X-Men:  Is a well-done, exciting, and thought-provoking science fiction movie.  Although I have never read the popular comic books on which it is based, I had no problem following the story line and being intrigued and entertained by it.  The story tells the story of mutant humans with different forms of special powers who have divided into good and evil groups, who must also fight the fearful "normal" humans.  The acting and special effects are all well done.  I look forward to the sequel(s) that have been set up.  movie seen 9/2/00     RECOMMEND: The Phantom stars Billy Zane (the bad guy from "Titanic") as "The Ghost Who Walks", based on the old comic strip.  It was a favorite of mine growing up and I enjoy this version for its good-natured style which doesn't take itself too seriously.  Catherine Zeta Jones plays a sexy villainess in an early role.

X2:X-Men United: is a terrific continuation of the first film; a nice combo of action and plot that is enjoyable to watch and to think about.  As with so many comic book tales, this is a story of the outsiders of the world, who are reviled by the public for being different.  This film adds twists on the story with new even more bizarre characters and the government trying to eradicate them.  Alan Cumming has a particularly interesting character that has mystery and a deep pathos.  The first movie made a direct tie to the Holocaust and this one definitely continues the theme, but, there are some laughs and lots of nice special effects, so it doesn't feel like a morality tale.  I give this one a strong recommend.  (And Hugh Jackman is pretty easy on the eyes, even as this character!!)    movie seen 5/3/03    RECOMMEND: The Mortal Storm is a 1940 Hollywood melodrama of the beginning of WWII and the affect of Nazism on a European town, starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan.  Although there are historical accuracy problems with it, it was considered ahead of its time and rather brave in its stand against Nazism in a period before the U.S. was in the war.  But, it now appears rather quaint and a bit corny, but I recommend it as a view from the past.

X-Men: The Last Stand: This third installment of a solid series has the original cast of mutants back and now a cure has been developed, but many do not want it.  New characters are introduced and there is the usual duel of wits between good and bad with lots of action thrown in.  Although it is an OK movie, it doesn't have the drive and character development that the original had that got me hooked. The new characters seem to be more a tease than anything else and the ending is the biggest tease of all.  If you haven't seen the previous films, you won't be able to follow this one, but it is an acceptable ending of a trilogy (though is this really the end of the series??).  seen 5/26/06 RECOMMEND: Hollow Man is a version of the invisible man, with Kevin Bacon playing the scientists who goes homicidal when he is made invisible.  The movie is pretty silly escapist entertainment, but the computer effects and action make it fun to watch.