Opened: July 14, 2000

Directed by: Bryan Singer

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romijn, Ray Park, Tyler Mane, Anna Paquin, Shawn Ashmore & Stan Lee

Almost a quarter of a century after its release, the themes of X-Men continue to ring true. Though its cast elevates a strong story, the film suffers from its early 2000s sound editing and weak CGI.

Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) is trying to enact laws that require mutants to register their identities. Magneto (Ian McKellen) has Senator Kelly kidnapped to test genetic manipulation. Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) leads his team of X-Men to stop Magneto.

Using the story to show the government’s fears of a minority of people is something that we’ve seen repeated in history and the laws being created against them reflects modern society.

The one issue in the fight scenes is the sound effects added in. It takes away from the action and becomes laughable.

Final say: A good starting point for the franchise. ★★★☆☆