This is a movie that is likely to make a lot of fans angry. More specifically, if you are a fan of the comic books, you are not going to be happy with this movie at all. For those of you looking for a superhero romp, this will fill the bill. As for myself, when I walked out of the theater, I felt conflicted. Being a lapsed comic book reader, I was familiar with most of the characters and had my own ideas on how they should act, even modified for a film setting, but also being a sucker for spectacle, I was properly distracted by some of the whiz-bang that was tossed at my eyes.

The first two X films were excellent, but in different ways. The first film took its time, it introduced us to the characters and created the universe, with a couple of action sequences along the way. It was more character drama than action film, but it all worked. The second film took those characters from the first film, further developing them, plus adding a couple more to the mix. At the same time, it ramped up the action and expanded the story to more epic levels. Those first two films went a long way to creating a realistic world that really seemed to be all that far a stretch from our own. Now that brings us to this third film which has enough story for two films, while never completely telling one.

Before going any further, it would probably be a good idea to give a little background, which I am sure has colored my view of the film. Bryan Singer, who did a wonderful job with the first two, was all set to direct and co-write this entry, but Fox was dragging their feet getting it all going. Then the opportunity arose for him to take the helm of Warner Bros. Superman Returns project, and he jumped at the chance. This left Fox in the lurch. They signed Matthew Vaughn, who directed Layer Cake starring the new James Bond, Daniel Craig. Pre-production was moving along, when at the last minute, Vaughn left the project, citing personal reasons. Fox then turned to Brett Ratner, who at one point was attached to the Superman film, to take over. He did, and was given a very short amount of prep time, and a deadline that was less than ideal. So, that brings us to today and the latest entry in the X saga.