Benjamin's Stash: Video Pick of the Week

      Hello, readers. The Wolverine opens up everywhere later this week, so this week's recommended viewing pick will be devoted to a Hugh Jackman film out of my collection. I'll give you a hint. It's not Deception.

      Those of you that have either read the Marvel Comics or, like me, watched the animated TV series already have at least a decent bit of knowledge beforehand about X-Men. The film begins with Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) attempting to pass the "Mutant Registration Act" through Congress. This act would force all mutants to publicly reveal their identities and abilities. Present at this legislation hearing are Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Erik Lehnsherr aka Magneto (Ian McKellen). Both Charles and Erik, while differing on whether humans and mutants can coexist, have a history together, even as friends at one point. Professor Xavier leads a school of skilled mutants called X-Men, a peacekeeping force setup to safeguard the world against a race of genetically mutated humans known as Homo Sapiens Superior. They include Dr. Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), Scott Summers aka Cyclops (James Marsden) and Ororo Munroe aka Storm (Halle Berry). However, Magneto has also begun to organize a team of his to strike first against what he believes to be a threat from humanity. When he kidnaps Marie aka Rogue (Anna Paquin) from the X-Men's compound, Xavier and his forces must rescue her. On top of that, they also continue to vie with Magneto for the fearsomely strong mutant battler Logan aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). 

      While I never read much of the X-Men comics, as a kid - like I stated above - I did watch the cartoon series, so I had a general idea of what to expect. Not that knowing very little if any would have any negative effect on your viewing experience. Director Bryan Singer and writer David Hayter do a great job of balancing the story and characters with action packed moments. The key aspect about this film that I loved is the moral ambiguity of the characters. It's not black and white, "good guys vs. the bad guys". Logan's a stubborn dickhead and Rogue's a bit moody. Then again, you kinda forgive her. You would too probably if your first kiss put the guy you were with into a coma. On the flip side is the central villain Magneto. He's cold and diabolical, yet there's a reason for why he completely distrusts anyone that isn't a mutant. On top of that, his backstory, along with his complicated relationship with Charles Xavier, is what really adds a layer of empathy to his character. While some of the mutant characters such as Storm aren't as well developed as others like Logan and Rogue, and the villains Toad and Sabretooth aren't as interesting as Magneto or Mystique, this is still an entertaining comic book film. My favorite of the series is still X2: X-Men United, but X-Men is still a solidly entertaining first edition that won't disappoint.