X-Men 2 Rewatched (comes with Mystique fanfic rec)

You may have wondered why I didn't include X2 among the sequels surpassing the originals yesterday. I mean, I loved the film when it came out. (Still do, having just rewatched.) But in retrospect, it does have a few plot and characterisation problems that prove the mess that was X3 didn't come from nowhere and/or Bryan Singer's departure from the franchise.

( Let me elaborate with praise and nitpick )