Early on in "X-Men2" the narrator says, "Sharing the world has never been humanity’s attribute." Director Bryan Singer approaches the question of where we all fit in this world with serious consideration and wit, especially since the X-Men are based on comic book characters.

"X2" is a natural evolution of the story of mutants versus humans on this planet, as Singer sees it. Fear of the unknown causes humans to react with prejudice and hatred toward the mutants; calling for a

Mutant Registration Act. An attack on the President by a mutant seems to seal the deal. But the hand of a human, wealthy militarist and scientist William Stryker (Brian Cox) is behind the plot, manipulating the attack.

Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is back, still haunted by nightmares and determined to discover the truth about his past, and he turns to Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) for the answers. Xavier, the world’s leading telepath, continues to head the Xavier School for the Gifted; housed in his mansion and a training ground for junior X-Men. Familiar faces, Storm (Halle Berry), who controls weather, Dr. Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), a telepathic and telekinetic and her fiancé Cyclops (James Marsden), with the laser eyes, teach these youngsters, most of them runaways, to appreciate and control their powers. Also returning from the original film are Rogue (Anna Paquin), whose touch can draw the breath of life from you, and her boyfriend Billy, AKA Iceman (Shawn Ashmore), who freezes things, and their new buddy Pyro (Aaron Stanford), yes, he’s a fire fanatic.

Magneto (Ian McKellen), who is confined in a plastic prison, is under Stryker’s control. Once he is freed, with the help of the beautiful blue, shape-shifting Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), he and Xavier form a wary alliance to fight the vengeful Stryker and the army he controls. Magneto and Xavier, though old friends, fall on opposite sides of the human question. Xavier is hopeful that coexistence is possible. Magneto sees mutants as the wave of the future, destined to rule humans and the earth.

Lots of story and lots of action fill the screen in "X2." You take these characters seriously, even though they may have deep blue skin, etched with markings, and glowing, yellow eyes. That describes Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming), a fearsome looking apparition, with a gentle spirit and deeply held religious beliefs.

The acting in this ensemble is outstanding. The blend of seasoned actors and younger ones enliven the performances. The makeup is stunning, and the costumes and sets are inspired.

Comic book fans embraced the film "X-Men" as keeping the authenticity of the characters and plots. "X2" brings in more of that flavor by introducing familiar characters from the comic book pages. That sense of fun and adventure is important to the filmmakers.

Unity and tolerance are two ideas worth thinking about that "X2" explores on screen in easy to understand language.