X3 trailer

[jcdenton]

Anyone seen it?<br /><br />http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/x3/<br /><br />Looks like Beast will actually be in this one, as well as Archangel and a host of others. I've largely been unimpressed with the other comic book renditions, but the X-Men movies have been great so far. Looking forward to this one.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[the_masked_squiggy]

I keep getting the message that "a bad public movie atom was found" when I attempt to view, so I'll try back later. <br /><br />Seeing posters for it though, and quite excited!

 

[serak_the_preparer]

I have my own poll to respond to on another thread, but this is an easier (and safer!) topic to tackle in the couple of minutes I have available right now.<br /><br />Educated speculation follows:<br /><br />Going by the canon of the X-Men comics, many are familiar with Jean Grey's 'Dark Phoenix' arc, which appeared to have been launched in the final scene of X-Men II. As the final movie of the X-Men movie trilogy, a resolution of the conflict between humans and X-Men, and between the two groups of mutants, is obviously imminent. Though I've read nothing to suggest the following, here is my notion for how that will be settled:<br /><br />*** This just might be a spoiler ***<br /><br />The more personal expression of the conflict is represented in the rift between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto). This rift will be healed as the conflict plays out. Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix will, in my opinion, be the catalyst, as her wildly destructive powers prove too much for either Xavier or Magneto to contend with alone, requiring them to stand together in the movie's final scenes. My guess is Professor X afterward will either step down from his stewardship of his School for Gifted Youngsters, broken by grief, exhausted by his trials, allowing new leadership to take the helm, or will in some way be very much out of commission by the end (coma, mysterious disappearance, a willing hostage of the government, etc.). But the more dramatic conclusion, of course, is Professor X's death, which, given the plot laid down up to this point, to me seems inevitable. However that may be, though, I see Magneto himself as the new moderating force, remorseful over his past excesses, mourning the loss of his estranged friend, but grimly realistic about the challenge mutants face in attempting to live as responsible citizens in a world of distrustful humans. As big a stretch as that may sound, try not to be too surprised if that's what occurs in the movie - it happened, after all, in the co

 

[serak_the_preparer]

<i>So there is only going to be 3 X-Men movies?</i><br /><br />Those in charge of the X-Men movie franchise have wisely recognized they can only keep a good thing going for so long. Which is why the movie's full title is 'X-Men III: The Last Stand.'<br /><br />Among the realities the producers have had to accept are that they cannot forever hang onto a large ensemble cast featuring several stars. Hugh Jackman, for example, who plays the central figure of Wolverine (antihero of the first movie, hero in the second), has publicly stated he wants any third X-Men movie to be his last. Halle Berry has chafed at being relegated to a secondary role in the movies, not part of the main plot-line. Also, the arc extending from the first movie and through the second revolves around what place mutants can have in a world where they are regarded as dangerous freaks, and around the personal struggles of some of the major characters, such as Wolverine. If it's a saga and not merely a soap opera, then these plot-drivers must culminate in resolution at some point. Even the people behind the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises understand there are limits and that trying to exceed them can foster embarrassing results.<br /><br />Please read the warning following the quoted material below before using the accompanying link.<br /><br />From IMBD:<br /><br /><i>In X-Men: The Last Stand, the final chapter in the X-Men motion picture trilogy...</i><br /><br />- from Plot Summary for X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)<br /><br /><b>Warning:</b> If you use the link above, you will be in spoiler territory and be made aware of a major plot development offered in the third movie. Use the link at your own risk.<br /><br />If it's any consolation, other movies featuring X-Men characters are under consideration. But none of these are expected to continue the saga begun in <i>X-Men</i>, which ends in <i>X-Men III</i>. If they are ever mad

 

[serak_the_preparer]

Foxbat,<br /><br />Forgot to mention there is another way the conflict might end. It's probably occurred to you and others already, but here it is anyway: Instead of Professor Xavier leaving the picture, Magneto could perish in a final - and obviously self-sacrificing - act of heroism. Redeeming himself for his past crimes. A very poetic and moral ending, doubtlessly appealing to some. Nothing against Professor Xavier here, but in the comics Magneto did survive and go on to lead the X-Men himself. While Xavier left the scene for awhile (not dying, but very much out of things - at one point he actually left Earth for outer space).<br /><br />Anyway, there it is: another possible ending. Must admit I'm curious which way the movie's writers take the story, whether they do a good job or not.

