In "X-Men: The Last Stand," the final chapter in the "X-Men" motion picture trilogy, a "cure" for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers and become human.

The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test - triggering the war to end all wars.

Decisions. That is what most of the characters in the movie had to face. Whose side are you on? Not an easy question to answer considering the consequences and bearings the choices might make.

"X-Men: The Last Stand" builds on the massive success of "X-Men 2", and combining it with one of the X-Men's most exciting and challenging storyline yet - a cure for mutancy - was a recipe for success for Brett Ratner, who took over from previous director Bryan Singer who opted to direct "Superman Returns" instead.

This latest in the series benefits from a simpler storyline compared to its predecessors. With less strain on the brain, the audience is free to marvel at all that's on display in one of Marvel's most popular adaptation (pun intended). Unlike Singer who focuses too much on the drama aspect in the previous films, Ratner gets it right by coming up with action-packed scenes that literally take your breath away.

Special effects are in abundance in the movie, which was apparent right at the start with the de-aging of Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto by 20 years. Other notable scenes made spectacular by CGI include the showdown between Pyro and Iceman (which should have been longer), the fate of the Golden Gate Bridge and practically every scene involving Phoenix, Jean Grey's alter ego.

All of your favourite mutants are back for the ride in this one as well as some fresh new faces. However, besides Kelsey Grammer's Beast, none of them were developed well (can't blame Ratner though, it's not easy fitting so many mutants' life stories into less than two hours). And as far as the new faces coming in, the old ones had to go and tragically too (won't spoil it by mentioning who).

Hugh Jackman once again stole the show with his performance as the rebellious Wolverine. Halle Berry, who plays a much bigger role as Storm in this film, certainly gave a better performance compared to those in the previous ones. Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen as usual outshone each other as the respective leaders in the divided factions of mutants. Finally, Rebecca Romijn looks as hot as ever as the mysterious and elusive Mystique. One question remains. When will Gambit finally make it into the big screen?

The movie may feel a bit short at around an hour and 40 minutes but rest assured, after getting past the main credits, the film takes you on an exhilarating ride at top speed with no rest in between. Just keep an eye out for a cameo appearance by Stan Lee in the opening scenes and a surprise twist right at the end after the credits roll.

The darkest chapter in the "X-Men" saga is here. "X-Men: The Last Stand" is the third film adaptation of one of the most popular comic superheroes of all time. To answer the question of "Is this worth watching?", my answer is yes. "Is it better than the first two?", now that's a tricky one. Whilst the first two concentrated on introducing us to the 'marvellous' world of the X-Men, "The Last Stand" shifts straight into fifth gear and takes us on a dramatic ride from where it last left off. If you haven't watched the previous movies or are not familiar with the "X-Men" characters, then you may have a problem identifying with what "The Last Stand" is all about.

"The Last Stand" is set shortly after the events in "X-Men 2". Jean Grey has died and Cyclops (aka Scott Summers) is in the depths of a depression. The world has still not overcome it's fear of mutants and Worthington Labs (led by Warren Worthington II) has come up with a 'cure' to block the 'X' gene which gives mutants their powers. Worthington's son is none other than Warren Worthington III (aka Angel). His wish to cure his son is what drove him to develop it in the first place. But it's a 'cure' that sparks trouble starting with a debate among the mutants, and spurring Magneto to form a new brotherhood made out of many angry and misguided mutants.

Among the new recruits are Juggernaut, Callisto, and Multiple Man. These newbies are fairly introduced but lack a large amount of character. The same goes for the X-Men's new line-up of Kitty Pryde (aka Shadowcat), and Colossus (who has lost his Russian personality). But Kelsey Grammer's 'Beast' was an exception. He did what Nightcrawler did for the audience in "X-Men 2". Speaking of Nightcrawler, where the heck did he 'disappear' off to this time around? Yes, and the pun's intended.

As the opening sequence tells us, Jean Grey is the focus of the movie this time. After rising from the dead with the 'help' of Cyclops, Professor X realises that Jean may not be the same 'Jean' as they know her to be. Rogue's side story is realistic as she is dealing with her own personal issues and wants a new life to call her own.

Watching "The Last Stand" felt as though it was like watching two great football teams go at it but with several key players out on the sidelines. There are just too many great characters and not enough development to develop them. Even the characters who were introduced from the first movie have faded here. But given its run time of 105 minutes, perhaps there was not enough time to spare for substance. The question regarding Wolverine's past is still unanswered and it's the 'final' chapter already! As said earlier, this is a problem of having too many characters and not enough time. The action scenes aren't as memorable as the first two films as well, but they are still on par in terms of dramatics.

Pros: It's the X-Men Kelsey Grammer as Beast Mutant/human relevance toward racism

Cons: Little character development Storm's haircut The film feels rushed

Don't go in the cinema expecting an "X-Men 2". "The Last Stand" has its flaws, yes. But it also has its high points. As the pinnacle of the X-Men saga, it delivers but without a few ingredients. Is this the X-Men's last stand? Only time will tell.