X Men: The Last Stand, the third film in the franchise, is altogether different from it's predecessors. It's also more shocking, despatching established characters from the offset so you're left with the feeling that anyone could be next.

 

The action is fast and furious and well handled: stand out sequences including a glimpse into the Danger Room, Magneto's attack on a government prison convoy, the final showdown. .  .

However, this seems all to be at the expense of characterisation, which is a great shame (it being the strong point of the earlier films). New characters are introduced so swiftly I was left not knowing their name or with no good idea of their powers. I spent most of the film trying to work out if one of Magneto's new Goth mutants was a man or woman (I'm still not clear on this!)

 

High points: Amazing action sequences, shocking twists, The Phoenix kicking ass, fanboy nods, Wolverine in general

 

Low points: Not much character development. Not as good as the previous two films.

 

X Men: The Last Stand (7/10)  Exciting action sequences at the expense of characterisation