The first X-Men movie was pretty good, and the second was also, but I still haven’t seen the third.  Partly just busy, but partly wary due to so-so reviews.  Having just re-watched the second I’m in the mood for more mutants, so I’ll probably go get the third. 

But whichever mutant movie I’m watching, and I’ll toss the Spidey ones into that too, I’m reminded of the precarious line writers must walk between power and weakness.  For instance: *Spoiler Alert* (just in case there’s a soul who hasn’t seen them)

Why is Jean Grey able to lift the plane out of the water/flood at the end of the second, but not herself?  Has this something to do with the nature of telepathy?  I’m guessing it does; but the point is, it’s important that there be a believable reason she can’t save herself.  That there be limits to her powers. 

Another example is Spider-Man’s vulnerability to wounds.  As he says, roughly quoting, “punch me, I bleed.” 

Superman was never as satisfying a hero for me because Kryptonite just isn’t that common.  The shows/movies were fun to watch, and he had things (Lois) to lose beyond his own person, but it lacked true tension of the death-hanging-over-you variety.  Now, if he’d had a peanut allergy, that would have made for a great story.  Everywhere he went would be potentially dangerous, and all his food would be suspect. 

Of course, the hero can’t be too wimpy either, or he’d better have some powerful friends.  But I think it’s easier to believe in a young hero (hobbit-size, perhaps?) who overcomes than one who shreds our suspension of disbelieve by having it too easy.

We just don’t believe people can really have it all.