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The X-Men Trilogy (2000-2006)

Two big things happen in the coming week. Next Tuesday I take a break from the Take Five article and do the monthly Uncanny Update (for all my fanboy friends out there). Also, this Friday is the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which I demand you support and stop downloading. Because of these two upcoming releases, and the recent Blu-Ray DVD release of the X-Men Trilogy (it's about time, since only the third film has available for high-definition purchase since Blu-Ray's birth), I felt it was worth adding to this week's Take Five. I know I should have surprised you all with a final fifth title of the week but recommending this box-set before Wolverine comes out is much more beneficial to you than another comedy that makes me laugh or Mandy Moore movie that makes me cry.

Given the word-count-limitation and my selection of three films to occupy one recommendation, there isn't much room for individual plot or analysis. What I will tell you is that the first two films in the series are amazing, while the third satisfies in at least its action sequences. You'll be hard pressed to find someone who would consider these films better than The Dark Knight, but you'll also be hard pressed to find a super-hero fan that doesn't know a little something about the X-Men. These films aren't meant to conquer the kinds of struggle Batman faced against the Joker, since there are far too many mutants in the X-Men world for there to be such a deep look. However, as far as summer popcorn flicks go, you can't go wrong with this trilogy. The action is intense, the special effects are top-notch and the cast includes so many great actors: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

There are simply too many great actors in these films to list. Jackman is carrying the torch of Wolverine into a new franchise, which itself is a prequel to this series. You don't need to see the X-Men trilogy to understand what happens in Wolverine, but by watching these films first you will be able to see why they bothered giving him his own series. Jackman is ferocious and I thank God every day that Dougray Scott didn't land the role instead (he chose to do Mission: Impossible 2 instead). In any case, fate had it out for Hugh and now we get to reap the benefits! Go buy the Blu-Ray trilogy and see Wolverine in theaters this weekend. If you only listen to one of the last five recommendations, listen to this one. But like I said before, it's all about making your own choice. I know what mine is and I'm no less than 100% sure I'm making the right one. See all you die-hard fans at the midnight screening!

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