Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
March 2002
March 2002
So here we are with the first big summer blockbuster film of 2003, X-MEN 2. I'm sure many of you out there are wondering what I, Tim Raynor, thought of this self absorbed popcorn flick. I slightly avoided any effort in seeing X-MEN 2 mainly because I wasn't overwhelmed with the first film. After taking some advice from my good friend, Al Frankin, I figured it sounded good enough to pay the eight bucks and check out. Now I know several people want to know how this film effected me, Tim Raynor. Not only did my friend, Al Frankin, entice me into seeing this film, but it also has received very positive reviews, worldwide. In this case, I, Tim Raynor, have to admit my level of great expectations were at an all time high upon entering my local theatre hole. However, I think those expectations may have been a little damaging. The television and previews alone have been making this film out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. I figure the mass marketing may have something to do with the release of the MATRIX RELOADED, which I'm sure will have X-MEN 2 fighting for the leftover crumbs. Nevertheless, what's important here is what I, Tim Raynor, thought of X-MEN 2. Well, I wasn't surprised, overwhelmed, or overjoyed, but it was somewhat entertaining. A word to the wise, if you enjoyed the first X-MEN, then you're in for more of the same, and that's about it.
In this installment the X-MEN are in really big trouble! What else would you expect from a super hero film? The plot line is the typical good guy vs. bad guy routine, along with some eye candy, and the usual predictable action. Many reviews I've read on this film make mention that, at times, the action is just too nonstop and overdone. I really don't know what they were talking about? Sure, there was plenty of action, but I have to admit I've seen better. I found the entire pace of the film to be so ridiculously predictable that it took out the fun of any surprises that might occur. The one scene that had me rolling my eyes is when a few cops arrive to round up some of our heroes. The cops, of course, play the usual morons as a new character, Pyro, sets flame to everything aiding our heroes into a daring escape . . . yawn. As with the first film, the characters are dark and mysterious, and that, of course, transcends into the theme of the movie. And what is the deal with Wolverines hair? I know the guy is supposed to look rugged and animal like, but the hair looks ridiculous. Maybe it's just I, Tim Raynor, but I find I don't have a high tolerance for a lot of cheese in my movies. I realize it's based off a comic book series, and I should just accept the corney performances, but let me point out that I've never really been a comic book fan. Even as a kid I never had much interest in collecting the Marvel or D.C. comics. I have, however, seen just about every film that they have based off the comic books. In my, Tim Raynor's, opinion there have been better films based off these magazine stand characters. There is just something about the X-MEN that I find dull and uninteresting. In fact, I didn't find this film to offer anything new and original from its first installment. To me, it was just more of the same material with a new villain, and some returning villains I saw in the first film.
On the positive end of things, the film is entertaining as a typical mainstream popcorn treat. It does have its moments of a few good laughs, and there are a few good effects. Other then that there's nothing spectacular that I haven't already seen in previous films. I do enjoy films that play a dark theme, and X-MEN 2 certainly gives the audience that kind of feel, but simultaneously it's tarnished by comic book cheese. I'm sure many of you may wonder why me, Tim Raynor, would bother to see this film since I'm not a huge comic book fan? The truth be known, I love movies! I figured with all the hype that this film would be spectacular, and I hate missing a great film on the big screen. Nevertheless, if this is your type of movie, then you're sure to be entertained. As for me, Tim Raynor, I like a little more realistic feel in my films, such as Unbreakable. Even as silly as last summers SPIDER-MAN was, I found that film far more entertaining and it at least felt more redeeming in the end. Anyway, it's important to remember that hype is just hype, and as for X-MEN 2, well, it's good but not that good. In fact, my very good friend, John Puccio, made a perfect quote from his recent review of ANALYZE THAT, that would best suit this film -- It's like a cloudy day that never rains. I just love that quote, and when John gets to see this film I hope he uses that quotation again! To me, Tim Raynor, it's very important what, John Puccio, thinks of movies, he's the man! As for my friend, Al Frankin, well, I'll deal with him later!
