 The film opens on Thursday in the UK |
Futuristic fantasy film X-Men 2 is the first summer blockbuster to be released this year.
The sequel to X-Men sees the return of Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart as the leaders of rival mutant gangs who have taken over earth.
"This sequel is not just bigger, brighter and brasher - it's also better than the original," wrote BBC News Online's Darren Waters.
But what do you think?
Will it be a box office hit? Is there still mileage for a third outing?
This debate is now closed but you can read your comments below.
This second movie is excellent all round, the audio voiceover is particularly excellent and the opening effects before the titles are cool. Then the first scene with Nightcrawler is one of the best scenes in cinematic history. There have been complaints that the movie was too long at 130 minutes but I was left asking for more. The fast pace of the movie was good as you were able to keep up, the unexpected ending was excellent and so I look forward to X3.
The cast are excellent (I'm just sorry I can't remember all their names). It's gonna be a hit. There is mileage for at least three more outings but beyond that it'll just be too long I think and the actors will not flock to number six because of them just being labelled with their character name. Jackman is an excellent actor and should be really good in next year's Van Helsing.
Martin, UK
I saw X2 opening day, the earliest possible screening, and it was worth every penny. The first 10 minutes are NOT to be missed, my heart was pounding so hard I though it would leap out of my chest! Alan Cumming was amazing as Nightcrawler, even if the writers tried to make him annoying with the repeated "circus" explaination. He is sweet, dedicated, and rather sexy with that thick accent.
As the leader of the X-Men, Cyclops should have been given more time. Did the writers really need to lock him in a magical closet somewhere for the majority of the movie?
I enjoyed seeing some lesser-known characters, including Beast, Siryn, Jubilee, and Colossus; I can't wait until they have bigger roles in X3 along with Gambit. I also can't wait to see what the writers do with Jean's clone becoming the Dark Phoenix, and if they'll bring in the Shi'ar at all, and/or the Hellfire Club. I'd be quite interested to see what the makeup/special effects department would do to make realistic feather-hair.
Meghan, USA
Brilliant! Far better than the original which merely set out the characters. The Wolverine/Deathstike fight was excellent. With the X-Mens' cast of thousands there will always be new characters to be introduced. But I can see where the next film is going (hinted at in the closing scene). What was that under the lake. Hmmm, had the vague shape of a bird... perhaps a Phoenix? I can't wait! I hope Psylocke makes an appearance (our very own British superheroine) - after all she was a very popular character.
Martin Edwards, UK
 I'm not a big fan of movies like this (fell asleep during the first one) but I thought that this one was GREAT!  |
Splendid. It's gratifying to see the fictional worlds I grew up with being treated respectfully and artistically by contemporary filmmakers.
Robert del Valle, USA
I think that X-Men 2 totally surpasses the first movie. I just saw it last night and I never was a true diehard X-Men fan until I saw the movies, but the second movie made me really get into X-men. The characters in the second movie are more developed and indepth and for anyone who loves X-men or has never seen it they have to go see X2: X-men United!!!
Marcus H>, USA
I just got home from watching X2. I haven't seen a movie like that in quite a long time. Many people were right; it's much better than the first. I just might see it again.
Mark Rajan, USA
I saw it last night (02/05) And I was stunned by how good it was! About 10 times better than the first one. You really get the feel of how the students of the school are like family, and all help each other out. Each actor is fantastic and it really sets you up for an X-Men three. When I came out the cinema my first two comments were "I can't wait until the next one" and "I have to see that again".
Bekah Atkins, 12, UK
It was terrible. I fell asleep half way through.
Alan Perry, England
Saw X2 last night. I'm not a big fan of movies like this (fell asleep during the first one) but I thought that this one was GREAT! The effects were great and the storyline was clear to follow even to someone as uneducated in the world of X as me. I'm really looking forward to seeing 3. As for Hulk, I saw the trailer for that one last night - I was totally disappointed to find out that Hulk is not a person, but a computer generated image, I doubt I will see that movie.
Caz, America
Nightcrawler should have his own sequel with Mystique in it.
Mark Jones, England
Superb - Singer said this was his Empire Strikes Back and it's not a wrong comparision. Deep characters, great feel and a good night out.
