X-Men: The Last Stand film review

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X-MEN: THE LAST STAND

The Last Stand will just about satisfy die-hard fans of the X-Men series although it's unlikely to attract a large amount of new followers. Despite fervent internet-based misgivings, director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) has turned out to be a better choice than expected, albeit hampered by a script that would be more at home on the small screen.

The film throws up the old problem that comic books never seem to quite get past: when is a dead character really dead? Those of you who have seen the second film in the series may be surprised to learn that most of The Last Stand is taken up with Jean Grey, last seen heading towards the bottom of a lake. It's an easy convenience - bringing people back to life at will - but one which does make emotional moments hard to swallow.

Jean is back because now she is in cahoots with Magneto (Ian McKellen, replete with his trademark silly hat) in a battle against his old foe Xavier (Patrick Stewart) over a new wonder cure for mutants which will rid them of their condition and turn them into normal people. One side doesn't want it, the other wants to control it.

It's all rather expensive and elaborate for a plot that never makes you want to shake with excitement. But it's pleasant enough to look at with some exceptional special effects: Jane Grey's ability to lift cars in an early scene is a particular highlight. Performances are on a par with the previous two films.

While it's not terrible, it's the weakest of the three films that have been released. It's fine for frittering away a couple of hours in the cinema but there is definitely a so what feeling about the script. And remember: just because you see someone physically dying in front of your eyes, it doesn't mean they are dead.

Paul Hurley