X-Men: Apocalypse? Not the end of the world
Somewhere between the light of Disney Marvel and the dark of DC movies lies the aptly named 20th Century Fox version of the X-Men. In muted tones of gray and blue, X-Men: Apocalypse is a decent and satisfying, if underwhelming, movie going experience.
The opening sequence, before the mutants and their powers are revealed, and title card are amazing and interesting, respectively. Ancient Egypt is revived in all of its imagined glory, and the title takes the audience on a ride through time stopping for some unknown reason in 1983. The 80s, rather than the present day? Aside from the Reaganites, does anyone remember the 80s fondly?
The post credits scene is relatively long, but for those who do not know the reference, it is mostly pointlessly setting up for the next movie in the franchise. This film is a decent ride without any emotional string pulling, and there is no need to see it in 3D. Quicksilver still has the best scenes, though he is looking older, and Magneto’s realization of his power is a sight to behold. Just know that the film will end the way it has to, and no characters will have seen any true development.
Spoilers after the ad…
The opening sequence, before the mutants and their powers are revealed, and title card are amazing and interesting, respectively. Ancient Egypt is revived in all of its imagined glory, and the title takes the audience on a ride through time stopping for some unknown reason in 1983. The 80s, rather than the present day? Aside from the Reaganites, does anyone remember the 80s fondly?
The post credits scene is relatively long, but for those who do not know the reference, it is mostly pointlessly setting up for the next movie in the franchise. This film is a decent ride without any emotional string pulling, and there is no need to see it in 3D. Quicksilver still has the best scenes, though he is looking older, and Magneto’s realization of his power is a sight to behold. Just know that the film will end the way it has to, and no characters will have seen any true development.
Spoilers after the ad…
But really, this is the story of Magneto, and while it is the most impressive part of the film, it may also be its own undoing. Audiences have seen this story before. Is Magneto a good guy or a bad guy? When Magneto is seen in a factory with a family, it is all but a forgone conclusion as to what is going to happen. Maybe, it is because the Magneto story is the most intriguing. He doesn’t see the world with hope like Xavier. Unfortunately, like the Spider-Man reboots, X-Men has gone to the well one too many times.
The film tries too hard to connect with its core audience without actually doing so. Quicksilver’s quip about the team being one of losers rings hollow as does the jibe that the third movie is always the worst. In the end, with the stakes being the end of the world, there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere to go. Apocalypse only has one motivation – to rule the world, but it is a world bereft of the weak. Still, the movie is a pleasant diversion, and there are worst ways that one can spend movie going money.
The film tries too hard to connect with its core audience without actually doing so. Quicksilver’s quip about the team being one of losers rings hollow as does the jibe that the third movie is always the worst. In the end, with the stakes being the end of the world, there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere to go. Apocalypse only has one motivation – to rule the world, but it is a world bereft of the weak. Still, the movie is a pleasant diversion, and there are worst ways that one can spend movie going money.