One of the most successful comic book-movie franchises, X-Men, continues with the third installment entitled The Last Stand. There were worries that Brett Ratner, taking over Bryan Singer as director, might not be able to keep up with the franchise's unique blend of big-budget, high-octane action, thought-provoking political commentaries, and riveting characters and sensibilities. In many ways, Ratner has managed to put everyone at ease with some interesting surprises.

When an industrialist finds a "cure" for treating human mutations, a war is raged between the militants led by Magneto (Ian McKellen) and the "Homo sapiens." Magneto believes the "cure" is only the first step toward a mutant genocide. While Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast (Kelsey Grammer), the Secretary of Mutant Affairs, strives to reach peaceful resolution through diplomacy, the President (Josef Sommer) is ready to use military force against the rebels when necessary.

Meanwhile, Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Storm (Halle Berry) discover that Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) is still alive. Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) concludes that Jean is not the same person, but is instead her alter-ego Phoenix, who is the only Class 5 mutant possessing an incredible, deadly power. Unfortunately, Phoenix is ruthless and uncontrollable. When Magneto recruits Phoenix as his secret weapon against the humans, Xavier and his X-Men have no choice but to combat the militants in a war of right vs. wrong.

Jackman (Van Helsing) reprises his famous role as Wolverine with the same intensity, broodiness, and sensibility. His love for Jean results in tragic consequences, and Jackman's portrayal is heartfelt and heroic, paving the way to the spinoff, Wolverine (2007). This time, Berry (Catwoman) has a bigger role as Xavier's would-be successor. Her character has matured over the years and Berry handles the subtle growth very well. Together, freethinking Wolverine and sensible Storm make an interesting team.

McKellen (The Da Vinci Code) continues his reign as Magneto with relish, turning the role into one of the most sympathetic, yet loathed villains in movie history. In contrast, Stewart (Eleventh Hour) is wonderfully composed and genuine as the peaceful and philosophical professor. If Wolverine is ever the heart of X-Men, Professor Xavier clearly is the mind and soul behind it. Janssen (The Treatment) has the most interesting task of playing Jean's "evil" twin, Phoenix. But the former Bond girl does "bad" so well that we almost end up not missing Jean Grey.

Reprising their respective roles as Rogue, Mystique, Cyclops, Iceman, and Pyro, young actors Paquin (The Squid and the Whale), Romijn (Man About Town), Marsden (The Notebook), Ashmore (The Quiet) and Stanford (The Hills Have Eyes) all do well in helping to move the plot along. Joining the huge cast is Grammer (Even Money) in one of his first post-Frasier roles, and the intelligent, yet resourceful Beast is a perfect role for him. Foster (Alpha Dog) also impresses as new mutant, Angel.