Let’s get this out of the way, X-Men: Days Of Future Past is worth the hype you’re hearing. If you loved the previous X-Men movies (or like action films in general), you’re going to love this film; if you are a diehard X-Men fan, you may want to bring a respirator. I don’t know how Bryan Singer was able to create a film with this many A-list stars and still have the budget to make it one of the best films so far this year, but he did. It is everything you want a blockbuster to be: action-packed, entertaining, emotional, and fun. The fact that it has this incredible, all-star cast is just icing on the cake. Oh, and did I mention there’s this:
The story begins in the future. A war broke out between the mutants and humans, leaving immense death and destruction in its wake. The humans won and placed mutants and mutant supporters into concentration camps. To destroy and capture those still in hiding, the government releases sentinels, or robots that can adapt to and combat mutants powers. A few of our favorite mutants, including Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellan), Storm (Halle Berry), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page), are the targets. That is, until Kitty figures out a way to go back in time to ensure this Apocalypse never happens.
Kitty uses her ability to send fast-healing Wolverine back to 1973 to change the events that led to this future. He is the best candidate for the mission because he is a fast healer and no other mutant would be able to survive the journey, plus he actually lived during that time period. Wolverine is tasked with convincing the much younger Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to join with him to prevent Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), the designer of the sentinels. This action alone will change the X-Men story forever, completely altering everything we know about the X-Men canon (or at least until another comic or movie turns it on its head again). It’s a fine line to tread when attempting to change the future for the better. Will Wolverine succeed or is the Apocalypse only postponed?
First and foremost, Evan Peters and the filmmakers deserve major props for creating one of the most memorable CGI action scenes I’ve seen in a film, easily equatable to The Matrix. It’s amazing that an average kitchen became the setting of the best scene in the film. I won’t give too much away except to say you’re going to love it and appreciate how fast Quicksilver really is. The audience (including myself) cheered when it was over.
I think it goes without saying that X-Men: Days Of Future Past assembled many of the most talented actors working today. In fact, there were so many awesome characters involved, some had to have their roles significantly reduced in post-production (cough Anna Paquin). But, even though this is an action film, it didn’t stop these exceptional actors from bringing their A game. I could talk about the incredible performances from Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, etc… all day. But I’ll spare you the fangirl freakout. Just know, you will not be disappointed; every character gets their own chance to shine, and shine they do. I am already in the process of creating a petition to get Mystique her own movie because (unsurprisingly) she kicked major ass. It is, by far, the best showcase for the character yet. When you also throw Michael Fassbender in the mix, it’s almost too much to handle.
It’s hard to imagine that anyone would go to X-Men: Days Of Future Past and not have an awesome, entertaining time. There’s something for everyone: action, CGI, kickass Mystique, time travel, Fassy… you name it! I’m beginning the countdown to the next X-Men film, X-Men: Apocalypse. Make sure you stay through the credits for a teaser scene!
My Review: A-