Adam Court, UK
A wonderful movie supported by an excellent group of casts and crews. It deserves its name, believing that it meant twice the X-treme, X-citement and X-tion. The ending wasn't quite brilliant, but I guess it left its audience an impression of Jean coming back as someone else in the next sequel (a must see!) with more power and X-factor. From my point of view, the X-Men movie will never have an end, each sequel better than the other. But hopefully in X3, there would be more overseas actors. After all, human evolution is taking place everywhere...
Linus, Singapore
Nightcrawler was fantastic! Sort of a let down though is that Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men, was relegated to an extra in this movie |
Overall a good take. Yes we know what X3 will be about (about time too) but how far will they go and how much changing the orginal? Let's hope we can get the Hellfire Club in, thing is can Jeanie be killed twice in two films? The ending of X2 was a little boring so I think storm needs a major mutant kicking to make up for doing her Mr Drake impression. Again Sir Ian stole the show with his acting balanced by Madsen's terrible "boo hoo" . With so many mutants perhaps we can lose a few next time - sad but perhaps real.
Rob, UK
A marked improvement from the first part, and the bigger budget shows. Fast moving and everyone plays their part. Wolverine showed his metal.... Let's see what they will come up with in X3.
Steve, UK
Nightcrawler was fantastic! Sort of a let down though is that Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men, was relegated to an extra in this movie. I hope to see more of his character in X3. Although the ending was different from the book, I can now see that it was a set up for the next movie. Good job Bryan Singer! When do we see X3?
Jolette, Philippines
Brilliant film. Nightcrawler was tremendous, just loved the sound when he teleported! The special effects were good, the plot was ok, but a few differences from the comic. Can't wait for number three, I just hope that everyone (including Jean Grey as Dark Pheonix) is back!
Adam Skelton, England
A very good film, a lot better than Spider-Man. The extra cash has done wonders and I look forward to where they take the characters in the third part (fingers crossed). Good story, good acting, this is what the evolution of Superhero films is all about.
Christopher Wright, Wales UK
Great movie, a lot better than the first. But my question is, where is Gambit?
Chib, London UK
Wow! The opening scene had me on the edge of my seat. Just a pity the rest of the fight scenes didn't live up to it. Still they did a damn good job just the same! The actors fleshed out the X-Men very well. Enjoyed seeing nightcrawler and the "blink and you miss on the TV" Best! Roll on X-men Three. Just wonder how they are going to do the Phoenix saga?
Emma, UK
Very good. Also, the X-Men films don't shove their underlying themes and philosophy down your throat like Matrix (and presumably the forthcoming sequels) tries to.
Al, UK
To say that this film is better than the original just doesn't do it justice |
Excellent, really took the promise the first one didn't deliver and delivered. Plot, action and SFX were all a different league. It also has to be said that there will no doubt be a 3rd and 4th movie after this. Well worth going to see.
Mark, Scotland
The movement under the lake was the phoenix, which is what the entire next film will be about. In the comic book Dr Grey is infused with the power of phoenix (hence various flaming stuff going on around her and the increasing powers). I thought this was done especially well, as for fans of the comic series there was the excitement generated by this and various others nods, Hank McCoy on the TV in the bar for one. Can't wait to see who they add to the cast for the final film, a real blinding series along with the Matrix and LOTR, we truly are blessed!
John, Nottingham, UK
Saw X-Men last night with my 6-year-old son, he never moved for the entire film, but then again nor did I. I thought everyone was fantastic, one thing though, couldn't Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler) have transported himself from the the Plane towards the end of the film and saved Jean Grey from the erupting dam, shame as the storyline could have run on longer with the Wolverine and Cylops' love for Jean.
Can't fault the film, especially Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan, very strong actors who are capable of so much more, but are fantastic in every role.
Get filming on the third one PLEASE!!!!!
PS Thanks for the brilliant Matrix reloaded trailer, can't wait for that either!!!
Nichola Tuohy, UK
The sequel is bigger and better than the first one. The story could be a bit complex for some with all the sub plots, but it is slowly becoming the X-Men fans remember.
