[yasr_overall_rating]
With the emergence of the world’s first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.
The wildly successful “X-Men” reboot added a new story to the legacy, and with Bryan Singer returning yet again to the director’s chair, it seemed a little old for a new film. This new addition to the “X-Men” pantheon finds the young mutants under attack, not just from the humans surrounding them, but also from a new, powerful mutant, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac). Also, going by the name En Sabah Nur, Apocalypse believes himself as a god. His unique mutant traits allow him to transfer his conscientiousness into the bodies of other mutants, thereby gaining new powers and immortality with each transfer. He gathers a group of henchmen, and women, called the “Four Horsemen,” and uses them to demonstrate his immense power by actually amplifying the Horsemens,’ along with any mutant he contacts, individual powers exponentially. Having been trapped for thousands of years, when he escapes, he finds humanity completely lacking and decides to use his Horsemen to tear the world down and rebuild it in his own image. Along the way, we see many old, and new, faces, bringing some iconic characters into full bloom.
As has been the case, the acting fits each character well, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender return in their titular roles as frenemies, Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto. Fassbender gets his chance to once again show his depth and range as an actor. Jennifer Lawrence gives her best mutant performance yet, allowing Mystique to finally show a bit of vulnerability amongst all her bravado. Her decision to show her humanity and connection with other mutants set up some real emotional devastation when she finally gives in to Magneto and joins him in the future. Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones”) is a welcome addition as Jean Grey. She infuses Jean with the uncertainty and pensiveness grey must have shown as a young mutant not fully in control of her immense power. When she finally lets go, it’s both impressive and terrifying. We once again see old friends Hank McCoy/Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Alex Smith/Havoc (Lucas Till) with some new and satisfying additions. Out of these, Oscar Isaac hits the perfect notes with Apocalypse, making this character a truly frightening villain. His performance carries the film as he growls and terrorizes human and mutant alike in his quest for destruction. Isaac’s meteoric rise in fame and accomplishment will only continue with this addition to his already impressive portfolio.
The script is a fine mix of action with less intense action and a few truly moving emotional scenes mixed for substance. The dialogue is well-written and feels authentic throughout, with no real misses at any point during the film. Simon Kinberg did the heavy lifting with Singer, Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris contributing storyline. Singer’s involvement is telling in that it shows how this film gets a little out of hand in places. What the writing team has done is to reverse the plot of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. Instead of humans trying to destroy mutants, mutants are targeting all of humanity, including other mutants who choose not to get on board with Apocalypse’s vision for “a better world.” The explosions are bigger, the sound effects louder, the pacing faster, and one has to wonder at what point they’ll simply make a film, not made by Michael Bay, containing essentially just a series of loud explosions and people screaming at each other. We’re even treated to a high body count cameo by a fan favorite. “X-Men: Apocalypse” is a good film that to me would have been great had it not all felt so familiar. Technically perfect, it’s all stuff we’ve seen before in many other films. A lot of fun, a little substance, but verging on simply trying to wow the audience with all the cool effects.
I have always been a Bryan Singer fan. By and large, his care of the “X-Men” franchise has been a good balance of fidelity to its source material and creative additions that have allowed these characters to fully realize who they are. However, he’s taken the franchise to a place where it’s almost too much of a good thing. “Apocalypse” pushes the limits of sound and fury while limiting character development to Jean Grey, Magneto and Apocalypse himself. Some may call it nitpicking, because I really did enjoy the film; but, while “Apocalypse” answered a few back story questions, it created a hell of a lot more in my mind.
I recommend every fan go see “X-Men: Apocalypse.” It should satisfy most die-hard followers and enjoy even the casual fan. I enjoyed it on its own, but it makes me wonder what the future holds for this excellent franchise.
In theaters Friday, May 27th
