X-Men: The Last Stand

****1/2

Reviewed by: Chris Brooks

X-Men: The Last Stand
"By far the best in the X-Men trilogy." | Photo: Twentieth Century Fox. All Rights Reserved

So the climax of the X-Men trilogy is upon us. I have to admit, unlike others, I wasn't overly impressed by the previous two, but when I went to see The Last Stand my faith in the franchise was restored.

Basically, the story is that a cure to the mutant gene has been developed. For the first time, mutants have the choice to either retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers to fit into the human world. In addition, anyone who has read the comics will be pleased to see that another thread in the film brings out the Phoenix. I'll say no more; it might ruin it for you.

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As can only to be expected, the opposing viewpoints of the mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test, triggering a war that threatens to end either humanity, or mutancy.

X-Men: The Last Stand reunites the star-studded cast: Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Halle Berry as Storm, Ian McKellen as Magneto and Patrick Stewart as Xavier. In addition, Kelsey Grammer joins the team, as one of the X-Men's most beloved characters, Dr. Henry McCoy, also known as Beast. All come together to give believable and effective performances that combine to make this a memorable experience.

Directed by Brett Ratner, the film utilises all the special effects and choreography seen in Rush Hour. You may think that a Jackie Chan action/comedy and a super-heroic X-Men fantasy don't have much in common, which may well be true. However, Ratner steps up to the big stage brilliantly and presents a believable and inspiring film.

Overall, The Last Stand is by far the best in the X-Men trilogy. Mixing an exciting, fast moving storyline, excellent FX/CGI and a great cast makes this a truly great film that will leave you breathless as you leave the cinema,

Reviewed on: 23 May 2006
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X-Men: The Last Stand packshot
The mutants battle over a manmade 'cure' for their condition.
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Read more X-Men: The Last Stand reviews:

John Gallagher ****1/2
Chris ****1/2
Leanne McGrath ***1/2
Jennie Kermode ***
Iain Macleod ***

Director: Brett Ratner

Writer: Simon Kinberg, Zak Penn

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford, Vinnie Jones

Year: 2006

Runtime: 103 minutes

BBFC: 12A - Adult Supervision

Country: US

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X-Men
X-Men 2
X-Men Origins: Wolverine