The story and character introduction doesn't quite follow the comic and animated series, but for those who aren't bothered about that it's still enjoyable.
One of the few flaws is the editing and some shots. There was some sharp editing that wasn't necessary because you couldn't see what was going on. Some of the shots were too close-up on the actors especially during the action scenes - everything seemed blurry.
But after saying that I think X-men 3, 4, 5 are inevitable as long as Hugh Jackman doesn't age in a hurry.
Definitely a box office success (my approximation - �400,000,000).
Ryan Quadri, UK
The first X-Men film was possibly the worst film I have ever seen so how anyone could consider coughing up for a second dosage is beyond me.
Dick, London, UK
X-Men 2 really let's the characters rip with their respective powers. Wolverine really kicks butt, you get to see just how powerful Magneto and many of the others are. Certain to be one of this year's best films.
Michael Brennen, Scotland
To say that this film is better than the original just doesn't do it justice. It doesn't face any of the problems that the original had to deal with such as getting bogged down in introducing all the characters and explaining the concept of mutancy.
The opening sequence is certainly a must-see. It was so good it left me wondering if the Matrix sequels would be the best cinema releases this year after all.
Joby, UK
Excellent film, picks up well from the original and answers a lot of the questions asked in the first about Wolverine but also paves the way for a third episode! Top quality flick for geeks and norms alike!
Alastair Hardwick, UK
The film starts well, with a strong opening sequence, but after that it goes nowhere really. There are too many characters, so none of them to have enough screen time to leave a lasting impression. Much like the Harry Potter films, it felt like a series of opportunities for the director to go "look what I've managed to fit in".
Ultimately the best part of the cinematic experience was the trailer for the Matrix reloaded before the main event. If x-Men 2 had come out a month later, after the Matrix, then it would probably slip past unnoticed, but as it is, it's a good enough way to pass the time until this year's real sequel appears.
Jerry, UK
Wow! This movie truly made its predecessor look like an "introduction" of the characters. Fully developed plot, plus they added in enough character context to really give a "feel" for mutant/human relations. Ian McKellen is absolutely superb. Nightcrawler looked and sounded exactly as I had always pictured him. Kudos for a brilliant, movie-wide setup for X3...which I am now on the edge of my seat for.
Patricia, USA
Nay bad like! The film will spawn a whole load of sequels as there is 40 years worth of history to entertain viewers with.
Jimbo, UK
It's bigger and brasher, but still has plenty of intelligence to spare. The extra cash pumped into the film clearly shows, and it's probably going to be one of the best big films of the year, if not the best - the Matrix sequels notwithstanding...
James Vaughan, UK
Minor quibbles - a tad too drawn out and a couple of sub plots too many (same as the Claremont stories). Otherwise comfortably the best of all superhero movies, made by a very talented director with a genuine feel for his subject. Script, acting, effects all first division. A fine achievement.
Liam, UK
I saw a preview last weekend and it was amazing! Much better than the first one (unusual for sequels). Fast-moving, witty and lots of gorgeous actors/actresses for both men and women! Definite mileage for a third - the ending leaves you wanting more...A success all round I would say.
V Lee, UK
Saw it last night - the first five minutes are breathtaking. The whole film was better than the original on so many levels - end was extremely moving but other X-geeks like me will have seen it coming! Only quibble - poor old Cyclops! Yet again, leader of the team left with almost zero to do for most of the film. Bless!
Ewan, Scotland
Loads better than the first one, with a much better story line, cool effects and fantastic acting |
Brill! It's not often a sequel surpasses the original but X-2 definitely does. Nightcrawler was great!
Sarah, Wales
Great film, perhaps a little drawn out making the action scenes seem a little far apart. But X-men fans will love it. The first film was a nice introduction, the second a brilliant second of three. I think a third film will be where the real action lies.
Andrew Duffin, uk
Great - sure to be a big hit. Can't wait for number 3.
Imogen, UK
I was so excited to get in there early but felt quite sad by the end. There are a few very good bits, but much has been lost in the mix. A weak ending, sympathy levels are low, and the efforts appear wasted. The end fight with Wolverine is not very good actually.