 

[drwayne]

I saw a long blurb on it on TV a week or so ago.<br /><br />I was fascinated to see Angel and Juggernaut (I think, it was a quick scene) and many "new" old faces.<br /><br />I have always been a mark for Iceman too...<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[serak_the_preparer]

<i>So there is only going to be 3 X-Men movies? Given their success, that would surprise me greatly. Therefore I don't see any real need to close or end any particular storyline with this movie.</i><br /><br />Just when it looks like the X-Men trilogy is about to be wrapped up, somebody says the number '4'...<br /><br />X-Men III may not be Last Stand, hints Berry (Ireland On-Line)<br /><br />17/05/2006<br /><br /><i>. . . X-Men: The Last Stand was supposed to be the final film of the sci-fi series, but Berry is adamant that more will be produced if demand is great enough.<br /><br />The former Bond girl is so smitten with her role as Storm in the movies, she would drop future film plans to concentrate on follow-ups...</i><br /><br />This comment of hers is worth noting: 'It's a franchise that I love and a character that I love and now that I have a voice in the movie I really love it.' Looks like her 'Where am I in these movies?' issue has been resolved. Still, if a fourth is attempted, Hugh Jackman has in the past made it clear he would not be part of it. Could there be another chapter of this saga without Wolverine? If enough money is thrown at the project, sure, why not? If this third movie lives up to the standard set by its predecessors and does well at the box-office, a fourth would certainly become possible. (And at least one of those ifs is likely to be realized.)<br /><br />While I tried to stay clear of spoilers in previous posts, the people making the commercials are having none of it. So the issue of fascism raised in the very first movie - young Magneto in the Nazi concentration camp, the Mutant Registration Act - continues to play out. In a fascist society, those with the power require only power itself as moral justification for any act. Making it rather dangerous for any citizen to be viewed as outside the ruling group. Different is bad, and if yo

 

[avidgamer]

From what I have heard this is the last X-men movie, however a Wolverine spinoff has been confirmed.

 

[serak_the_preparer]

Looks like you're right:<br /><br />Jacko gets his claws into new role (The Daily Telegraph)<br /><br />May 19, 2006<br /><br /><i>. . . Jacko,who plays the metal-clawed Wolverine alongside Halle Berry, is now working on many film projects, including Wolverine, an X-Men spin-off based on his character, which he will produce and star in. <br /><br /></i>[Jackman]<i> said recently he wants Wolverine to stand apart from the X-Men series. <br /><br />"I don't want Wolverine to appear to be X-Men 4," he told comingsoon.net. <br /><br />"I don't want to make it stylistically the same, I want to do something different, that's my idea ... I'm really excited."</i><br /><br />There's more here at I Didn't Jump on Bond Wagon (Daily Record), where Jackman talks a little more about up-and-coming movies. The ComingSoon link mentioned in the Daily Telegraph piece, where the Wolverine prequel is discussed, is right here: Hugh Jackman on the Wolverine Prequel (ComingSoon.net).

 

[serak_the_preparer]

Use this link if you dare:<br /><br />What do you get when you cross hacks with a successful movie franchise? by Dave McCoy (MSN Movies)<br /><br />Let's hope Ratner's not put in charge of the Wolverine spin-off.

 

[avidgamer]

I have seen reviews that blasted the first two movies and I enjoyed those. This review has me worried, but I want to hold my judgement untill I see for myself.

 

[serak_the_preparer]

As I recall, the first two movies actually got treated pretty well by the reviews. The gist was a surprised, 'Hey, they finally got comic heroes-to-silver-screen right!' (See, for instance: X-Men (2000); X2: X-Men United (2003).)<br /><br />There aren't that many reviews out yet for <i>X-Men III</i>, of course, so there is still plenty of wiggle room left for the critics - the ones who do it for a living, as well as people like you and me. What has emerged thus far is that <i>X-Men III</i> may come up short regarding dialogue and depth (apparently due to the departure of director Bryan Singer and his writers), though it continues to hold its own as an action movie.<br /><br />So, for those of us mainly hoping for more titanic battles and superhero action, this movie may be just what the doctor ordered. For those more interested in character and story, however...<br /><br />Anyway, here's another review:<br /><br />Final "X-Men" has lost its X-factor by Michael Rechtshaffen (Reuters)<br /><br />(More here at RottenTomatoes: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).)

