X2: X Men United

It is aptly titled "X2." As in 2X the fun as its predecessor "X-Men." That is not meant to downgrade the first installment because it had the challenging task of introducing us to a host of mutants that aren't exactly household names. Which makes the eye-popping effects and thrilling action sequences of "X2: X-Men United (full title)" all the more critical. Without a marquis name like Batman or Superman going for it, "X2" knows it has to win us over-unless of course you are one of the few die hard fans who has actually read the comic book.

Right out of the gate director Brian Singer signals his determination to improve on his original film by offering one of "X2's" best scenes, an attack on the White House by blue- skinned teleportation mutant Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) one of several new mutants introduced in this follow-up. And undoubtedly taking a cue from perhaps the finest sequel of this type ever "The Empire Strikes Back" ("Lord of the Rings" fans notwithstanding) Singer keeps the action coming in waves, throwing in equal doses of wry humor and fantastic set pieces that never disappoint.

Even hardcore fans will appreciate the way "X2" follows closely to a comic-book narrative. The story opens as a seamless continuation of the first installment and ends with a rather ambiguous conclusion which keeps the door open for at least one more installment.

So, much like an ongoing comic strip "X2" works as an episodic collection of clashes between the forces of good (Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Dr. Grey, Iceman, Pyro, Rogue) against the evil designs of Gen. William Stryker (Brian Cox) who gets help from some beautiful but deadly assailants (Mystique and Deathstrike) while extracting valuable info from imprisoned mutant Magneto who still desires to exact revenge on the leader of the hero mutants Professor X. Whew! Got all that? Don't worry if you don't, because though a program might be helpful its certainly not necessary to enjoy "X2"; the action sequences are so tightly woven into a screenplay so smartly and frugally written that even though it is perhaps 30 min. too long, this Marvel-ous adventure never tests the viewers patience.

And so what if so much is happening to so many characters that your mind is trying to sort it out the whole way through? Wouldn't you rather a film that challenges you to think a bit while taking you on a thrill ride that never takes itself too seriously? Everyone will have their own favorites, but the sequences that take place at the Xavier school for the gifted where a suspenseful attack and rescue scene is perfectly choreographed stands out. One of the "X2's," subdued scenes, where young mutant Iceman must inform his parents of his powers is sensitively handled. Ditto Nightcrawler's religious mantras (reciting passages from Psalms in German) which are a surprisingly touching revelation (no pun intended). To top it off the pro-tolerance political leanings of its "mutants are people too" messages surface again but are generally restrained.

Even hunky Hugh Jackman who as Wolverine grabs most of the mutant screen time is kept somewhat in check-don't worry he's as blissfully brooding and brawny as ever. But we don't get to see what the gifted Aussie does best: sing and dance! (He received rave reviews after his stage appearances in "Oklahoma," "Sunset Blvd.," and "Beauty and the Beast.")

The next few months will offer no less than nine comic book influenced movies on the big screen and if "X2" is a precursor of what's to come, sit back and enjoy the rush. If this keeps up, sequels might just get a good name.

Mad About Movies grade: "A-". Rated PG-13 For sci-fi action/violence, some sexuality and brief language including several "s" words). Agree or disagree? E-mail Bruce at Madaboutmovies2@aol.com

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