew behind him to help
carry the film along.
But the biggest problem here is
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. I'm sure he does an adequate,
if not consummate job of bringing the comic book character
to life. But that cigar chomping demeanor, that silly
haircut and those ridiculous mutton chop sideburns
have got to go. They make Jackman look like a jackass
and do not allow his character to ever be taken seriously.
Wolverine's confrontation with his amnesia over his
past is resolved here. To bad his look is not.
Bryan Singer should be knighted
for his work in this film. He not only creates a special
effects laden film that is compelling and visually
stunning but one that has unique and important messages
about tolerance and acceptance. This film has ideal
after ideal jumping from the subtext that every child
in America should be exposed to. And Singer, along
with his awesome cast and amazing scripters, provide
one of the most intense and engrossing films to see
the light of day in the summer blockbuster rush. This
is a film to stand up and cheer for. This is a film
to cherish.
My hopeful anticipation for "X-Men
3" is palpable. I can only hope that the continuing
older man/young charge tension between McKellan and
Stanford creates much excitement. I can only hope
that Wolverine gets a better haircut. (Surely there's
a Edward Scissorhands type mutant out there somewhere
with a penchant for hair design and the flair of a
gay beautician)!
Notes:
Also with Bruce Davidson and Shawn
Ashmore.
Singer is also credited with Story
and Executive Produer.
Score composer John Ottman is also
an editor.
The Pyro (John) role was recast
from the small appearance in the first film.
Janssen and Cumming would spent
4 to 8 hours per day getting into full body make-up.
