X-Men Movies as viewed by non comic book viewers

[The Legendary Ring Troll {BLM}]

Okay, so I'm a huge X-Men fan and I've been dying to see Days of Future Past. But my wife, who I always go to the movies with and wouldn't imagine going without her, isn't a comic book fan and has never seen any X-Men movies. So we decide to watch all the old movies before we see the new one so she can catch up. Now, watching them back to back to back opened up many glaring plot holes between movies which I never noticed before, but that's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm here to talk about how a non fan views the X-Men movies and rates them.

Generally, X fans seem to like First Class and X2 the best of first six movies, right? And X3 and Origins are usually derided as the worst. I always just assumed this was because those movies just weren't as good as the others. However, my wife actively struggled to pay attention to the first two X-Men movies, including universally loved X2. But X3 she was glued to her seat. Same with Origins! First Class and The Wolverine she enjoyed, too, but that's not surprising, those were pretty good (my first time seeing The Wolverinr as well).

So why is it that a non fan likes the two so called "worst" of the X movies and wasn't a fan of the X2, one of the best? Is it because as comic book fans, we tend to get a little protective over our beloved mythologies? Were X3 and Origins more exciting for the general populace despite making fan boys angry? Or does my wife just have no taste in flicks...?

That said, I actually found that I enjoyed ALL the X movies, despite their obvious flaws. In fact, Origins was quite fun and I really liked Reynolds as Deadpool...if only he talked when he was ACTUALLY Deadpool.

[Hit Girl]

I love the X Men movies, despite never reading a superhero comic book in my life.

[MGH]

I have never touched a comic in my life. Not from any series, not from any time. Just never was my thing. I love comic movies though. They've become my favorite genre to go see weekend of release with other fans. To me First Class is the best, followed by Days of Future Past. To me those border on being good enough that you suggest them to non-comic book movie fans. They're just great movies.

X2 is great. I find the first one a little blah for me, and I like X3 alright but I completely understand every criticism it receives. I think it's a super fun watch, but I don't know about a good movie.

It is an interesting dynamic though, between people who read the comics and people who don't. Most of the criticisms about movies I see on the board here never cross my mind because they're based on material from the actual comics. Sometimes I feel like I can have a better time not having those expectations and years of material weighing on my mind.

[Deleted]

I haven't read an X-men book since the Grey/Summers wedding and I def think First Class is the best film in the series (haven't seen DoFP yet, but everything I've heard about makes me think it won't be for me). The first two were good, but didn't age well at all. 3 was just a mess, but I could see how that would appeal to a more general audience (bigger, broader, more splosions and flashing lights).

I do think people who don't read the comics probably look to the animated series for what they percieve to be the "source material."

[SEAN CARLESS]

Jun 13, 2014 14:12:36 GMT -5 The Legendary Ring Troll {BLM} said:

Or does my wife just have no taste in flicks...?

Yes. And you should probably just file for divorce now. X3 and Origins over X1 & X2? Those are irreconcilable differences. As an untrained and unlicensed marriage councilor I suggest you pack an old school lunch on a cloth-covered stick and get the f*** out of there fast before she tells you something truly horrible and damaging like she enjoyed the Fantastic Four films.

[Bad Moon]

Personally I think none of the X-Men films are any good except for First Class. (haven't seen Days of Future Past yet, don't plan to)

People have different tastes, you and your wife are allowed to have yours.

[Clash, Never a Meter Maid]

I didn't totally abhor Last Stand (wasn't a fan of Cyclops getting jobbed out, though), but X1 and First Class are the ones I'll probably sit through if they're on TV.

Haven't followed the monthly books since I was a kid. I just buy the occasional graphic novel/collection now.

[Crappler El 0 M]

Like most of the X-Men movies. I've never read the comics, but was familiar with many of the characters and the universe from watching the cartoon from the '90s, playing the SEGA Genesis game, and from playing with some of the action figures my buddy had.

Other than perhaps Batman, the X-Men series is probably my favorite due to all the colorful characters with unique powers. I wish Scott/Cyclops had been booked as a bigger babyface in the movies though.

My least favorites are Origins and Last Stand.

[Jiren]

My dad doesn't read comics yet he really liked the X-men flicks (Even 3)

[stealthamo]

As somebody who has hardly ever picked up any comics, here's how I would rank the X-Men movies:

1. Days of Future Past
2. X-2
3. First Class
4. X-Men
5. The Wolverine
6. X-3
7. Origins

And as far as the quality goes, I'd easily recommend the top four movies on the list, with The Wolverine being okay and probably worth a rental/watching on FX.

[Glitch]

I can't believe a few people hear have never read any comics. Everybody has a favorite comic. You just have to look hard enough. Since comics are of my personal taste, that means everybody else must like them too!!!

[Chip]

I'm an X-Men fan and I think X-2 is by far the worst of the bunch. I'd watch X3 over it any day, at least it has Beast and Vinny motherf***ing Jones.

[Jiren]

I'm an X-men mark and I'd go

- Days Of Future Past
- First Class
- X2
- The Wolverine
- X-men
- Origins*
- X3*

*Subject to change as I need to rewatch.

BTW a quick question what are the Blu rays of X-men 1-3 like?

[TWERKIN' MAGGLE]

Personally, I don't think X1 has aged that well.

[JDviant]

Jun 13, 2014 17:42:43 GMT -5 TWERKIN' MAGGLE said:

Personally, I don't think X1 has aged that well.

Pretty much the same as how the first Spider-Man hasn't, though I still enjoy both to some degree. But if I was watching them for the first time, after being spoiled by comic adaptations not being a novelty...