X-MEN
the comic book series comes to life in this playful film.
Keeping in mind that this film is based on a comic strip,
I will be gentle with my opinions with regards to the
psychic content of this movie.
Movie indicates that the psychics are born with their
abilities, in keeping with legitimate psychic philosophy.
However, the writers refer to psychic "powers" are far
too often. Legitimate Psychics don't use the word "power"
when referring to their abilities/talents. The word power
insinuates that our abilities and talents are supernatural,
controlled, or "granted" to us through divine intervention.
When in fact, our abilities, are genetic characteristic(s)
included in our earthly life plan and established--before
entering fleshed earthly life--by ourselves not by anyone
else. The word use of "power" doesn't fit the message
of the movie. |
The "powers" that the movie depicts are, of course, extremely
exaggerated particularly regarding the characters "Cyclops",
"Wolverine", and "Toad" who exhibit abilities that are impossible.
I hope that after you see the movie you will understand just
how impossible they are! However some of the psychic abilities
depicted do have a basis in fact. Some are quite obvious, while
others, such as the following examples are not as exaggerated.
The character named "Rouge" exhibits an ability that revolves
around sucking energy, (or "life force" as they referred to
it) from those that she comes into physical contact with. In
legitimate psychic societies we snidely refer to this type of
person as an "energy vampire". The character "Storm" shows a
woman who (in an over exaggerated manner) controls the weather.
Manipulation of the elements is a psychic ability very rarely
used. Both Kimberlee and I have been in serious situations where
it was necessary to perform this ability, knowing full well
that it takes an enormous amount of discipline and personal
body energy that has serious repercussions to the physical body.
Our results were of course much less dramatic than portrayed
in this movie, and neither of us walked away easily, frankly
crawling is difficult after performing this feat.
The psychic school was an interesting part of the flick, that
I found refreshing. The writers show the students in class,
acting like everyday people, studying everyday subjects-- although
the subjects were of professional psychic bents. This reminded
me of the classes that I participated in as a student of Kimberlee
Dawn. It was hard, demanding work, with very little excitement
or glamour that most people imagine associated with learning
the psychic arts. You have to remember that my classmates and
I were not there to learn how to become psychic rather we were
there to learn how to fine tune and discipline our psychic abilities.
The same as the students in the movie, and at times we were
just as bored and frustrated with the regimen. Most of our class
time was devoted to taking notes, studying, practicing techniques
over and over, being constantly tested… sounds familiar doesn't
it?
The movie's presentation of the conflict presented between the
mutants (psychics), and non-mutants (whom we refer to as "normals")
did make me uncomfortable because as any public psychic can
tell you the witch-hunts of the sixteenth century isn't over
yet! However I did feel that the moral of the movie was that
of tolerance, and what can happen when we are not tolerant of
each other as we see in the news today. Which brings me to an
obviously important point--that we all need to be a lot more
tolerant and appreciative of each others differences rather
than defensive and even afraid of diversity. If we hope to make
this world of ours a better place, to begin the process of unity,
we need to break down the barriers of ignorance and embrace
"differentness". Unity comes through exploration of variety
and the act of embracement for future benefit comes through
education, which can and will end discrimination.
All in all, I enjoyed the movie, and I think that you and your
children will enjoy it as well. Be sure to talk to young people
(and overall any others you watch it with) about it's message
afterwards, listen to their questions and comments, and feel
free to utilize this review, in your answers. After all, that
's why we put it up in the first place, this site is designed
as an educational site. (Please use discretion in allowing your
children to watch this film it may not fit all age groups or
spiritual beliefs, I suggest that you view it first). Have fun!
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