Third time out it’s not-so-lucky for mutants in a trilogy that appears to be wrapping up the series. Or is Last Stand, like Final Destination and its two sequels, a tease? Find out after the credits (no, really, stick around as there’s a surprise in store). Before then, it’s a matter of life and death for the mutant community when Magneto (McKellan) decides enough is enough. The government has prepared an antidote that will cure non-humans yet he, perhaps justifiably, argues there’s nothing to cure. Certainly Professor Charles (Stewart) doesn’t disagree, it’s Magneto’s methods he has a problem with. When an X-person returns from the grave and her considerable powers are enlisted by the dark side, cue mayhem and emotional torment as mutants from both camps fight inner and outer demons, to the death.

Ratner (Rush Hour, Prison Break) knows how to cook up a storm and certainly does the business with some great action and spectacular set pieces – even if the San Francisco Tourist Board won’t thank him for it. But when it comes to defending your rights, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Even when he’s a woman. Or a mutant. It’s hard to avoid the subtext of oppression (insert: gay) that underlines The Last Stand. What’s interesting is the way Simon Kinsberg’s script doesn’t take a moral high-ground. He acknowledges that for many, fitting in is just as important as standing out while free choice is also given a once-over. He raises some ethical and moral dilemmas, for humans, mutants and audience alike, earning The Last Stand, already a fun-filled extravaganza, extra points.

// COLIN FRASER