X-Men

There has been another stage of evolution. Mankind has begun to mutate: babies are born who can create ice, control fire, pass through solid objects and literally walk on water.

The reaction of average humans to this is naturally cautious, fearing that these "special skills" might disadvantage us normal folk. In the midst of all the hoohah over mutants, emerges Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick "Picard" Stewart) - a man on a mission to integrate mutants and humans whilst allow the mutants to fully develop their powers. Unfortunately for him though, his old buddy Magneto (Ian McKellan) is intent on forging a slightly less hospitable relationship with humans.

So enter Xavier with his band of X-Men: Cyclops, capable of shooting nifty red laser out of his eyes, Storm, who does exactly what she says on the tin, Jean Grey, a telepath, Rogue, a teenager with the unfortunate handicap of sucking the energy out of anyone she touches, and the daddy of all X-Men, Wolverine, the practically invincible, metal skeletoned hard nut with pointy hair.

Of course Magneto can't be outdone so he gathers together a trio of nasty mutants to do battle with Xavier's lot. Sabretooth is another man who resembles a wild animal, Mystique is the bizarrely costumed shape shifter and Toad is, well, a human toad.

The film then ultimately comes down to the age old battle between the good side, in their snazzy black leather suits, and the bad side, in a large fur coat and conveniently placed prosthetics.

This film may be based on a comic book, but even if you haven't been a devoted fan since you were three, and are proud of the fact that you have every copy of the comic and TV series, don't worry. There are a few jokes thrown in to make fans feel big about themselves, but this film stands well on its own and pretty spectacular it is too.

I could go on about the wonderful acting from two of this country's greatest in that field, and Oscar-winner Anna Paquin, but I'm sure you'd rather hear about people morphing in mid air whilst destroying the Statue of Liberty. Well, the special effects are awesome, ranging from the creepy to damn well jaw dropping, and Wolver-ine's claws make Freddie Kruger's attempt look frankly pathetic.

But underneath all the visual pizazz there exists that strange thing in action films – a story and, yes, good acting. So even if you're not an avid blow 'em up fan then you shouldn't write off X-Men because it really does have something for everyone. And if that does convince the men out there then there's also a naked supermodel in it.