X-Men (2000)

Mutation: it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, and normally taking thousands and thousands of years. But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward. 

X-Men, based on the comic books created in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, like many projects in Hollywood, moved around from studio to studio until it landed at Fox and in the lap of producer Lauren Schuler Donner. It turned out that her young assistant would make waves on this production, and end up becoming the most powerful name in superhero cinema.... but more on him another time.

We have a lot to thank X-Men for. Despite being a team of super-powered mutants, X-Men's grounded style, deep roots in real life civil rights history and a real historical setting mean it remains relatable and focused on real marginalised groups, discrimination, ostracization and the fear of the unknown, unlike other superhero movies. It remains surprisingly relevant twenty years after release, which calls to the strength of Stan Lee's creations.

Other better X-Men movies came and went (and arguably some worse ones!) and then other better Marvel movies arrived and took the X-Men's crown, and while X-Men will forever be tarnished due to the serious allegations made towards its director, its legacy in not just superhero cinema, but arguable modern cinema, remains unrivalled. 

Simply put.... X-Men was a game-changer and in that regard it's x-ceptional.

I would love to hear your thoughts on X-Men!

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Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song

Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe Facebook

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