Rating 5/10
In this installment the X-MEN are in really big trouble! What else would you expect from a super hero film? The plot line is the typical good guy vs. bad guy routine, along with some eye candy, and the usual predictable action. Many reviews I've read on this film make mention that, at times, the action is just too nonstop and overdone. I really don't know what they were talking about? Sure, there was plenty of action, but I have to admit I've seen better. I found the entire pace of the film to be so ridiculously predictable that it took out the fun of any surprises that might occur. The one scene that had me rolling my eyes is when a few cops arrive to round up some of our heroes. The cops, of course, play the usual morons as a new character, Pyro, sets flame to everything aiding our heroes into a daring escape . . . yawn. As with the first film, the characters are dark and mysterious, and that, of course, transcends into the theme of the movie. And what is the deal with Wolverines hair? I know the guy is supposed to look rugged and animal like, but the hair looks ridiculous. Maybe it's just I, Tim Raynor, but I find I don't have a high tolerance for a lot of cheese in my movies. I realize it's based off a comic book series, and I should just accept the corney performances, but let me point out that I've never really been a comic book fan. Even as a kid I never had much interest in collecting the Marvel or D.C. comics. I have, however, seen just about every film that they have based off the comic books. In my, Tim Raynor's, opinion there have been better films based off these magazine stand characters. There is just something about the X-MEN that I find dull and uninteresting. In fact, I didn't find this film to offer anything new and original from its first installment. To me, it was just more of the same material with a new villain, and some returning villains I saw in the first film.
On the positive end of things, the film is entertaining as a typical mainstream popcorn treat. It does have its moments of a few good laughs, and there are a few good effects. Other then that there's nothing spectacular that I haven't already seen in previous films. I do enjoy films that play a dark theme, and X-MEN 2 certainly gives the audience that kind of feel, but simultaneously it's tarnished by comic book cheese. I'm sure many of you may wonder why me, Tim Raynor, would bother to see this film since I'm not a huge comic book fan? The truth be known, I love movies! I figured with all the hype that this film would be spectacular, and I hate missing a great film on the big screen. Nevertheless, if this is your type of movie, then you're sure to be entertained. As for me, Tim Raynor, I like a little more realistic feel in my films, such as Unbreakable. Even as silly as last summers SPIDER-MAN was, I found that film far more entertaining and it at least felt more redeeming in the end. Anyway, it's important to remember that hype is just hype, and as for X-MEN 2, well, it's good but not that good. In fact, my very good friend, John Puccio, made a perfect quote from his recent review of ANALYZE THAT, that would best suit this film -- It's like a cloudy day that never rains. I just love that quote, and when John gets to see this film I hope he uses that quotation again! To me, Tim Raynor, it's very important what, John Puccio, thinks of movies, he's the man! As for my friend, Al Frankin, well, I'll deal with him later!
Rating 5/10
Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
July 2002
July 2002
You've got to be kidding me...
1. That whole I, Tim Raynor was very annoying....
2. You said so yourself, you aren't a comic book fan. So the way I, DrunkenMonkey2k2, see it, you shouldn't be posting such a harsh review. If at all.
3. X2 is a very exciting and well done movie. As Bryan Singer put it, it's the Empire Strikes Back for X-Men. It has a lot of action and a good story. The crossover from comic to movie is VERY WELL DONE. This coming from a TRUE fan of the comics.
4. This isn't supposed to be a Masterpiece of Modern Cinema, it's simply a fun movie to see, and something for fans of the comics. Sorry if it didn't please your holiness...
I've never understood critics. It's all a matter of opinion (yes I realize not everyone will agree with me either). Had you read the comics and THEN critiqued the movie, then I wouldn't be writing this. But it seems to me you really weren't fair with it. I just hope maybe you'll keep this in mind in the future (*The Hulk).
Oh and for the X2 DVD, please don't write the review for that [:)]
1. That whole I, Tim Raynor was very annoying....
2. You said so yourself, you aren't a comic book fan. So the way I, DrunkenMonkey2k2, see it, you shouldn't be posting such a harsh review. If at all.