Jason Ramasami, UK
Bryan Singer has delivered again with a sequel to match, if not surpass the original. What makes the films so good is that the director has transferred the message of racism and discrimination that is fundamental to the story of the X-Men to the big screen intact. Die hard X-Men fans will not be disappointed. Bring On X-Men 3.
CF Tang, UK
A damn good film. Loads better than the first one, with a much better story line, cool effects and fantastic acting. Well done to the cast and crew and I hope they get a chance to make a third one.
Scotty, UK
Just watched the film, quite outstanding, Thought it was better than the first. Could have had more plot on the Wolverine/Stryker storyline. Plenty of room for the third though.
Jason, UK
Fantastic! Great storyline which seemed to have everything: action, love, romance, betrayal. The sub-plots have set it up nicely for a third instalment. Only complaint would be not enough Rouge!!
Dan, England
I really liked it. Thumbs up!
Omar G, UK
Funny, fast-paced and intelligently made, this film ups the ante for future superhero films |
Head and shoulders above any comic adaptation since Superman due in no small part to the magnificent cast and special effects, but mainly Bryan Singer's respect for the source material. No overblown garish Batman & Robin pantomime here, it's all believable with a serious edge not usually afforded to such films and is so much the better for it. Any film that holds the attention enough not to hear a fire alarm, as happened during my screening, must be good. All I can say is X-3 can't come soon enough!!
Mark Rees, UK
Surprisingly weak ending spoiled this fairly low-key outing. Thinking back on it, not a lot actually happened (he goes there, he comes back, he goes there again!)
JD, UK
Entertaining and well-made with the standard humorous crowd-pleasing moments. Better than the original but lacking character interaction which was the main draw of Spider-Man. As pure escapism, though, even with pretensions to be intelligent, it's hard to beat. The well-executed, visceral opening sequence itself is worth the price of the ticket.
Sam Ogon, UK
Just one word - wow!!
Vanesha, England
Absolutely stunning. I didn't even like the first one that much, so I was not looking forward to this massively, but I was blown away. Beautiful effects, an incredible opening sequence with Nightcrawler and a well on-form Alan Cumming. Genius.
Kevin Jepson, Germany
I absolutely loved the first movie and ever since I heard about a sequel I've been on the edge my seat. I saw the movie last night (Thursday) and it is fantastic, a great successor to the original. For me though the film's highlight is the performance from Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto. This movie has set a high standard for all the coming summer blockbusters to follow.
Ian Tyreman, England
Just read the review here on the BBC news. The Shock death at the end does not feel contrived to anyone who knows the comics. Pop out and buy yourself the Dark Phoenix Saga Trade paperback from any good bookstore and you'll see what the filmmakers have in store.
What was that moving under the lake in the final shot....
Craig, UK
The Matrix promotion before the main feature actually captured my attention a lot more |
Excellent - saw it last night and I'm still excited. Very subtle character moments in amongst the action, and even with violence nothing at all felt gratuitous. All the new characters were introduced to service the plot, and my fears that the Magneto we were seeing in this film, going good, were allayed shortly after his reappearance and his actions later in the film confirm his true nature.
Interesting in the current political climate to see a US president authorise a military mission against a school of outsiders....
Craig, UK
This film is better than the first- and that was excellent! Funny, fast-paced and intelligently made, this film ups the ante for future superhero films - X2 will be a tough act to follow for the Hulk!
David, UK
Bit long and lacking in action for an action flick. Where the hell was Cyclops for 90% of the film? And the old "I didn't want to but I couldn't stop myself" reappearance? Less focusing on the X-Boys and Girls please! And how pointless was Lady Deathstrike? X-Men 2 was good. But it could have been great. Bring on Reloaded and Revolutions!
Caroline, Ireland
Beyond its awesome special effects, this film clearly shows the mark of a director who knows his subect. This film, like its predesesor has brought comic book heros to life in every sence: ridiculous plots, cheesy scripts and all. While the blatantly sequel-esque ending seems a touch contrived, it does not stop this film being one of the most entertaining spectacles we'll see this year.
