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X3: Have the Fans Been Treated or Cheated?

by Jason Tayros
(with many thanks to Jackson Chun)

WARNING! If you haven’t yet seen X3, I highly recommend you NOT read this article. There are SPOILERS contained within.

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In weeks past, I’ve heard X-Men fans both trash and praise X-Men: The Last Stand (or what I and many fans choose to call “X3”). I have read and heard good points for both sides of the “Did you like it?” fence. I’ve listed below the major story threads in hopes of helping other fans dissect the movie and help them better decide if they like the movie or not.

The “Cure" Controversy

The “Cure” controversy serves as X3’s main story thread. The wealthy and industrious Warren Worthington II finds a way to harness the mutant-power canceling abilities of a mutant boy named Jimmy (code-named “Leech”). Worthington II uses his knowledge to develop a substance dubbed a “cure”. On one side of this controversy stands Xavier’s camp of mutants who wish to retain peace. Magneto, on the other hand, rallies mutant troops to search out and kill Jimmy to keep humans from imposing their “cure” on mutants.

In this, were the fans treated or cheated? Personally, I found this storyline fascinating. Some may say this was an interpretation of the “Legacy Virus” storyline in the X-related titles. Having not read most of the Legacy Virus arc, I can’t be an accurate judge. However, for what the movie-contained story was, I would say it was, for the most part, well executed. Such elements as the military preparing against Magneto with plastic weaponry and equipment (and the introduction of “cure” guns) made for some interesting scenes. I applaud the production designers for developing convincing props (the cure darts, their cartridges and their guns) toward that end.

However, one question I posed to friends was, why did Magneto have to move the entire Golden Gate Bridge over to Alcatraz? Couldn’t he have just transported his small army to the island on, say, a short section of the bridge? Some may argue that it was for the mere spectacle of seeing him prove that he could do it. A friend told me Magneto recently did this in the comics. This same friend of mine (Thanks, Jackson) posited that he might have done so to bring along all those cars as ammunition. Magneto and Pyro certainly used them later.

The Primary Love Triangle and Professor Xavier’s Mission to Help Jean

I’m bunching these 2 sub-plots together since they are so closely intertwined. Jean Grey’s alter ego, the Phoenix (or, as comic fans would probably call this manifestation of hers, the DARK Phoenix) supposedly KILLS her boyfriend / lover Scott Summers very early on in the film. Professor X attempts to aid Jean in regaining control of her (Dark) Phoenix persona and, therefore, the upper limits of her powers. Jean fails to

control the (Dark) Phoenix and it kills Professor X. Ultimately, Logan/Wolverine kills Jean Grey to stop the (Dark) Phoenix.

So, in this, were the fans treated or cheated? I would argue for both. I am glad the movie addressed both Scott and Logan’s love for Jean. As a Cyclops fan, though, I was disappointed that Jean killed him. For the purpose of the story, however, I suppose this was justified. I hear that Logan killing Jean mirrors a recent X-comic storyline. However, I must ask, “Why did they use Jimmy/Leech against Juggernaut and the cure on Magneto, allowing them to live, but opt to KILL Jean Grey?” I tend to think there were other ways to reel in Dark Phoenix without having to end Jean Grey’s life.

Furthermore, I felt cheated that we did NOT get to see the signature Phoenix firebird. I think the Alcatraz scene where Dark Phoenix lets loose would have been the PERFECT time for the filmmakers to finally show the aspect of the Phoenix (that X-Men comic book fans have known her for) for years. Feel cheated? Yes, I do. And, I’m sure many other fans out there do, too.[After all, X2 introduced us to fiery imagery around Jean (AND the huge firebird in Alkali Lake), thus whetting our appetite.] I would have EASILY traded in the whole bridge re-routing spectacle for the chance to see Phoenix’s majestic (but horrifying?) firebird.

Ultimately, though, I feel we were treated to 2 great themes: Xavier’s warning to Jean, “Control your powers, don’t let them control you” and both Scott’s and Logan’s undying love for Jean. Sadly, both Scott and Jean did not survive this story arc. Or did they? I’ll save that for later.

