X-MEN | Reviews

X-Men received some of the best reviews for any movie released in 2000. The response from fans was phenomenal, making X-Men one of the most successful movies of all time. Here's a selection of what reviewers had to say about Ian McKellen's portrayal of Magneto:


". . . . the performances by McKellen, who played Singer's war criminal in "Apt Pupil," Paquin, the Oscar winner for "The Piano," and Jackman are so grounded, so anchored in genuine feeling, that they actual eclipse the glitz and action. And when was the last time you went to a movie like this for the acting? - Kansas City Star


"Mr. Stewart and Mr. McKellen reflect a true duel of titans" - Dallas Morning News


"It is a pleasure to watch two superb stage-trained British actors - Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier (aka Professor X ) and Ian McKellen as villain Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto )" - Washington Post


"McKellen is no mere wacko but is icily commanding. "-Houston Chronicle


"One of the joys of this futuristic bauble is watching Ian McKellen as such a silkily serpentine villain." — Ann Hornaday, The Baltimore Sun


"Ian McKellen's innate, burnished classiness helps make the character of Magneto interesting. And it helps a bit in making the plot a cut above comic-book average." - The Denver Post


"Xavier's nemesis is his former mutant friend, Magneto (Ian McKellen), whose roiling syllables make you want to see him square off against Mr. Stewart. . . . When they go golden throat to golden throat, it is like watching members of another species in action." — Elvis Mitchell, New York Times


X-MEN (2000)

X2: X-MEN UNITED (2003)

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (2006)

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (2014)

Ian McKellen's Home Page

Acting Shakespeare Ian McKellen DVD