Dave, Scotland
The opening ten minutes grab you by the throat and the rest of the film doesn't let up! The first film was good but this one is fantastic |
I saw X2 last night - very good indeed. Great opening sequence, and the special effects in general seem better than the first film. Quite a few nods and winks to hardcore fans, and a few brief introductions to a sequel's possible cast (as there was in the first). I felt a few of the newer characters remained underdeveloped, but I'm sure the Iceman/Pyro face off will be saved for X-3. I also liked the slightly more subtle humour - especially the scene where Iceman Bobby "comes out" to his Mum and Dad... If you've been there, it's spot on! Lots of questions to be answered and a trilogy just waiting to happen (so long as Bryan Singer is at the helm again). Evolve and enjoy.
Mike, UK
Superlative acting for this genre with great pathos. Too violent for a 12A certificate though.
Tony Lee, UK
It looks good but I expected a little more action and more of the powers of the three central student characters. Mystique is breathtaking to look at in her natural blue form. I preferred last year's Spider-Man. The Matrix promotion before the main feature actually captured my attention a lot more.
Martin, UK
A well thought out script with some creative writing make the film enjoyable purely for the imagination used in scripting the scenes. Not to mention the acting which was quite excellent. The film exceeds your expectations from the word go!
And unlike the first film it won't leave you feeling like there should be a extra 10 or 20 minutes to really complete the film. Which leads us to the conclusion to the end of the film that will leave fans of the X-men series drooling over what is now coming in the third film and new fans to the genre with the question on their lips: "What was that? And what will happen next?" A truly excellent film that will keep everyone coming back for the next film.
Ian Coulby, UK
A wonderful sequel, beautifully crafted and filmed, the story was solid, and the sub plots filled out the characters. A truely superb film.
Andy Jackson, UK
Execellent! The film really does the comic justice (again).
Anon, UK
Saw it last night and it was impressive. Gandalf especially makes a good mad man. Getting as dark as some of the better comics.
Kevin Maule, Belgium
Mystique is the Don. I thought it was going to be a Wolverine movie again, and although quite a chunk is spent on him (and he actually uses those claws this time) there is a really strong feeling of the movie again establishing itself. Two things stuck in my mind after leaving the cinema. Mystique, and how cool she is (I mean, I can't even start to describe how good at being bad she is), and the lack of representation of other ethnic groups. Almost all of the X-men are white, bar Storm, which is a little unnerving. Other than that, I love it !
Ben, UK
Fight scenes look as good as the Matrix trailer running before the film, can't wait to see the box office battle between both over the next month or so Stephen O'Connor, Scotland |
Crammed with too many characters, with Cyclops in particular sidelined. I can't see Halle Berry wanting to continue as Storm is she is to play so small a part. Alan Cummings is inspired casting as Nightcrawler and the Phoenix saga is nicely set up for X-3.
Chris Marton, England
Awesome! A great sequel (better than X1), continues the character development and adds more to their background stories. We get the chance to see what some of them can really do. This is the start of a great summer of popcorn movies...roll on Matrix 2 & 3, Hulk...
Big Dave, UK
Nice to see the nods to the geeks out there. Plenty of action, singer has done a much better job of this one then the last. Acting all first rate too, and plenty of scope for growth.
Amran, UK
Well worth seeing on the big screen. Good story, a lot better than the first!
Chris Warwick, UK
I totally loved it! It's just as sexy as the first one, if not more so! And I hope they do make more sequels if they're all going to be like this! Be prepared for a total shock!
Babs, Scotland
It was an OK film but was really geared towards sci-fi fans. Not my sort of film!!
Emma Stevens, Northern Ireland
Saw it last night, loved it, very true to the comic in every way. Intelligent, action-packed and great fun. The opening with Nightcrawler is superb. The intelligent use of the characters powers was spot on, especially Magneto!
John, England
Wow ...what a rollercoaster of a film. The opening ten minutes grab you by the throat and the rest of the film doesn't let up! The first film was good but this one is fantastic. No doubt that further sequels will follow, if only to answer the cliffhanger at the end of X-Men 2.
Sarah, UK
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! X-2 restores my faith in sequels...it's so good it puts the first one to shame!!! Brilliant!!! It's a shame non-X geeks won't be able to figure out what's gonna happen next...all I can say is X-3 is going to be a "scorcher".
