X2

The Five Emojis of X2

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😍
Amazing opening sequence, introducing us to one of the more interesting mutants from the comics, Nightcrawler.

With the base set in the previous film, Bryan Singer puts focus on developing characters further and fleshing out the world, while keeping everything interesting by adding new elements, of which the greatest one is the magnificent Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler.

The visuals have been hugely improved from the first film and still look really good.

X2 is a funnier and more exciting film, with higher stakes and a faster tempo.

This film some of the finest scenes in the franchise, such as the opening scene, the assault on Xavier's and the visit to Bobby's parents.

All the regulars are still amazing and we get a lot more beautiful Wolverine action.

Bigger, bolder and more natural action scenes really help make this sequel worth a watch.

Great to see humanity, lead by the tragic Stryker (expertly portrayed by Brian Cox) as the main villain of the film, since that deepens the main theme of the franchise.
The other villains are also more compelling compared to the first one.

Amazing score adds just the right tone to the more intense scenes.

Feels a whole lot more like an X-Men team-up film, with the script allowing the characters to complement each other.

That whole final act by the lake is dragged out but very well-paced, creating one of the stronger finales in the genre.

Incredibly powerful ending.

Hits the right emotional notes by being funny, touching and exciting.
😃
Anna Paquin feels a lot more comfortable and natural as Rogue this time around.

Significantly better paced and divided between the school stuff and the X-Men stuff.

Bobby Drake and Pyro are given bigger roles and complete the cast in smaller roles.

Cool to see the uneasy alliance between Magneto and the X-Men as well as the build-up to the the third film.
😐
The film kind of forgets about Storm, Cyclops and Jean for large parts.

Mystique still isn't particularly interesting.

Nightcrawler is sadly undetutilized.
:frowning2:
:face_vomiting:

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The Final Emoji: 😍

Builds perfectly on everything that the first X-Men film setup, they work so well together, it only serves to remind that much of the disappointment with the next film stems from the goodwill that was built up from them. The filmmakers ensure that none of the relationships are shortchanged and Hugh Jackman continues to show why he is the MVP of this franchise, but the lengthier time also gives each character chance to shine unlike the last one. It is also a much more confident film, with much better action sequences and the themes of prejudice and intolerance are much more explicit. Perhaps knowledge of what is to come has dulled its impact somewhat, but this is still one of the strongest comic book films out there.

_X2: X-Men United_ delivers a brilliant and exciting adventure, and is among the best of superhero films. Wolverine returns as the X-Men face a new threat, this time from Col. Stryker who’s planning to use Cerebro to kill the entire mutant population. The stellar cast gets even better with the additions of Brian Cox, Alan Cummings, and Kelly Hu, who all give strong performances. Director Byran Singer’s craft improves, as he gives this sequel a more epic story with grander action sequences. Delivering a strong, compelling drama and a high energy action-adventure, _X2: X-Men United_ takes everything to the next level. In short, it’s X-cellent.

A great sequel that opened up the door for even better sequels. Except part 3 didn’t live up to the potential at all.

Even better than Days of Future Past. Why ? Because X-3 flushed all the potential this film gave the franchise, down the toilet. The result is a mutant universe that has been one big mess since.
So Xavier back after part 3 will really be left with us that he had a spare body laying around ? Did he have a spare in Logan too ? lol. While Singer regretted Fox killing off Cyclops and Jean in his absence. So he had Days of Future Past change time to bring them back.
So does that mean X-1 and 2 were erased ? No one cares of X-3 was.
What makes this film solid. Is less of the confusing dialogue of the first film. Cyclops: If I had to tell you to stay away from my girl, she wouldn't be my girl. Logan, by the way, stay away from my girl..."
Storm: You know what happens to a toad when it is struck my lightning ? The same thing that happens to everything else."
X-2 also gave us NightCrawler with Alan Cummings in top form. Someone the sequels didn't even bother to bring back for no good reason. That is until the unnecessary and forgettable sequel/prequel X-Men Apocalypse.
While the Jean Grey scene is fabulous in the end of this movie. So good that it's disappointing that it led to "Eh."
This is also arguably Hugh Jackman's best Wolverine movie, why over Logan ? Since this is him at his prime and just kicking ass. Over just drinking and brooding. Spoiler: oh and dying. Here he survives being shot in the head...
Spoiler: Wolverine's death itself was kind of lame. Since I think he was just put through what a tree branch ? lol. He survived so much worse. Yes...like. being shot in the head in this film.

"Have you tried not being a mutant?"

"X2" is one of the very best films of the superhero genre. The characters are well-defined and above all else, that's what makes "X2" so good.

The threat to all mutants by bad guy Stryker unites Prof. Xavier and the X-Men with Magneto. This unlikely teaming is remarkable in that their dialogue and interaction actually overshadows the big action scenes. Magento and Mystique are the most interesting characters and their scenes are the most memorable. Magneto's escape from his plastic prison and Mystique's shape-shifting deception are fantastic. Much was made of the opening scene, which features an attack on the White House by Nightcrawler. The effect of Nightcrawler's transportation ability is unique and I can't recall seeing anything like it before or since. Some of the tried and true X-Men favorites are a little dull, though. The struggle of Wolverine to regain memories of his origin are secondary to the possible elimination of all mutants. The psychic manipulation of Prof. Xavier gets a little lengthy, too. Storm and Cyclops are mostly a bore but that's a little unfair because there's really not enough screen time to go around.

The source of the conflict is intolerance and hatred between humans and mutants. The movie doesn't take sides and is not heavy-handed or preachy.

"X2" was a total game-changer for me! While it might not be the most talked-about X-Men film, I absolutely loved it. The action was next level, the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the character development was top-notch. It felt like every mutant got their moment to shine, which was so refreshing. Plus, that opening scene at the White House? Epic! Overall, "X2" proved that lightning can strike twice in the world of superhero movies.

and I'm happy jean died... i hope she never comes back

i hated everyone except logan and that blue guy