The two notable things about this summer, at least tome, was the definate lack of original thought. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the mindlessness of summer blockbuster season as much as anyone, maybe even more, but two themes seemed to jump out at me. Of most movies, it seemed if it wasn't a sequel, it was a comic book movie. Of all the things I could do with my time, comic books seemed to be the thing I spent the least amount of time at. Nevertheless, I am a slave to popular culture, and at one point in time have encountered some of the characters this summer's comic book movies had to offer.
The first one released (and best, by the way) was May's X2: X-Men United. Despite the lame title, it was the movie I was most looking forward to seeing this summer. I thouroughly enjoyed the original, so much in fact that I saw it twice in theatre in 2000. It basically picked up where the original left off, Logan was in Canada, Rogue was hooking up with Bobby (Iceman), and Magneto is imprisoned in a plastic room.
The plot goes on to show a military man named Stryker who seems to have 'created' Wolverine. He kidnaps Xavier, after an exhilerating raid on the mansion, in an attempt to kill all mutants. Soon, Magneto is set free, and helps our heros stop Stryker. In the end Jean dies, or does she, and the world is safe for mutants once again.
All I have to say is wow. I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. The plot is bulletproof. The effects are spotless. And the action is top-notch. Of the movies I've seen this summer, this one rates number one. And I can't wait for the third. I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
The second (and, well, second best), was the Hulk. Now, this was not the standard action/comic book movie that fans of X-Men, Blade and Spider-Man were expecting. Yes, there was action, and a decidedly real-looking (in my opinion) Hulk running around, smashing. However, there was a lot of psycho-babble and character development. That is what slightly detracts from the movie. Eric Bana, who plays Bruce Banner, was excellent. Jennifer Connelly was the bomb. She is one of my favorite actresses of all time. And Nick Nolte sent shivers up and down my spine.
I enjoyed this movie, but only as a spectator. The babble was a little too much for me, and I never really was a Hulk fan. I'd recommend it, but only if you don't mind a very verbose action movie. It gets a decent 7 out of 10.
Sean Connery as Allain Quartermain
Now the most recent and weakest entry of the bunch. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or, for some reason, LXG. The characters are from a graphic novel of the same name, and are taken from various literary works which I only have a vague knowledge of. Second to comic books in media ignored is classic literature. I like my Stephen King, not Mark Twain.
The action in this movie is well done, but the characters just aren't interesting. The CG was excellent, but it didn't make up for the lack of plot and poor acting. Sorry LXG, but you get a 4 out of 10.
Next time, pirate adventure!