And pray why is James Marsden's Cyclops reduced to a glorified extra...heck even Iceman's parents had more footage then he did! All in all great fun, brill performances and praying that X3 is released by next year with no changes in the cast. Great stuff. Go watch it today. And it's going to break records if the rush at the cinema was anything to go by...
Jay, UK
The best movie I have ever seen! |
Saw this last night, wow...some nice new characters and interesting development of the exsisting characters. The ending might leave non-comic readers a little bemused, but a definite must-see. I want a pair of claws like Wolverine !!
C, Scotland
By far better than the first movie. Roll on X-3.
Alan Hoose, UK
Much, much better than the first. Stunning opening sequence, deeper plot. And three British classically trained actors heading a Hollywood film!
Steven, France
Fantastic!! The film is darker than the first, and the women look hotter (which is a bonus), fight scenes look as good as the Matrix trailer running before the film, can't wait to see the box office battle between both over the next month or so.
Stephen O'Connor, Scotland
Louder, brasher, more complex, funnier and even more action. What more could you want? X3! The ending left open the third instalment, no doubt based around the Pheonix. Only the Matrix can beat this film for the summer blockbuster for 2003.
Carl Muller, UK
Excellent movie. Clever, funny, emotional. Easily the best of the superhero movies so far. The only downside is that there is a huge plot gap at the end which is a little clumsy, but that aside, a fantastic film. Roll on X3.
Marc Edwards, Switzerland
I saw a sneak peek 2 weeks ago and I think the Matrix Reloaded has some strong competition. The effects are better and the plot dives deeper into the X-Men world. With all the history and stories behind this universe, there is definitely room for another movie.
Krystina, USA
Best superhero movie of all time? Without a doubt. Best geek movie ever? Time will tell but it's the best looking contender I've seen in 25 years.
Neil Perryman, UK
It was absolutely amazing, much better then the first one (which is rare with sequels). The film was definitely worth the watch.The characters are well developed, the storylines are very clever and as for Hugh Jackman...
Nisha, Whitton
Absolutely stunning. The best movie I have ever seen! Period! From beginning to end, my jaw was on the ground; the characterisation is brilliant; the script is extremely well thought-out; the acting is top-notch; the special effects are superlative! It is superb!
Brian, Ireland
This film is very dark and violent, with lots of people getting killed, and I didn't think it was suitable for young children. Should have been a 15 rating |
As someone that does not got too often to the movies I must say that I was very impressed with the whole of the movie being that the characters were allowed to evolve this time. I would recommend this movie anytime, very entertaining from the very start.
Alexander, Germany
The film delivers, it is a lot darker than the first. The special effects with Nightcrawlers teleporting are very sweet!
Daniel Collier, UK
Just saw the movie at one'o'clock today, it's amazing, it's definitely better than the first and has plenty of twists and turns. An extra scene with Cyclops would've been nice. The time frame is only two days so it's good, two hours and 10 minutes isn't that long, it's just about right. As for the competition with Matrix Reloaded I think that cost at least $50 million more so its effects are probably better, it's ironic - I saw the trailer from it just before X-Men and my mate thinks it's gonna be fantastic, he also liked X2.
Martin, UK
This sequel is a huge improvement on the first film with a better story and even more characters from the comic making it in. As Jimbo has pointed out, it's laid the foundations for next half a dozen films.
William, UK
Just got back from seeing it, and I wasn't disappointed! Some recent mega-budget comic book movies haven't been that great, but this one really delivers - great plot, cast and characters, relevant moral subtext, and excellent effects and actions scenes.
As a side note, I was surprised by the number of young children in the audience when I saw it. OK, they were accompanied by adults, but this film is very dark and violent, with lots of people getting killed, and I didn't think it was suitable for young children. Should have been a 15 rating like the first film.
Andy, Scotland
Just saw it & was great! Loads more action, loads more story and loads of nods to the comic readers without detracting from the film.
Gareth, Wales
An excellent film all round, except for the end that lets the film down, which seemed like an anti-climax. However, the film does not build on character development, allowing for too many sub plots and loose ends. If you're a a big fan of the X-Men comics, like myself, you will be let down by this film.
Nathan, UK
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