The X-Men and the Brotherhood must unite against a psychotic
military colonel who plans to kill every mutant on the planet.

ACTION/SCI-FI

X2 (2003)

Directed by Bryan Singer

Written by Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, David Hayter

Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen,
Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Anna Paquin,
​Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, Shawn Ashmore,
Brian Cox, Kelly Hu, Aaron Stanford

Sequel to 2000's X-Men

Based on characters from Marvel Comics

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Connor Eyzaguirre

January 31, 2015

9/10

This one was easily the best in the original trilogy. It had the best and most realistic plot, as well as cemented the chemistry between the main cast and showed the world that superhero films were here to stay.

I especially like Magneto's escape from prison, which I consider to be one of the greatest prison break scenes in movie history. I also really like Brian Cox's performance as the villainous William Stryker, a role that was all too real in regards to overzealous military action.

This sequel has so many exciting moments and sets up what could have been an amazing finale. It stands alone as an epic superhero film and is one of the best superhero sequels ever made.

Caleb Leger

February 13, 2016

9/10

X2 easily surpasses the already great original installment, becoming the best film in the franchise. A rare case where the sequel is superior to the original. The main cast have their roles down even better and the story is one of the series best. X2 quickly showed superhero films were here to stay. 

The returning cast are still great in their roles, sharing a much better chemistry this time around. There are also a couple of great new additions to the roster. Alan Cumming is excellent as beloved mutant Nightcrawler. He perfectly portrays the lovable teleporting comic character. The always reliable Brian Cox also does a great job in the role of William Stryker. Apart from Magneto, he proves to still be one of the series best villains. X2 features some of my favorite set pieces in the entire franchise. The two standout being the opening attack at the White House and the school being raided by Stryker's men. 

This sequel was not only just an excellent continuation of the first film, but it further cemented superhero films aren't going away anytime soon. It still stands as my personal favorite of the franchise.