FOUR stars? From BALTAKE? What the hell?

Well, the SF Chronicle's review of X2 proves that the reviewer has no concept of the source material. Such is to be expected, I suppose.

Sacramento's Joe Baltake, however, with whom I usually disagree vehemently, gives it four stars -- higher than he rated the first movie, and higher than he rated many of 2002 and 2003's "highbrow" films.

Ok, this is now three superhero movies Baltake has given a thumbs up . . . I better start looking for the Apocalypse.

Here's part of what he says (No spoilers here):

The original "X-Men," released in 2000, worked as a brilliant, self-contained single movie. But now, with the inevitable sequel on hand -- called "X2: X-Men United" -- we can see exactly what Bryan Singer had in mind when he designed that first film.

Actually, "X-Men" wasn't so much a first film or even a prequel, but rather, a primer. It was a quick 95-minute introduction to a handful of the 100 or so characters that populate the universe created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963 for their beloved Marvel Comics series. The original film was all setup, albeit a masterful one, that used its limited time wisely on compelling ideas about intolerance and alienation before culminating in the kind of bravura action set piece that audiences expect. Once he had us hooked, director Singer gave us what we wanted.

"X2: X-Men United," despite what its title implies, feels more like a first film in a series -- and what promises to be a gratifying series of movies in which Lee and Kirby's fascinating characters multiply and their lives intersect.

Friday Five - because it's too boring a day to work.

1. Name one song you hate to admit you like.
- Baby, One More Time, Britney Spears (Yep, same as gaaneden)

2. Name two songs that always make you cry.
- Magic's Price, Mercedes Lackey, sung by Heather Alexander
- Pictures of You, The Cure

3. Name three songs that turn you on.
There aren't any. But ask yourself -- is that an image you needed anyway?

4. Name four songs that always make you feel good.
- But Not Tonight, Depeche Mode
- Wild Boys, Duran Duran
- When It's Over, Sugar Ray

This one I'm embarassed about . . .
- The Kid is Hot Tonite, Loverboy

5. Name five songs you couldn't ever do without.
- Signy Mallory, Mercedes Lackey (sung by Heather Alexander)
- A Long Way Home, Cynthia McQuillan
- Herald's Lament, M. Lackey/Heather Alexander
- Flies on the Windscreen, Depeche Mode
- Bizarre Love Triangle, New Order

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My little sister (aged 12, for those who don't know/remember) called me to ask if I had the Japanese version of The Ring. I told her yes, then she asked if it was subtitled. When I said yes, she demanded I bring it over soon and watch it with her.
She also wants to see Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with subtitles.

I'm so proud!

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So, other than the fact that some of our group ended up without tickets and had to catch a later showing, X2 was a frelling blast. The girls loved it, Mike and I loved it, the audience clearly loved it, bursting into cheers and applause at several points.

On the way home, we got into a discussion on books, and part of it went like this:

Mike: You have too many books.
Me: Mike doesn't read much, Blair.
Blair: Then you haven't LIVED!
Mike: You are SO like your brother.
Blair: I know. Get used to it.