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datapad
Saturday, May 21, 2005
i've just watched x-men 2! for the dunnowad time alrd... but it's still one of my favourite shows so far... so i think it's really quite fitting to post this review that i've just found on the net: "X2: X-Men United" Mutation and Secularization By David Condo Despite the lack of serious intellectual stimulation that standard Hollywood cinema tends to offer, the anticipated blockbusters for this Summer have some surprisingly complex themes interwoven between the action, comedy, and special effects. In Matrix Reloaded, we are treated to the mythological and philosophical ideas of fate, destiny, the nature of reality, and the promise of a savior; even creationism gets a plug - we get to meet the "Architect" of the Matrix. In the comedy Bruce Almighty, we get to see what happens to a skeptic (Jim Carrey) who doubts and curses God - God appears before him as Morgan Freeman and grants him absolute power! Even in the special effects extravaganza Hulk there are underlying issues about scientific ethics and humanity that are central to the character's development. Unexpected depth was also found in the summer's kickoff event: X2: X-Men United. This film deals with the adventures of mutants: individuals "in the not too distant future" who have extraordinary gifts and powers - with both beneficial and dangerous potential. Whether marketed by the story as "good" or "evil", all mutants are struggling to survive in a world in which they are misunderstood and feared by the rest of humanity. It is this persecution and how different mutants choose to deal with it that creates the drama and action which has captivate comic book fans for decades and which made an impressive transition to the big screen with the first X-Men film in 2000. The first film dealt with a government plan to force all mutants into registration of their identities and abilities (with the implications of eventual isolation and imprisonment). X2 showcases mutants joining forces to oppose a National Security Director who wishes to abuse his government position and destroy the entire mutant race. There is drama, there is triumph, there is tragedy - but most of all, there is relevance. Being an atheist, I resonated with several aspects of this movie. The distaste and distrust shown towards the mutants are indicative of many modern attitudes towards whomever is different (whether their anomaly is a mutant power or just a skeptical mind). The mutant persecution parallels that of the secular community: it brings them together, although many want to stay hidden. It unites them towards liberation and equality - but they disagree among themselves on how to achieve these goals. The film also does a good job showing how the "normal" majority tends to demonize and dehumanize what they fear instead of trying to face and understand it. Citizens refer to the "mutant problem" and label all mutants as the same in the impersonal manner needed to deny them of their individuality and their humanity. It is a lesson which unfortunately has ample historical precedent and one with which a variety or persecuted minorities can identify. In one particular scene, a young man tells his parents that he is a mutant, only to have them respond, "We still love you (in spite of this problem)" and "It's all my fault". It's a telling seen for anybody who has "come out", and the filmmakers don't pull many punches in showing the grief and tragedy that can come from stubborn, uninformed rejection. The movie also promotes evolution, describing it as a very long process responsible for the development of all life on Earth. In addition, it promotes scientific inquiry, heroic but ethical resistance to tyranny, and a tolerance and appreciation for diversity. Ironically, some of the most "humanist" individuals in this film are the mutants. The only annoyance of X2 was its equally enthusiastic promotion of religion. One of the new mutants - the otherwise likeable "Nightcrawler" - is very religious, and in several scenes he preaches about the virtues of faith or the angelic signs tattooed on his body. Worse yet, the film does nothing to suggest that this preaching is anything but completely credible. Yes, the film certainly can have both secular and religious mutants, but focusing on a life-sized crucifix in one scene is a bit much. I was most irritated when, during a major dramatic, emotional moment, Nightcrawler starts reciting bible verses - and the other characters do nothing about it. It was the perfect time for somebody to use their mutant powers to shut that guy up, but there were no takers. Overall, however, it was a great movie - very fun, with fantastic action and special effects, and with a storyline and dialogue that is enjoyable for adults and kids. It was one of the few times I have been in a theater where adults have been cheering in the aisles time and again for the heroes. Whether you see it on the big screen or on video, the X-Men movies are good for a lot of entertainment and a little insight on what it's like being different. |
