Unfortunately I have yet to check out Art School Confidential and based on bendi's review, perhaps I'll pass. However, since he brings up Brett Ratner, let's talk a little bit about the man. The wannabe auteur that brought us the Rush Hour movies has taken over directing responsibilities for the third X-Men installment. Frankly, I have little faith in Ratner and expect nothing higher than mediocre output from the director. To be honest, I did not even care much for Red Dragon and found the schlocky imagery in Hannibal more appealing than Ralph Fiennes dashing around his house naked with his junk flopping.

I recently saw X-Men 3 and I have to say…….Ratner really does suck as much as I think he does! I sat in the back row of the theater and carefully analyzed what worked and didn't work with this film. The screenplay: completely solid. The premise revolves around an antidote that can cure the mutants of their "sickness". Professor Xavier's bunch continues to strive for positively directing powers, and Magneto continues to strive for hostile takeover.

Cool storyline right? Too bad Ratner had to muck it up with his flaccid choices. I've come to the conclusion that Brett Ratner does not have a vision. In scenes where most directors try to take one angle or the other, Ratner doesn't do that. He just points the camera and shoots. The actors in the film have little depth and act over dramatic than the first two installments. Whose fault is that? Considering it is the director's responsibility to direct actors…….Brett Ratner!!!!

I know, this seems like a tirade that is biased and prepared in advance. The truth is, it isn't. After sitting through X-Men 3, it just so happens that the cons I have drawn from it are based on direction. This is supposed to be the final installment, but the open ending hints at more sequels. I say kill the franchise while the first two installments still have their dignity. However, judging the mucho bucks this film brought in over Memorial weekend and rising above last year's box office slump, I have a feeling this will only get worse.

Grade: C

Brett Ratner being hauled off the set by mental ward authorities.