At The Movies

X-Men (2000), PG-13, 1 hr 44 min Franchise: X-Men Series Franchise Position: #1 Studio: 20th Century Fox / Marvel Entertainment Tagline: Evolution Begins. --- Trailer --- Cast List Hugh Jackman – Logan / Wolverine Patrick Stewart – Professor Charles Xavier Ian McKellen – Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto Famke Janssen – Jean Grey James Marsden – Scott Summers / Cyclops Halle Berry – Ororo Munroe / Storm Anna Paquin – Marie / Rogue Rebecca Romijn – Raven Darkholme / Mystique Bruce Davison – Senator Robert Kelly Tyler Mane – Victor Creed / Sabretooth Ray Park – Toad Shawn Ashmore – John (cameo as Iceman) Stan Lee – Hot Dog Vendor (cameo) --- Reviews My Rating: 8/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Family Approved IMDb : 7.4/10  Rotten Tomatoes: 82%  Metacritic : 64/100  --- Plot Summary In a world where mutants — humans born with extraordinary powers — are feared and misunderstood, Professor Charles Xavier leads a team called the X-Men to protect both mutants and humans alike. Their effort...

Critical Overview Smallville tells the origin story of Clark Kent before he becomes Superman, beginning in high school and spanning into his early adult years. The series explores Clark’s internal struggles with identity, power, responsibility, and morality while maintaining the drama of everyday life in the small Kansas town of Smallville. What Smallville does best is humanizing Superman. By delaying his iconic cape and flight until later seasons, it gives room for a deep character study of Clark Kent as a conflicted young man who slowly matures into Earth’s protector. The show also cleverly weaves in future Justice League members and famous DC characters like Green Arrow, Aquaman, and even a young Lex Luthor—portrayed brilliantly by Michael Rosenbaum. However, the show has its flaws. It often drifts into repetitive “villain-of-the-week” formulas, particularly in early seasons, and stretches some storylines too thin. The tone also shifts—sometimes inconsistently—from teenage drama to ...