X-Men Movies: 5 Awesome Performances & 5 That Sucked

5 Awesome X-Men Performances...

5. Nightcrawler - Alan Cumming (X2)

X2 is widely regarded as one of the best comic book movie sequels of all time, consolidating Bryan Singer's grasp on the franchise and delivering a solid story with spectacular action sequences and setting the benchmark for what followed.

One of the major highlights was undoubtedly the introduction of Nightcrawler, perfectly portrayed by British thespian Alan Cumming, barely recognisable beneath layer upon layer of make-up. Fans have Nightcrawler to thank for one of the most exhilarating opening action scenes of any movie, as he teleports around the White House kicking government tail in an attempt to assassinate the President.

The success of Nightcrawler goes beyond how well his powers are portrayed; looking past the CGI-augmented action sequences, Cummings's understated performance shows conflicted origins and frailty in just a handful of scenes. It's a crying shame this remains the first and last time Cumming has appeared in the role.