Podcast - Episode 78: X2: X-Men United
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This has been an unbelievably sad week, so why not rub a little X-Men in the wound, right? This week Dave and I continue our look at the X-Men films of Hugh Jackman with X2: X-Men United. This is a movie that, for years, was considered to be the best superhero movie ever according to many incorrect lists. It's not really better than X-Men. It's just longer.
On top of that, we try to wrap our heads around the argument that punching Nazis is bad. Here's what we've concluded: it's not. In fact, it's very good.
First of all, here is the link to Layton Reid's Facebook page. Layton is my husband's younger brother, and he passed away on January 19. I know that on the podcast I probably sound a little stiff when I'm talking about him, but truly I'm devastated. I am just horrible at expressing emotion. I am so glad I got to know Layton and have him as my only brother-in-law. He is incredibly inspirational, and his life and outlook have made me far more appreciative of how precious life is, and to be grateful for how lucky I am. It's just really fucking unfair that his time was so short, and I will really miss him. If you read some of his essays on his Facebook page, you'll get a good sense of how incredible and funny he was.
You can read Warren Ellis' thoughts on punching Nazis here. Here's the bulk of it:
“I understand there’s been some confusion online as to whether it’s ever right to punch a Nazi in the face. There is a compelling argument that all speech is equal and we should trust to the discourse to reveal these ideas for what they are and confidently expect them to be denounced and crushed out by the mechanisms of democracy and freedom.
All I can tell you is, from my perspective as an old English socialist and cultural liberal who is probably way to the woolly left from most of you and actually has a medal for services to free speech — yes, it is always correct to punch Nazis. They lost the right to not be punched in the face when they started spouting genocidal ideologies that in living memory killed millions upon millions of people. And anyone who stands up and respectfully applauds their perfect right to say these things should probably also be punched, because they are clearly surplus to human requirements. Nazis do not need a hug. Nazis do not need to be indulged. Their world doesn’t get better until you’ve been removed from it. Your false equivalences mean nothing. Their agenda is always, always, extermination. Nazis need a punch in the face.”
If you would like to read people's applications to the Sebastian Stan Protection Squad, you can check out the posts that use the instagram hashtag here. Here's the application, if you are interested in applying. I mean, volunteer work is important, and I can't think of a better cause than devoting your time and energy to protecting the happiness and well being of a thirtysomething movie star.
ANYWAY.
We really did get around to talking about X2 eventually. But first!
Check out how happy Bucky is for one hot second in Black Widow #10!
It doesn't last long. But so happy for a fleeting moment there!
And look at how cute Bobby and Romeo are in All-New X-Men #17!!!
Aaaaahhhh!!! I love the ice breaking off of him!
Ok. X2.
First of all, this movie definitely has its moments. In particular, it has this moment:
Lookin' good, Wolvie. And in this same scene we get Bobby taking the long neck bottle from Logan's hand and gently blowing on it, never breaking eye contact. It's...a tad homoerotic.
Anyway. Lots of thoughts on the movie in the podcast episode.
Thanks for listening! Next week...X-Men: The Last Stand. :(
