'X-Men: The Last Stand' has new director, more special effects
8:09 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2006
So far the X-Men series has proved to be the most reliable movie franchise made from a superhero comic book. The release of the third and supposedly final picture doesn't completely jeopardize that status, but it leaves the door open for "Spider-Man" and others to come along and claim the title.
"X-Men: The Last Stand" is a less intellectual, more special-effects driven effort than its predecessors, and fans of the mutant saga won't be shocked to find that out. That's because acclaimed filmmaker Bryan Singer of "The Usual Suspects" left after the first two flicks to direct the upcoming "Superman Returns." In his place comes Hollywood journeyman Brett Ratner, best known for the "Rush Hour" comedies. Ratner understands how to stage elaborate action sequences, but his whole enterprise lacks the emotional subtlety of the other pictures.
The plot is rather intriguing, though. It centers on the finding of a cure that can eliminate genetic mutations, which offers mutants the opportunity to willingly give up their powers and the defects that often accompany them. Battle lines are drawn, with some of Charles Xavier's X-Men tempted by the idea and the Brotherhood led by Magneto violently opposed to it.
Meanwhile, the resurrected Jean Grey has gained nearly unstoppable abilities that threaten all of the participants.
New members of the overstuffed cast include Kelsey Grammer as the blue-furred beast and Ben Foster as the winged Angel.
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