| X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) | |
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Rating: 6.9/10 (460,882 votes) Director: Bryan Singer Writer: Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer, Michael Dougherty Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence Runtime: 144 min Rated: PG-13 Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Released: 27 May 2016 |
| Plot: In the 1980s the X-Men must defeat an ancient all-powerful mutant, En Sabah Nur, who intends to thrive through bringing destruction to the world. | |
The X-Men franchise doesn’t quite have the buzz surrounding it that it once had. Maybe this is due to the plethora of Marvel films released each year, combined with the simple fact that almost half of the films released in the X-Franchise to date have been, in want of a better word, weak. However, that said, the introduction of a character such as Apocalypse into the movie world excited me and intrigued me. When the first images were released of Oscar Isaac in full costume, many slammed the look and design. However, as one of those rare fans who have read the Rise of Apocalypse comic book in the late 90s, and doesn’t base their idea of the character on a kids cartoon series that, when you really think about it, was decidedly average at best, I liked what I was seeing. But as the trailers progressed, my concerns and doubts about this new entry began to creep in. Thus, by the time I got to see the film, my expectations were lowered.
X-Men: Apocalypse is set in the 80s, and sees an ancient mutant – indeed, the first mutant – awaken from his imprisonment thousands of years ago, and is immediately disappointed in the world he sees around him. Recruiting 4 ‘horsemen’ – guardians who serve to fulfil his plans, whilst also protecting him from outside forces – he sets about plans to destroy the modern world and rebuild it in his image. Only Charles Xavier and his new recruits stand a chance of saving mankind from this deadly menace.
It is safe to say that this film isn’t the worst X-Men film to date, but then again neither is it a particularly good one. The plot, which stretches out over 144 minutes, consists of Apocalypse waking up, sulking outside Cairo for a while, then a big battle. Anything else in between is extraneous to the development of the minuscule storyline, although some moments do serve well to introduce a trio of new character to the line-up. I say ‘new character’ but what I really mean is ‘old characters but with new actors’ as Scott Summers (aka Cyclops), Jean Grey, and Kurt Wagner (aka Nightcrawler) are brought into the Xavier fold, played by Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Scenes with any combination of these three on screen are the heart of the film, and if they stick around for any future films then it bodes well for the series going forward. There are other new faces added, but none have anything substantial to add to the film, and thus don’t stand out in any impressive manner. From a young Storm (Alexander Shipp), a poor attempt at Angel (Ben Hardy), and a pointless Psylocke (Olivia Munn), it is no surprise that these three end up being servants of Apocalypse as their distinct lack of any character development is ideal for ‘generic henchman’ roles – such as shame given all three are possibly some of the most interesting characters in the comics. Psylocke in particular is a prime example where trying to do something right on screen badly fails, in this case her costume which is almost a perfect representation of the comic book outfit. On screen she looks out of place, as the others wear moulded armour style costumes, and she’s stood looking uncomfortable in a leotard.
Old faces return, as you would expect, including a few from First Class. Out of all the returnees, however, only Magneto really brings anything to the story. Fassbender excels in the role once more, and we finally get to see the moment that really pushed the mutant over the edge, and started his real mistrust of mankind. On the flip side, Charles Xavier, once more played by James McAvoy, barely makes an impact on screen this time, and the usual sizzle between him and Magneto is lacking. Jennifer Lawrence once more goes through the motions in another overrated performance by someone who I genuinely can’t fathom the popularity of. In this film Mystique is a reluctant hero, and doesn’t do a lot aside from walk around sulking about her celebrity status.
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Look…he likes Rush! Get it? Rush?! ‘Cos he’s fast? Hahaha!
Yes, there are some great set-piece moments, with effects and action that we have come to expect. Stand out moments are the expected Quicksilver speed scene, once again set to music, as he races around explosions and destruction. The scene is fun, entertaining, and well put together, even if the speed of his actions does lead you to question (as with the previous film) why he can’t be that effective all the time and save the day without the need for other mutants around him? Another moment involves the secret cameo that ended up not being much of a secret thanks to the marketing department’s idea to add it to the recent trailers. As usual, no spoilers here for those who are unaware, but suffice to say it is a moment that adds nothing to the film, but is still darned impressive to watch.
Therein lies the main issue with the film. The action (and there is a substantial amount of it) generally looks great, but adds nothing throughout. But with such a lazy story filled with an abundance of plot holes, this was perhaps a way to distract from the flaws – quick, before the audience question why Apocalypse actually needs horsemen when his powers are so great, throw an explosion on screen! In addition, with the budget seemingly being spent on so much effects work, it is a shame that other moments look like they were filmed on a set left over from classic Star Trek. This is especially true of the cliff edge with polystyrene rocks that Apocalypse and his minions stand on for a chunk of the film, posing and posturing. Moments like that, combined with the somewhat hammy acting on display (come on Oscar Isaac – you can do better than this) reminded me of Shao Khan doing similar in the dreadful Mortal Kombat Annihilation, and anything that dares to remind me of that mess immediately gets my hatred levied at it.
Apocalypse and Psylocke plan their attack….oh, hang on, this is MK Annihilation again! Dammit!
Overall, X-Men: Apocalypse is an uninspired, occasionally entertaining, but generally inconsequential entry into the franchise, which is better than Last Stand and the two Wolverine films were, but sits below the other films in the franchise. Lots of references to the comic books scattered throughout for the fans, but none of which cover up that as its own film, Apocalypse just isn’t a threat to the box office.
