X2 is pretty much all that you’d ever want out of a comic book movie -- it’s smart, it’s breathlessly paced, the characters have at least 2 1/2 dimensions, and the action sequences are jaw-droppers, even on the small screen.

| Apr 5, 2022

The truth is, the film is never again as good as its brilliant opening sequence.

| Jan 10, 2018

X-Men 2 remains a decent enough sci-fi effort, which delivers on most of the levels fans could expect. Too bad it's hampered by a plot that wouldn't get green-lit for an average episode of Buffy.

| Jan 3, 2018

X2 still feels like a prologue. No matter how much goes on, you feel like nothing has happened.

| Jul 14, 2015

The light tone and modest character development of X-Men have given way to an avalanche of digital effects and a bloated symphonic score.

| Jul 14, 2015

Fortunately, bigger usually equals better here, and when it doesn't, it equals just as good.

| Jul 14, 2015

Performances are solid throughout, with the actors managing to straight-face their way through some truly inane dialogue.

| Jul 14, 2015

There's little zest, less grace and, particularly in the writing, no creative spark to ignite the imagination.

| Apr 15, 2013

The plotting seems dangerously self-interested, being concerned almost exclusively with the survival of the mutants themselves, and, behind the succulent effects, the tone is oddly hectoring.

| Apr 15, 2013

Bigger and badder than No. 1, but still a blast.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 29, 2010

Bigger and more ambitious in every respect, from its action and visceral qualities to its themes.

Full Review | Apr 15, 2009

The emotional spectrum has widened, too, encompassing buoyant mirth and heroic tragedy.

| Feb 9, 2006

Bigger, brasher, sexier but much, much more confusing.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 8, 2003

It's a funny, profound and deeply moving moment, young Drake realizing that his life in the eyes of his parents will never live up to their more modest expectations.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 19, 2003

A great comic-book movie.

| Jun 3, 2003

During shooting, Singer constantly referred to The Empire Strikes Back as his template -- and, by jove, he's made a movie that's worthy of the comparison.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 1, 2003

Very smart, if way too long.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 28, 2003

Suffice to say that I was steadily engrossed and entertained and ultimately moved by a drama that is, in the end, more human than mutant.

| May 23, 2003

The best new addition to the corp is Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler. His pointy ears, yellow eyes, and blue skin make him the most creepily beautiful presence in the pageant.

Full Review | May 11, 2003

Best of all, this is a film which excites the eye without numbing the brain.

| May 9, 2003