Those marvelous mutants are at it again, taking the big screenby storm a second time around with more characters, more specialeffects and a deeper plot. This sequel takes all of the elementsthat made its predecessor so successful and improves upon them fora dazzling display of silver screen magic.

The uncanny X-Men, superheroes led byProfessor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), form an uneasy alliance withtheir enemy Magneto (Ian McKellan). A new player has burst onto thescene: William Stryker (Brian Cox), a human who plans onobliterating all mutant life with a cunning scheme and a battalionof heavily armed soldiers.

The first film was mainly an introduction tothe characters, their goals and the world they live in. “X2″continues that, taking what’s been established and running with itfull steam ahead. In the opening scene, Alan Cumming joins the castas Nightcrawler, a teleporting mutant with a demonic appearance andthe fancy moves to back it up. His grand entrance is a sight tobehold, capitalizing on top-notch special effects technology andthe creativity imperative in today’s sci-fi/action pictures.

After that brilliant start, “X2” proceeds toenhance all of its action and flashy visuals with an epic plot andplenty of interesting characters to maintain interest. One of thegood things about “X2” is its expert use of such a robust cast,most of whom have at least one shining moment. Director BryanSinger is no mutant, but he has the uncanny ability to work with asmorgasbord of talented actors.

“X2” boasts breathtaking locales and actionsequences, which will have fans talking for awhile. Characters withmore flamboyant mutant powers like weather control, pyrotechnics,and telekinesis, get to strut their stuff in visually stunningscenes. Not to be outdone, other characters with more physical,hands-on abilities8212;like shape-shifting, martial arts prowess,and deadly claws8212;flourish in jaw-dropping, frenetic actionsequences.

The film also pushes the boundaries of itsPG-13 movie rating. The central character, Wolverine (played byHugh Jackman) hacks and slashes his way through plenty of folkswith more ferocity than he did in the first movie. Magneto alsoraises the death toll by disposing of his foes in gruesomelycreative ways. Themes of revenge, betrayal, and self-sacrifice allmake “X2” darker and grittier than many would expect.

The acting is also exemplary. As the leadactor in “X2,” Hugh Jackman continues to impress in his conflictedportrayal of Wolverine, a man searching for his past. He’s viciousand feral with his enemies, but also tender and vulnerable aroundhis friends. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen reprise their rolesas Professor Xavier and Magneto, conveying the majesty andintelligence that make their characters the grand patriarchs of themutant cause.

Performers like Famke Janssen (Jean Grey) andRebecca Romijn Stamos (Mystique) have more meaty material to sinktheir teeth into than they did in the first X-Men movie and theydon’t disappoint.

A little over two hours long, “X2” has it all:action, adventure, drama, and amazing scenes that should make forbox-office gold.