I sincerely apologize for the delay in this blog feature. In honor of the release of “Wolverine,” today I will take a look back at the the previous “X-Men” films.

“X-Men”- The first major Marvel comic adaptation. Although “Blade” technically came before it, “X-Men” gets more credit for launching the Marvel film universe and creating a special place for it in pop culture. As an action spectacle, “X-Men” is actually pretty weak, though. Exciting action set pieces are too few and far between. The film’s production design on the other hand is arresting and perfectly captures the spirit of the comic books. Even more impressive are the film’s charismatic, soulful performances. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Patrick Stewart (Professor X) in particular breathe real life into their characters, thus evoking our sympathy. Director Bryan Singer (“The Usual Suspects”) also brings genuine human drama to this film which is refreshing because a film like “X-Men” could easily be just another cold, calculating, mindless summer action movie. Singer the racial themes regarding the mutant characters that made the comics so powerful and stays loyal to the main conflict and most important question of the comics: Why do mutants fight to protect people that hate them? Grade: B

“X2: X-Men United”- Singer brings the theme of prejudice to a new, incendiary level with this film (one of the few sequels that surpasses the original). The original X-Men comics (tales of mutants and the world that hated them) were an allegory for the turbulent 60s and Civil Rights Movement. Singer makes “X2” relevant by turning it into a gay parable  and using the conflicts the mutant characters encounter to comment on the treatment of homosexuals today. This is evident in the film’s most powerful scene involving a teenager revealing himself or “coming out” as a mutant . His parents simply say, “Have you ever tried not being a mutant?” The film then turns into an intelligent and provocative discussion of genetics vs. choice as it relates to a person’s identity, showing just how socially and politically aware “X-Men” stories are. Politically in the sense of the government official characters working to interfere in the protagonists’ rights and choices as mutants (Sound like Prop 8 to anyone else?) Viewers can peel away new layers of relevance each and every time they watch this film. Don’t worry, though, action fans, viewers can have fun too. Grade: A-

“X-Men: The Last Stand”- The plot device of the “mutant antidote” is interesting, but otherwise this is a very lousy film. With new, shallow direction from Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) and simple rehashing of the themes of the original films, this movie is an unfortunate waste of time. Grade: C

Coming Soon:

Reviews of— The “Spider-Man” films, “The Punisher,” and “Sin City.”