3. X2 is a very exciting and well done movie. As Bryan Singer put it, it's the Empire Strikes Back for X-Men. It has a lot of action and a good story. The crossover from comic to movie is VERY WELL DONE. This coming from a TRUE fan of the comics.
4. This isn't supposed to be a Masterpiece of Modern Cinema, it's simply a fun movie to see, and something for fans of the comics. Sorry if it didn't please your holiness...
I've never understood critics. It's all a matter of opinion (yes I realize not everyone will agree with me either). Had you read the comics and THEN critiqued the movie, then I wouldn't be writing this. But it seems to me you really weren't fair with it. I just hope maybe you'll keep this in mind in the future (*The Hulk).
Oh and for the X2 DVD, please don't write the review for that [:)]
Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
July 2002
July 2002
hehe, glad to be of service :P
Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
February 2002
February 2002
I liked X2 a lot as I did with the first. It is a great summer action flick with very well done effects that are not done for the sake of showing off but because they are needed in the story.
However I felt that it was a bit to long and the length of the first was better.
However I felt that it was a bit to long and the length of the first was better.
Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
March 2002
March 2002
Monkey, the function of the critic is to steer readers to quality fare, no matter the creative form (movies, music, books, etc.). We happen to watch at least 4 movies a week, and our tolerance for garbage is pretty low. While I enjoyed 'X2' much more than Tim did, I agree with Henning that the movie was too long. Therefore, I can see why Tim would be so dissatisfied with the movie.
Yes, it's true that movies like 'X2' aren't meant to accomplish much, but just because something settles for mediocrity (like Adam Sandler) doesn't mean that it's okay to be mediocre. (n)
Yes, it's true that movies like 'X2' aren't meant to accomplish much, but just because something settles for mediocrity (like Adam Sandler) doesn't mean that it's okay to be mediocre. (n)
Monday, May 12, 2003
Member since:
March 2002
March 2002
Actually, DrunkenMonkeys response had me cracking up! Hell, I'm just happy to get a response.
The whole, I Tim Raynor thing, is just an old rehased joke from Saturday Night Live. I did it as a joke and nothing else. On SNL they used to have this guy named, Al Frankin, who would do commentaries on the news skit. Sometime he even did movie reviews and he would constantly brag about how he, Al Frankin, felt. It was rather funny because nobody knew who the guy was, nor were you supposed to care. It's all meant in good humor and nothing else.
One thing you should understand about me, Monkey, is joke around quite a bit. I don't take very much in life serious, and you can even ask Eddie about that. No matter though, that's just me and that's the way I like to do things. Your opinion is well appreciated, and thanks.
[:)]
The whole, I Tim Raynor thing, is just an old rehased joke from Saturday Night Live. I did it as a joke and nothing else. On SNL they used to have this guy named, Al Frankin, who would do commentaries on the news skit. Sometime he even did movie reviews and he would constantly brag about how he, Al Frankin, felt. It was rather funny because nobody knew who the guy was, nor were you supposed to care. It's all meant in good humor and nothing else.
One thing you should understand about me, Monkey, is joke around quite a bit. I don't take very much in life serious, and you can even ask Eddie about that. No matter though, that's just me and that's the way I like to do things. Your opinion is well appreciated, and thanks.
[:)]
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Member since:
March 2002
March 2002
Agreed. Predator, you chose a very asinine and limited approach to thinking about cinema.
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Member since:
June 2003
June 2003
Last time I checked, you didn't have to be a fan to get into the movie, and they weren't turning away money from people who had never read a comic book. By your rational, only boxing fans could review Rocky... only vets or war historians could review Saving Private Ryan or Patton... Give me a break. This is NOT a comic book, it's a movie. If you want the comic book, go read it.
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Member since:
October 2002
October 2002
People who are not comic book fans should not be reviewing this movie.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Member since:
March 2002
March 2002
That's definitely a terrible way to think about film. Besides, where is your review of this movie, Mr. Comic Book Fan? Let's see what an "expert" opinion looks like.:p