 

[serak_the_preparer]

X-Men in final fling, spinoff films not ruled out by Mike Collett-White (Scotsman.com)<br /><br />Mon 22 May 2006<br /><br /><i>. . . The ending could allow for a fourth instalment and director Brett Ratner was asked whether the Marvel comic adaptation could in fact spawn a "Next Generation" series.<br /><br />"I must say that in my opinion ... there will not be an X-4. This will be the last stand," he told a news briefing after a press screening in Cannes, where the movie is not in the main competition.<br /><br />But he added: "That doesn't mean there won't be a spinoff, a Wolverine movie, a Magneto movie, a Professor X movie. There's a lot of opportunities..."</i>

 

[serak_the_preparer]

(FYI: Many of the following reviews, read in full, contain minor movie spoilage.)<br /><br />Not good:<br /><br /><br />The third time's not the charm by Justin Chang (Variety)<br /><br />May 22, 2006<br /><br /><i>Taken as a trilogy (despite the door being left open, inevitably, for an "X4"), the "X-Men" pics most closely resemble the original "Star Wars" movies in their qualitative trajectory. Just as the second film in each instance repped a substantial elaboration of its predecessor's storytelling, visual richness and thematic depth, so "X-Men: The Last Stand" suffers from the same coarsened writing, diminished imagination and occasional bursts of self-parody that plagued "Return of the Jedi..."</i><br /><br />(Alternate link: The third time's not the charm)<br /><br /><br />Fast-Paised review: ‘X-Men: The Last Stand' by Matt Pais (Chicago Tribune)<br /><br />May 24, 2006<br /><br /><i>Ratner clearly has superpowers: He's made the series' feeling and humor disappear. Worse, the number of impressive sequences in the disjointed "The Last Stand" can be counted on one hand, and an already overcrowded cast means new characters -- Shadowcat (Ellen Page), Angel (Ben Foster), Juggernaut (Vinnie Jones) and Callisto (Dania Ramirez) -- never register...</i><br /><br />(Longer Tribune review 'X-Men: The Last Stand' marks a spot on the downward curve by Michael Wilmington)<br /><br /><br />Sort of okay:<br /><br /><br />X-Men: The Last Stand - Melodramatic, messy but

 

[chriscdc]

Well I've seen it. Yes the UK gets it before the US, finally the tables have turned ha ha.<br /><br />Surprisingly little action for long stretches. A few cases of cringe worthy dialogue. A few plot holes such as only half a dozen of Xaviers students seem to have become X-men and Wolverines healing ability appearing to violate conservation of mass. Also I don't think that people are the same colour on the inside as the colour of the clothes they wear. Oh and wolverine, I do think he could grow those back.<br />Interesting philosophical points raised though.<br /><br />There is just a nagging feeling that X2 did stuff just slightly better, from the beginning up to until nearly the end. There is just a slight flicker of the possibilty of a sequel right at the end.

 

[serak_the_preparer]

Chris,<br /><br />Just saw it and, basically, I agree with your take on the movie.<br /><br />Will post my own review later (heading out again right now), but I'd say we can't believe Ratner's disclaimer and that, as far as Fox is concerned, we're on for <i>X4: The Return of the Dead Mutants</i>.

 

[serak_the_preparer]

X-Men: The Last Stand - Movie Info (from our friends at Yahoo):<br /><br /><i>The Critics: B- (15 reviews)<br />Yahoo! Users: B+ (7878 ratings)</i><br /><br />Well, it was better than I expected.<br /><br />Yes, there were too many characters, but is that Ratner's fault - or Marvel's? Or Singer's? Singer was able to hold that problem in check, but even he yielded to the point of introducing more characters as he went along. Had Singer been at the helm instead, the result might not have been much different. He'd already set the stage, of course, for the Beast's arrival on the scene, and we all could see that Phoenix was coming. The story was becoming progressively bigger and harder to manage.<br /><br />Had the writers gone with the Sentinel story-line - an obvious choice (and a good one) - we would have been right back in <i>X2: X-Men United</i> with the government backing a far more open and malevolent plan against the mutants, again putting Xavier and Magneto on the same side against a common foe. Been there, done that, right? The writers were at pains to point out that, this time around, the government, if anything, is doing its best to work with the mutants toward a solution. They were trying to avoid simply recycling <i>X2</i>.<br /><br />So maybe the x-gene cure was a good choice, in spite of how heavy-handed the allegorical implications would inevitably be.<br /><br />Still, as much as it might be preferred otherwise, in my opinion an extension of the <i>X2</i> plot-line could have delivered a bigger pay-off. In which case, ditch the x-gene cure and go to the Sentinel story-line (which clearly - to me, at least - is being held in reserve for <i>X4</i>). Much of what we see in <i>X3</i> could be kept - Hank McCoy as the cabinet-level head o

