X-Men 2

Given the genre, the slower pace of X-Men 2 is a handicap. More characters, more dialogue, more solving of problems than action. I wouldn’t have minded any of that if it weren’t 133 minutes long and if the dialogue didn’t somewhat fizzle out into nothing. X-Men 2 isn’t as deep as it pretends to be. But it’s just as intelligent and the characters are just as cool as they were in the first X-Men. (23.04.2003)

X-Men 2 is, together with The Crow and Batman Returns, the best comic book adaptation ever. An extremely skilful mix of psychology and action, an interesting and smart story, dialogue that doesn't drag, great visual effects and last but not least excellent actors. I ate it hook, line and sinker, and I hope Singer still enjoys doing this and that we can expect a long, pleasant franchise. Carry on. (20.09.2003)

Honestly, one of the best comic-book adaptations I’ve ever seen (together with The Dark Night and Watchmen). Unlike the first part, X2 goes further in almost everything, has a better story and some brilliant and unforgettable scenes (Magneto’s escape from prison), and it’s excellent overall. 9/10 (25.09.2009)

... and the potential opened by the first film is fulfilled in the second film. Bryan Singer is truly the master of masters and quite brave in terms of action sci-fi (fortunately, the number of these people is increasing), so he is not afraid to take his foot off the gas and let the story flow more slowly, but this means that he models the characters all the more thoroughly. Good (X-men) and "evil" (the torso of the Magneto group) unite in the fight against the unpredictable General Styler, who intends to abruptly end the mutant issue. The contradiction of Professor Xavier's opinion is even more problematic and the points go to the radical Magneto. Again, I have no choice but to praise the great actors – Stewart, who is not at the forefront as much this time, the charismatic and tough Jackman and, of course, the incredibly charming villain/non-villain played by Ian McKellen. Let's add points for great tricks, improved fights, great music and an ending that is not afraid to hand out surprising losses (unlike the first film). I really enjoy tensely watching how Singer builds a great film world that is adventurous, intelligent, immersive, and reasonably mirrors our world today. In addition, their world is inhabited by well-characterized heroes (newcomer Kurt Wagner is a true master!), with whom one can identify. Yes, this is what modern sci-fi action should be. (12.09.2004)

Brian Singer proves that even a movie based on a comic book can contain some psychological undertones. If you add precise directing, well-chosen cast, lots of ideas and an ingenious action sequence. In addition, they have the advantage that the movie worked even without any of the above, unlike most other popcorn movies recently. At last a picture that proves the rule that a sequel can be considerably better than its forerunner. (03.07.2007)

The singer reaches a climax of relationships and emotions, with characters from the past and present including very attractive deviations from various periods of comics and brings sufficiently Wolverine-like rough action and captivating finale at the dam. In comparison to the first part, certain intimacy has indeed been lost, but thanks to new characters or one inconspicuous transition to the other side of the barricade, Xavier's school once again reaches for perfection. (18.06.2005)

In the context of comic book adaptations, this is definitely one of the more successful endeavors, but it is also a common commercial product that did not convince me with what it had to offer. The first two films Singer directed have greater ambitions and strive for a certain depth of thought at least in their genre than, for example, Hood's purely popcorn teenage flick X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Although I gave it 4 stars, I admit that I have never been a fan of similar mainstream comics about superheroes and mutants. This kind of fairy tale for grown-ups simply tires me. In terms of acting, it is solid, and the direction cannot be denied high professionalism, but the script seemed somewhat chatty and diluted to me. Overall impression: 60%. (02.07.2010)

Excellent. X-Men 2 is undoubtedly better than the first movie and is perhaps the best comic book movie adaptation ever. Singer perfectly handles the psychology of the characters, and the action is also impressive (the White House introduction, the attack on the school, the X-Jet in a tornado, and Wolverine vs. Deathstrike). He’s a brilliant storyteller who knows when to push hard and when to slow down. He handles everything with feeling, bravura and love for the original comic book. Sadly, he ran off to Superman, where, for all his undeniable virtues, he couldn't succeed the way he did with X-Men. Too bad, Bryan. (01.08.2006)

Better than the first part after all, but still not quite up to par. The running time has increased, along with the wannabe profound speeches that ultimately fade away a bit emptily in the quick conclusion. Wolverine's internal conflict, on the other hand, is captivating, and the other characters are quite interesting as well. Fortunately, Bryan Singer delivers another smart comic book adaptation and manages to combine flashy popcorn action and a relatively engaging plot more than decently. The visual effects are among the best that can currently be seen, and if it weren't for the already mentioned slightly excessive runtime, I would be very satisfied. As it is, it's just a solid above-average film with a few minor flaws, but it's still worth watching. Compared to Daredevil or Spiderman, it clearly comes out on top. (29.05.2006)

I appreciate how intelligently and innovatively Singer has approached this comic book material, yet X-Men 2 drags at times more than the viewer would expect when surrounded by so many amazing characters with even more amazing mutant abilities. On the one hand, a lot of the chatter is fine (I would carve in stone everything Wolverine says), on the other hand, it weakens the film as an ambitious blockbuster, whose enormous potential is, after all, clearly demonstrated by the director in the last hour. The special effects are better than in the first one, as well as the villain's storyline and the performances, only the psychology, although it gets much more space, doesn't give the impression of being very refined... 80% (23.12.2012)

But yeah, even after the second - or maybe after the third? - screening, I really enjoy this movie. It's definitely better than the first one, which was unfinished. There are still elements in the logic that don't work for me and bother me a bit, but the story is strong, the characters are finally properly iconic, and it's left open enough for the third installment to ruin it. Well, maybe not all hope is lost yet, and the fourth part will amaze. (28.03.2014)

An improvement over the boring first installment in all respects. The special effects, the story and even the characters have gotten better. I'll add another star for the action-packed last half hour. Overall, it has a faster pace than the 20 minutes shorter part one. By the way, Jackman is awesome as always, as if born for the role of Wolverine. (27.07.2013)