I don’t have any notes for X-2: X Men United. That’s because I was too absorbed in the movie to actually take any notes. X-2 sucks you into it’s mutated version of reality, grips you with chilling intensity, and doesn’t let you go for it’s entire 133 minute running time.

This is what movies are all about: big, action-packed, dramatic, hair-raisingly suspenseful, and stuffed full of stars. In the big sequel/prequel/spinoff parade this year, which includes two hugely anticipated Matrix Sequels and the final installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, X-2 will definitely hold it’s own. It’s a seriously stupendous piece of work.

Directed by Bryan Singer, X-2 picks up about a month after the first movie left off. A bizarre attack on the white house by a mutant (don’t be late for the movie; this sequence alone is worth the ticket price in) triggers panic in the public. Spearheading the paranoia-fest is William Stryker (Brian Cox), who’d desperately like to see the mutants of the world singled out.

In response to the White House attack, the President of the United States issues a violent attack on what Stryker has convinced him is a “terrorist training camp.” In reality, the facility is a peaceful haven for young mutants called Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. When the government attacks, the X Men not only find themselves faced with the challenge of protecting the youngsters and helping them harness their immature powers—they also find themselves trying to save the world.

At the helm of the heroic operation is Storm (Halle Berry), who can create a tornado with the blink of an eye; Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who sports blades for fingers; Cyclops (James Marsden), a man who can shoot lasers with a glance; and Jean Gray (Famke Janssen) who can read thoughts. On the periphery are the phenomenal Patrick Stewart as Xavier, who needs a little saving himself, and Ian McKellen as the shady Magneto, who appears to want to help, but has caused a little evil ruckus of his own.

Rebecca Romijn-Stamos returns as the ever-changing Mystique, Kelly Hu drops in as the ravaging beauty Lady Deathstrike, and youngsters Pyro (Aaron Stanford), Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) add to a crowded cast. Although X-2 comes dangerously close to having too many characters, it metes out enough screen time for each to sufficiently tell their stories, and keep the proceedings exciting.

The movie sports incredible special effects, an intense storyline, and a carnival of colorful characters so diverse, it’s like a trip to the zoo. This is the dark, slick, and weighty comic-book film Daredevil wanted to be, but didn’t quite achieve. And it’s the best comic book movie to date, beating out last summer’s Spider-Man for the top spot. You’ll have chills from start to finish.

Bottom Line: X-ceptionally X-citing summer flick. Don’t miss it!! A-.