X2 Director: Bryan Singer Screenplay: Michael Dougherty/Dan Harris Staring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Alan Cumming, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, James Marsden, Kelly Hu, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford, Katie Stuart, Cotter Smith, Bruce Davison Bryan Singer's X-Men was the quintessential comic book hero movie, which I thoroughly enjoyed. He created an environment of substance and depth. He intricately designed a world that we, as viewers, wanted to return which leads us to X2. Not only did Singer make this installment longer it is just as good, if not better, and we are glad to spend the extra time in the theatre. In the not too distant future there is a new breed of "mutant humans" known as X-men who exhibit extra powers. The majority of the population is terrified of them. Professor Xavier (Stewart), heads up an institute of learning and works with the X-men to contain and control their powers. His only hope is that humanity will learn to live together in peace, while Erik "Magneto" Lehnsherr (McKellen) mentors the more deviant of the X-men and wants mutants to rule the planet. In X2 these nemeses are forced to unite to save mutant-kind from another threat in the shape of the shady government man Stryker (Cox). The original cast of X-men return, as well as a few new students (Ashmore's Iceman and Stanford's Pyro) with a few intriguing strangers (Cumming's Nightcrawler and Hu's Yuriko). The top performances include Jackman's outstanding role where his talent shines and his charisma keeps us coming back. While both Janssen' Jane Grey and Romijn-Stamos' Mystique show us their abilities as they take on larger roles. The story, while quite good, is not always easy to follow. It is filled with hilarious comments, asides and unexpected moments of emotional resonance. In several instances it examines issues in our society without knocking us over the head. Alan Cumming is superb in his role, which continues to surprise and intrigue while Ashmore and Stanford set their characters up for X3. From the massive set pieces to the intricate details Singer takes us to another level in this must see blockbuster sequel.