Posted by mrsjiggy at user-33qtnlr.dialup.mindspring.com on July 17, 2000 at 01:06:10:
In Reply to: X-men----John Singleton coud have done it better posted by Bigbrojav on July 16, 2000 at 22:59:36:
Where to start...hmmm....well, how about with Jubilee. First of all, it is really just a supposition that that young lady was supposed to be Jubilee. Second of all, the actress portraying who we are lead to believe is Jubilee did, in fact, look Filapino, not "white."
Now let me say this. My husband and I just returned home from seeing X-Men. This is the first time we have gone to see a movie in the theater in about a year or so. This is the first time since "Episode I" that we saw a movie on opening weekend. So, it is safe to say that in our home this was a highly anticipated movie. And, it certainly fulfilled our expectations, to say the least.
I think it easily tops "Superman" when looking at how the movie maintained the comic book feel. I also enjoyed it more than I think I did "Batman." We have yet to see "Blade," but it is on our "to see" list. More than once during the movie, I leaned over to my husband and said, "it feels like I'm actually watching a comic book." This movie was indeed excellent in my opinion and I am interested in seeing it again, but probably not until it is out on video, so I guess we have to wait awhile.
I don't know whether or not Singleton could have done it better. I really don't see how anyone could pass that judgment, but that is simply my opinion. It's unfortunate that you had so many problems with this movie because I think it was truly enjoyable and I'm glad we spent our $7 per person on it. As much as I gripe about how much it costs to go see a movie in the theater these days, I do not feel we wasted our money by any stretch of the imagination.
I thought the fight scenes were great. I especially liked the scene when Storm was raging against Toad. That was one of the greatest scenes, in my opinion and that was one where I leaned over an commented as such to my husband. I am far from a Halle Berry fan (in fact, I hesitated to see "X-Men" simply because of my disliking of her as an actress), but that scene in particular struck me. I thought that was one of the greatest comic book turned movie scenes ever. It had a true comic book feel to it and I enjoyed every moment. I also disagree with you because I was glad Storm's role was the size it was. I do believe it was appropriate, especially because the entire movie is basically set up and introduction of characters. The fact that we don't even really "meet" Jubilee is a good example of this fact.
At the end, I was so absorbed by the movie that I worried about Wolverine and Rogue even though I knew there was more to come (in all the comic books).
I thought the mutant hysteria was right on. In fact, it almost exactly parallels the on-going hysteria we are beginning to encounter more and more regarding the gun issue. I think it was a great parallel and I thought that from the very beginning of the movie. It was great!
While I'm at it, I have to say that I thought Patrick Stewart was absolutely outstanding! (as always) He is kind of why I put my negative feelings towards Halle Berry aside and went with my husband to see the movie. It's good to see him in something again! The man ranks high on my list of favorite actors!
So, to make a short story long...I disagree with your analysis of the film and I have to say that it was quite enjoyable! I'm glad we saved up the money to go see it in the theater. It was worth the wait and it was certainly a nice date with my husband!
Well, I guess I should go check on my X-Men "stock" on HSX. =)
-mrsjiggy
: Just curious as to weather Mr. Smith liked the X-men flick and weather he agrees with some of the complaints I had.
: The X-men have arrived and we are left standing in its wake. Some of us are in awe and some of us are in mid yawn.
: Was this the best comic book movie adaptation as has been purported by some? Not hardly. When compared to the big three, Blade, Superman, and Batman the X-men film just doesn't quite register. While action is a plenty in Blade with its stylish imagery, and a well crafted story was in place in Superman, and with the ripe blend of action and style mixed with the first Batman, X-men comes up missing the mark so to speak.
: With X-men the story was hooky at moments and the action was anything but. This movie's plot borders on the silly and the action damn near put me to sleep. In all fairness I did enjoy this movie and my complaints, with exception of the fight scenes, are nit picking.
: So what went wrong? The fights were boring, unimagined and nothing new. People want to see the fights, they want to see the good guys open that can of whoop ass and they really didn't. The plot-the mutant machine idea was silly, there was no real sense of urgency. The acting? almost everyone did a hell of a job. I have no earthly idea why people complained about Halle Berry's performance her character was one of the brighter spots of the movie. If anything her role should have been expanded. the acting I did have a problem with is the senator. I had a hard time believing that there was some type of mutant hysteria. I had a problem with a white jubilee....imagine how you out there would feel if there was a black Harvey Dent (as in the first Batman). of course since the only color that matters in Hollywood is green I can't wait until Will Smith gets the nod for Batman and all you white cats out there who say it doesn't matter what race Jubilee is will eat your words. Should singer be back? Not so sure. I think the matrix brothers could have made it hotter and I think Singleton would have made it even more entertaining. Singleton has worked with the multi-character stories many times before, he's done the us against them story, he was up for an Oscar, his action scenes in Shaft were much more engaging than those in X-men. he's a huge comic book fan and his movie Higher Learning, could have been the plot of X-men had the characters had super powers. For the inevitable sequel Singleton should get the nod.
: Javier Benton
: illtop staffwriter