Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

©2009 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

In this gritty, low-rent X-Men, mutants with powers like telekinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and general mind-messing are being pursued through a photogenic Hong Kong (fine, moody cinematography by Peter Sova) by similar but nastier weirdoes who want to weaponize them. Yes, we’ve seen it all before, but though derivative, the relentless pacing, high energy and generally good acting (Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou) in this film by Paul McGuigan (Wicker Park, Lucky Number Slevin) kept me interested and entertained. And the minimal but effective use of SFX is always welcome.