X2: X-Men United (2003)

All Critics (224) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (200) | Rotten (29) | DVD (51)

There's little zest, less grace and, particularly in the writing, no creative spark to ignite the imagination.

April 15, 2013 Full Review

Joe Morgenstern

Wall Street Journal

Top Critic

The plotting seems dangerously self-interested, being concerned almost exclusively with the survival of the mutants themselves, and, behind the succulent effects, the tone is oddly hectoring.

April 15, 2013 Full Review

Anthony Lane

New Yorker

Top Critic

Bigger and more ambitious in every respect, from its action and visceral qualities to its themes.

April 15, 2009 Full Review

Todd McCarthy

Variety

Top Critic

The emotional spectrum has widened, too, encompassing buoyant mirth and heroic tragedy.

February 9, 2006 Full Review

Jessica Winter

Time Out

Top Critic

Very smart, if way too long.

May 28, 2003 Full Review

John Anderson

Newsday

Top Critic

Suffice to say that I was steadily engrossed and entertained and ultimately moved by a drama that is, in the end, more human than mutant.

May 23, 2003 Full Review

Andrew Sarris

New York Observer

Top Critic

Bigger and badder than No. 1, but still a blast.

December 29, 2010 Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

'X' hits the spot.

July 7, 2010 Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

This has set the standard very high for this Summer and it will be interesting to see what, if any films, can match its calibre.

July 7, 2010 Full Review

Garth Franklin

Dark Horizons

For this brief shining moment, the "X-Men" universe held perfect pitch, and funny book movies had a new standard of execution to live up to.

December 7, 2009 Full Review

Brian Orndorf

Modamag.com

A truly superior sequel to the original...

April 29, 2009 Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

The higher aspirations sometimes weigh the action down, creating a story that is interesting but not always engaging, lacking the exuberance that could have made it truly exciting.

April 21, 2009 Full Review

Steve Biodrowski

Cinefantastique

It takes a true cinema talent to turn the daunting and rather unwieldy 40 years of material into a coherent yet complex, smart yet incredibly fun entertainment that satisfies both the fanboys and newbie moviegoers alike.

December 28, 2008 Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

X2 feels very much like a step on the way to something else; but if you can forgive it that, and its occasional hastiness, it's well worth going to see.

December 7, 2007 Full Review

Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

Singer and his screenwriters know the value of a surprise and they deliver their share without dipping into the absurd. The result is a movie that surpasses expectations, a superhero flick that can rightfully take its place alongside the best.

August 5, 2007 Full Review

Christopher Smith

Bangor Daily News (Maine)

Bryan Singer ... makes sure the animating theme of this series -- the freedom to be different in the face of intolerant authority -- doesn't get lost in the din of battle.

July 23, 2007 Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

eFilmCritic.com

Possibly one of the best superhero franchises in history, X2 is thoroughly engaging, well acted and well plotted. Bryan Singer is a master of the genre.

August 8, 2006 Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

Les mutants reviennent sur nos écrans en très grande forme

October 2, 2005 Full Review

Jean-François Vandeuren

Panorama

A bigger and better sequel to the 2000 original.

July 5, 2005 Full Review

Jason Zingale

Bullz-Eye.com

• 1. Piotr Rasputin AKA Colossus: Hey I can help you.
  2. Wolverine: Help them.
  – Submitted by Clare M (50 days ago)
• 1. Wolverine: Boyfriend? So how do you...?
  2. Bobby Drake/Iceman: [hesitating] We're working on that.
  – Submitted by Augusta M (9 months ago)
• 1. Magneto: What's your name? [as he uses his powers to take away the lighter]
  2. John/Pyro: John
  3. Magneto: What's your real name John?
  4. John/Pyro: Pyro [as he uses his powers to take back the flame from the lighter]
  5. Magneto: Quite a talent you have there Pyro.
  6. John/Pyro: I can only manipulate the fire. [extinguishes the flame] I can't create it.
  7. Magneto: You are a god among insects. Never let anyone tell you different. [hands lighter back]
  – Submitted by Ben W (9 months ago)
• 1. Magneto: How does it look from there Charles? Still fighting the good fight? From here it doesn't look like they're playing by your rules. Maybe it's time we play by theirs!
  – Submitted by Ben W (9 months ago)
• 1. Magneto: Mr. Laurio, never trust a beautiful woman. Especially one who's interested in you.
  – Submitted by Ben W (9 months ago)
• 1. Wolverine: I'll take my chances with him.
  – Submitted by Kaye E (10 months ago)