I have to say, I don’t see what all the fuss was about. This is a perfectly serviceable, if admittedly perfunctory ending to a series that never achieved the heights it clearly should have. The characters are pretty much ignored here in favour of spectacular action, but it’s an action film, right? Considering Brett Ratner’s track record, things could’ve been a whole lot worse.
by Tom Huddleston | Source: 35mm Print
21 Jun 2006 11:14 AM | Comments (2)
Sorry, but the “it’s just an action film” defense has never held up for me. If it’s an action film, there are two components to be fulfilled: 1) action, and 2) some semblance of film. X3 failed viscerally for me, and by so completely ignoring the characters save for stock plot tactics, there was nothing to latch onto. It’s on the same page as Alien vs. Predator in my book: shit.
Reading your comments on The Long Kiss Goodnight prompted clarification on my part: I love a balls-to-walls action movie that knows it exists only for indulging the audience (I haven’t seen the film, but your description suggests enough). That movies like X3 pretend to have plots only for BS purposes of structure pisses me off – if you’re going to make a movie just for action sake, own up to the fact. If in the midst of my friends the opportunity to watch X3 ever again arises, I’ll take Face/Off instead.
strjh02@moravian.com
21 June 2006
4:23 PM