X-Men 2

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)

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)

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)

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. (02/08/2006)

Bryan Singer reaches a climax of relationships and emotions, with characters from past and present, including very attractive tangents into various eras of the comic books, and sufficiently brings Wolverine-style rough action and a captivating finale at the dam. Compared the first installment, a certain intimacy has indeed been lost, but thanks to the new characters and one inconspicuous transition to the other side of the barricade, Xavier's school once again approaches perfection. (18/06/2005)