Arts & Entertainment>Movies
from the October 06, 2006 edition

New on DVD: 'X-Men: The Last Stand'


X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13)

The X-Men, a species of superhumans with a mutant gene, have developed powers such as the ability to sprout wings, walk through walls, and trounce Superman at the box office. But one thing they can't do is warm our hearts. At least not in the saga's third episode, frenetically directed by series newcomer Brett Ratner. There are now so many characters - including Kelsey Grammer's Beast, resembling a Neanderthal in Blue Man Group makeup - that there's no room for focusing on individual superheroes as the X-Men team races to isolate a "cure" that can neutralize the mutant gene. "X-Men: The Last Stand" lacks the resonance of the previous two films but, fortunately, the feral charms of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine go a long way. Grade: B

P.S. Be sure to watch the end credits!

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