X-Men (2000): Mutants, Metaphors, and Leather Suits 🧬🖤

Released in 2000 and directed by Bryan Singer, X-Men marked the beginning of a new era for superhero films—moody, serious, and dressed entirely in black leather. With a cast that included Hugh Jackman (in his breakout role as Wolverine), Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and Halle Berry as Storm, this film kicked off the mutant saga with claws out and powers flaring.

Plot Summary
In a world where mutants are feared and discriminated against, two ideologically opposed leaders emerge: Professor Charles Xavier, who dreams of peaceful coexistence with humans, and Magneto, who believes war is inevitable. Enter Logan (aka Wolverine), a rugged, memory-wiped loner with claws of adamantium, and Rogue, a teenager whose touch is lethal. As Magneto plots to use a device to turn world leaders into mutants (yikes), the X-Men must come together to stop him.

Performances & Direction
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is the star of the show—gruff, sarcastic, and just vulnerable enough to win our hearts. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen bring Shakespearean gravitas to their mutant chess match, turning what could have been a comic book conflict into a philosophical debate. The rest of the team—Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm—get less to do, but they look cool doing it. Bryan Singer directs with a grounded tone, stripping the camp and aiming for realism (hence, the “what would you prefer, yellow spandex?” line).

My Review
What makes X-Men more than just a superhero flick is the heart underneath all the mutant metaphors. It’s a story about otherness, prejudice, and the age-old question: fight back or try to bridge the divide? The film uses mutant powers as stand-ins for real-world discrimination, and while it doesn’t always go deep, it plants the seeds for more thoughtful stories later on.

Also, let’s not pretend—this movie paved the way for the Marvel boom. Before Iron Man, before The Avengers, there was this gritty little film with metal claws and meaningful stares. It may be a bit dated now, but it still holds up as the beginning of something big. 🧠⚡