The Rogue / IceMan / ShadowCat Love Triangle

Okay, rumors ran rampant about there being a love triangle between Marie (Rogue) and Bobby (Iceman) with Kitty (ShadowCat) as the 3rd side possibly sparking chemistry between herself and Bobby. Ultimately, nothing tangible beyond friendship happened between Bobby and Kitty. [So, can we truly call it a LOVE triangle?] However, Rogue DOES volunteer to take the "cure" and be rid of her mutant powers. At the end of the movie, the interaction between Bobby and Marie seems to indicate that they are still a couple.

Treated or cheated? If you ask me, ultimately treated. The theme of Marie/Rogue’s struggle with coming to terms with her powers comes to a head in this movie. Still, one could argue that Marie STILL would have gone to rid herself of her powers even IF Kitty had not gotten so close to Bobby (or Bobby to Kitty, depending on how you look at it). Some Rogue fans may feel cheated and be angry at Marie for giving up her powers. However, I think if her fans truly think about it and accept Marie/Rogue as a real person, I think the majority (if not everyone) will come to the conclusion that doing so was a *realistic* choice and consistent with the character we have come to know in the past 2 films. If there ever IS an X4 (even though current rumors denounce this), it will be interesting to see how Marie/Rogue adjusts to being without her mutant powers and if her mutant schoolmates and friends will be able to accept her in her new state.

As a big fan of Colossus (my favorite X-Man), however, I must admit to feeling cheated that it was not he that had a romantic relationship with Kitty Pryde. Pete/Colossus and Kitty/ShadowCat sustained a fairly long-running relationship in the comics (at least, they did in the 1980s) and this X-Men fan in particular was hoping to see that manifest itself in X3. However, looking on the bright side, I’m glad Peter/Colossus was in X3 at all and that he (at least) had a slightly bigger part in this film than he did in X2.

To be fair, I think fans of all the characters have had to forgive (or if they choose to, NOT forgive) inconsistencies between the movie-version portrayals of characters / situations / timelines and the comics. However, I’m guessing that those who are willing to forgive inconsistencies in the first 2 films are inclined to forgive certain inconsistencies in this 3rd outing.

As far as I can tell, the above presents the major themes and storylines woven together in X3. However, there are a few quick points that may merit some thought:

1) Bobby/IceMan finally “iced-up” full-body. Were fans treated or cheated? I’d say treated ‘cause I’m guessing many were waiting to see this (as was I). We were cheated of an ice-slide scene, though. But I prefer to count my blessings.

2) Marie/Rogue wasn’t in the movie much. Since I’ve liked Anna Paquin’s performances in the first 2 movies, I’d say we were cheated. However, the story didn’t require her to be on screen for most of the movie so I guess her absence was justified. Now, there was a hint at the end of X3 that the "cure" may NOT be as permanent as previously thought. Still, as long as the X-Men don't know that Rogue's powers might return, will they still allow Marie to study at Xavier's school?

3) Warren Worthington III/Angel wasn’t in the movie much at all. I’d say, we were treated, not cheated. Why? I’d say his character could have EASILY been cut out of the entire movie. So, including him at all was a treat. However, since he WAS in the movie, I think we were cheated out of him being a bigger part of the Last Stand battle. So he saved his Dad from a fatal fall and that was it? Same goes for Colossus. I wish we could have seen him kick more butt in that battle. In fact, I'd think fans would have appreciated seeing ALL of the X-Men for a longer duration in the Last Stand battle. For what it was, though, I think it was still an enjoyable battle to watch.

Here’s hoping that, if there IS an X4, we’ll get to see Angel become more ingratiated into the team.

4) Kurt/Nightcrawler was missing. I hear the most recent official X-Men game gives some back story on why Kurt isn’t around for this movie. I also heard that the filmmakers didn’t want to have 2 blue-furred characters in this movie as to not confuse the audience (3 if we count Mystique?). Either way, I missed Nightcrawler but I’m hoping he’ll be back in X4.

5) Jimmy/Leech's powers worked on Juggernaut. I noticed this one, too, even before my fellow comic book fans pointed it out to me. Juggernaut's powers are not mutant powers. Sorcery provides Juggernaut with his unstopability (yeah, I guess I made that word up) through the "ruby of Cyttorak". So I was a bit disturbed at first when Leech's powers caused Juggie to knock himself out by striking head-first at a wall. Sure, I know this was inconsistent with the comics by definition. However, I just let it go in my mind and was better able to enjoy the action scene. So cheated AND treated.

6) The Danger Room FINALLY makes an appearance in an X-Men movie. TREATED.