 

[serak_the_preparer]

Maybe there <i>will</i> be a fourth!<br /><br />"X-Men" sequel performs box office heroics by Dean Goodman (Reuters)<br /><br />May 29, 2006<br /><br /><i>The tally exceeded the News Corp.-owned studio's expectations and set a new record as the biggest Memorial Day holiday opener ever...</i><br /><br />By the way, from MSN:<br /><br />'X-Men: The Last Stand' Characters (MSN Movies)<br /><br />'X2: X-Men United' (MSN Movies)<br /><br /><i>[Edited to add links to X-Men stills]</i>

 

[rhodan]

Well, I've seen it and didn't like it much. There were some cool special effects, but the plot wasn't very interesting, but then again, I've never been much of an X-men fan or anything, so I wasn't really into the saga to begin with. It started out really well though, I thought I'd be in for a ride, but sadly there was no satisfying climax. There certainly is more than enough room for sequels.

 

[CalliArcale]

I liked it -- it was a good popcorn movie. It definitely was not as good as the previous two, though. The plot development was conducted as efficiently as possible, exposition was extremely efficient (which basically means there was no character development; there was no time), and I think they used Famke Janssen exactly right in this one. I never thought much of her performance as Jean Gray, so having her stand around saying nothing for most of the movie was a definite improvement in my opinion. <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> I thought Cyclops' death got rather short shrift for such a major character, and it seemed puzzling that nobody thought to inquire after him when Storm and Wolverine returned from their trip without him, even though the point of the trip was to find him. Angel's part was clearly trimmed down to the bare minimum, unfortunately to the point where what could've been an intriguing B-story became unimportant to the overall story. A sidebar at best. I realize it's hard to manage so many characters, but I think the movie would've benefitted well from being about a half hour longer. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[serak_the_preparer]

<i>I've never been much of an X-men fan or anything, so I wasn't really into the saga to begin with. It started out really well though, I thought I'd be in for a ride, but sadly there was no satisfying climax. There certainly is more than enough room for sequels.</i><br /><br />Valid criticism, in my opinion. It is easily the least of the trilogy. Yahoo gave it a B, but that may be too generous of a grade. I'm thinking B-/C+ - somewhere in that range. My 'wow,' by the way, was in response to its box-office performance, which clearly opens the door for a 4th movie. In a third movie, interest and profit generally begin to wane, but not here.<br /><br />Untold ages ago, I used to read and collect Marvel comics, including <i>X-Men</i>, though they were not my favorite series. Still, I liked what Singer did with them in the first two movies and was really looking forward to #3 until Singer went over to <i>Superman Returns</i> instead. By the time I actually went to the theater to see it, my expectations had been lowered enough that anything short of a complete disaster would at least rate 'okay.' <i>Last Stand</i> was okay.<br /><br />By the lights of the studio, though, <i>Last Stand</i> did considerably better than 'okay:'<br /><br />'X-Men' breaks Memorial Day record by Scott Bowles (USA Today)<br /><br />5/29/2006<br /><br /><i>Maybe the X-Men didn't make their last stand after all.<br /><br />With a record-setting debut that stunned many analysts and industry executives, <b>X-Men: The Last Stand</b> raked in $120.1 million, according to studio estimates from box-office trackers Nielsen EDI.<br /><br />The third and supposedly final installment of the popular comic book franchise surpassed most projections by $20 million, which easily made it the largest Memorial Day weekend movie ever, shattering <b>Jurassic Park: The Lost World</b>'s $90.2 million debut in 1997. The opening also rai</i>