X-Men: Apocalypse - Review

Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Rose Byrne.

After a trip to the movie theatre to watch Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, a young Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) declares, "At least we can agree the third one's always the worst." Oh, how true those words ring in relation to X-Men: Apocalypse as the last instalment in the X-Men franchise for the foreseeable future pales in comparison to the quality of its predecessor.

After the world's first mutant, subtly named Apocalypse, literally resurfaces and acquires a quartet of enhanced individuals(including the permanently moody Magneto) to "cleanse" the Earth, Pro X, Mystique and co must form their own tender alliances to put a stop to Apocalypse's dastardly plan.

As aforementioned, Apocalypse actively acquires four powerful mutants to serve as his Horsemen - although, the motives behind the four characters becoming Apocalypse's Horsemen were loose and tenuous to say the least. Storm's loyalty to the genocidal gang is secured through the fluttering of Apocalypse's big bad eyelashes, Angel is awarded a pair of rad wings and we're meant to assume that Psylocke already dalliances with danger. Arguably Magneto is the only member with just cause to join (for a reason that shall not be spoiled in this review).

Although, the questionable moves displayed add a bit of spice and intrigue to proceedings as the plot is rather predictable, and at times, often inconsiderate; as Apocalypse and his Horsemen unleash their immense powers in the film's final third act, they undoubtedly vanquish and claim the lives of thousands, potentially millions, of people. But, hey, the effects are cool, right? Actually, no - in an effort to be bolder and flashier than Days of Future Past, the film becomes an overwrought affair with a reliance on heavy CGI.

However, the special effects work wonderfully within fan-favourite Quicksilver's big action set-piece, where he uses his super-speed in a super-heroic way. Injected with humour, energy and a fantastic performance from Evan Peters, the sequence is a welcome addition to the narrative and is one of the film's sporadic highlights, in spite of the fact that it fails to exceed the quality of the similar sequence found in Days of Future Past. The decline in quality is evident in several other aspects of the film, most notably the use of the character Mystique. Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique was brought to the forefront of the mutant movement in Days of Future Past which was a great and inspired deviation from other iterations of the character seen previously. However the character seems to have taken a few steps back in her appeal and development, arguably due to the fact that she spends most of her time in human form. Reportedly, Lawrence's dislike of the blue body paint and lengthy make-up process were the reasons behind this decision (which is understandable, who wants to be painted like a Smurf everyday?), but the film and character suffer from it. Also, from my recollection, Mystique only uses her mutant powers twice throughout the whole picture and does not have a single action sequence which would have been greatly appreciated as many of the X-Men's powers aren't combative.

Whilst Lawrence's discomfort in her role leads to disappointment and missed opportunities, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender reprise their roles effortlessly. Their on-screen dynamic is a joy we scarcely get to behold in this instalment, but the presence of either of them elevates the material substantially and you forgive a lot of the film's missteps. The new additions to the cast portraying the original trilogy's favourite mutants are also impressive, and Alexandra Shipp as weather-wielding Storm is particularly watchable as she provides a portrayal of the character that fans will finally find agreeable. The younger cast also provide a fresh, young energy that is notably missing from other superhero films.

Despite its flaws and disappointments, X-Men: Apocalypse still manages to be enjoyable and entertaining, even if you were hoping for and expecting something more.

EB