7) Colossus and Wolverine execute a fan favorite move: The Fast-Ball Special. TREATED. [And someone, in this case, Wolverine, actually addresses Peter by his code-name, Colossus as they are leaving the Danger Room!]

8) A Sentinel finally appears in an X-Men movie. TREATED! However, we only see its silhouette, its headlight-like eyes and its head. CHEATED! And, in my opinion at least, I thought the design of the Sentinel head was HORRIBLE! [So, cheated.] I was really disappointed. I had seen the production sketch of the Sentinel on one of the X-Men DVDs (maybe 1.5?). I thought that sketch was awesome. However, the head in X3 looked nothing like that nor the classic designs from the comics. It's a shame.

9) There was no Storm and Wolverine romance like the rumors were stating. I think we were neither cheated nor treated by this since it wouldn't have fit into the story as we saw it, anyway.

10) Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast? Definitely TREATED! I mean, come on, he even said "Oh, my stars and garters"! I mean, if that's not a respectful nod to the comicbook fans (especially the Avengers readers), I don't know what is!

11) Psylocke? Treated and cheated but mostly cheated. Mei Melancon is good looking. No doubt. But Psylocke/Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock is an Englishwoman. [At least, before she was turned into an Asian-looking ninja.] Were her powers consistent? Hardly.

12) Callisto? Played by Dania Ramirez. Treated. Were her powers consistent? No. Cheated.

13) Arclight? Played by Omahyra Mota (and a character from the team of X-Villains I love to hate, the Marauders!). Looks nothing like the gal in the comics. Cheated. Powers? Still cheated to a degree. Since when can Arclight focus her powers so well? She took out the "cure" guns seemingly without harming the soldiers holding them. What the.....? Cheated.

11) And last but not least, did Scott, Professor Xavier and Jean all truly die in the flick or not? Well, the bonus scene AFTER the credits certainly hints that Xavier is not necessarily dead. I must say, however, that I've always had a problem with comic books cheapening death. How do they do this? Simple. They always seem to bring back characters that were once dead. Gwen Stacy, in the Spider-Man comics is one great exception. Perhaps Karen Page in the Daredevil comics, as well. But characters like Superman, Hal Jordan (Green Lantern), Jean Grey/the Phoenix, even my favorite X-Man Colossus have all died and, probably to no one's surprise, have all come back. Sure, I HATE it when one of my favorite characters gets killed off in comics. I mourned Colossus's death when he died in the comics. However, when comics bring people back, it's just a painful, embarrassing reminder that it's all FICTION and that comic book companies are making their books to make money. Sure, money makes the world go round, but please don't let it cheapen death! I respect the powers-that-be for keeping Gwen Stacy dead. I respect them for keeping Karen Page dead. However, you just KNOW that they'll bring Professor Xavier back. They'll most likely bring Scott Summers back. And, heck, they already brought Famke Jansen's Jean Grey back once. I don't think it's a stretch to believe that they just might do it again. Don't get me wrong. I love all 3 of those characters. [Okay, I'll confess. My eyes actually got watery when Prof. X died. I didn't wipe away the tears until a couple of scenes later. With so many fellow guys in the audience, I had to try to save face by not giving away that I was crying.] I just hope that the X-Men movies will not go the way of comics by cheapening death. This has just got to stop. Otherwise, it will become a farce. Like South Park. "Oh, my God! They killed Jean!", only to have Jean show up in next week's episode. Uh, I mean, the next feature film.

In conclusion (finally), I'll say that, sure, some fans will hate X3. Some fans will love it. Some fans will fall somewhere in between. However, whether or not you were treated or cheated is up to your perspective. With all the horror stories I've heard about Hollywood's "development hell" and what many scripts or projects go through, I've learned that it's a miracle that most films get made, good or bad. So, I choose to look at X3 as the glass (at least) half full. Ultimately, I say I was treated. Wolverine spin-off flick? Okay. I'm there. Magneto spin-off picture? Uh, sure. Why not. X-Men 4 sometime soon down the road? I certainly hope so. Or, to give the X-Men encyclopedia of great, interesting characters (both benevolent and malevolent) their due, perhaps a live-action TV series is in order. Some say such a series would cost too much for effects. But hey, if Lucas plans to do so for Star Wars, why can't Fox do so for the X-Men? My prediction? X-Men weekly ratings: through the roof!

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