In the third and final X-Men film (the clue is in the title) war finally breaks out between man and mutant as a cure for the 'superhero' gene is discovered by the government.  Magneto is building an army to defend and ultimately take-over the human onslaught, while the X-Men try to make him see reason and simoultaneously deal with the return of Jean Grey, who has awakened her full psychic talent to devastating effect.

Director Bryan Singer stepped down from this project to make the upcoming Superman Returns, leaving first Layer Cake's Matthew Vaughn at the helm, then finally Brett 'Rush Hour' Ratner.  The fans were not impressed (let's just say the word 'hack' was used frequently), but even the most cynical fan admitted the first trailer rocked, and if nothing else Ratner had certainly delivered on spectacle.  The finished film is indeed spectacular (Jean Grey's house being destoyed is a stand-out, as is Magneto's attack on the Golden Gate Bridge), but Singer's talent working with actors is sorely missed as Ratner jumps from action scene to action scene with barely a breath to spare.  This isn't neccesarily a bad thing in a summer blockbuster, but on reflection you wish the film was longer and had more intimate scenes.  Too much Bang Bang and not enough Kiss Kiss, then.

Talking of kissing: Iceman and Rogue have become frustrated they can't get closer because of Rogue's powers, and she is worried Bobby will leave her for Kittie Pride, who can walk through walls (always a handy power to have when you need to break into a high-tech lab during the third act).  Suddenly the government's cure sounds like a good idea.  So is it better to just be yourself, or change to fit in with the rest of society?  Such are the universal themes that can be interpreted in any form, be it race, age or sexuality that have made X-Men so popular from the beginning.

A swarm of new characters are introduced (Angel, Juggernaut) but aren't given much room to shine.  The most interesting casting though is Kelsey Grammar as Beast - a large blue furry thing in a suit who works in The White House for the good of mutant-human relations.  It's hard to comprehend Frasier Crane jumping about kicking ass, but you have to admit he's perfect in the role.  Again, there are so many great characters that could be tapped in any number of sequels that just three films seems a missed opportunity.  Still, if this is the end of a trilogy it's a damn good one, packed to the gills with great special effects (Sentinels at last!) and fine actors who get to say silly dialogue in leather suits.  Genius.