X-Men: Apocalypse

One more superhero movie and I have the same disclaimer. I am not a comic book fan boy and I don’t believe it is necessary to have an in-depth knowledge to review a film based on comics. The X Men movies directed by Bryan Singer always had that energetic, entertaining feel to its credit in moving the story forward. When it comes to the so called epic X-Men: Apocalypse, the story seems to be way too emotional and tiring than it actually should have been.

The premise this time is in the 80’s and Charles Xavier has only started the school for the special talents (It’s the beginning years). All the other key characters like Magneto, Mystique etc. are on different parts of the world. The movie this time focuses on the events that happen after the arrival of the most ancient and powerful mutant (Apocalypse). He has only one mission of destroying the world to create a new one. How Charles and his team manage to stop him is what this movie talking about.

A film like this becomes highly engaging when they manage to create an impression that there is content with layers and emotions to its credit. Except for Magneto’s decision to become evil again, I couldn’t really see a sensible emotional conflict in this movie. The movie becomes excessively long at many areas and cant really add anything to make it something better than another “saving the world” movie. There is no real convincing reason for the Apocalypse’s wish for destroying the world and the way he gets his recruits are also quite silly. The other movies in the franchise made by Singer had the elements of real incidents infused in a catchy way, but here it is too shallow or I should say more like a comic book. In the entertainment part we have certain set pieces involving quick silver and some conversations having the young Charles Xavier which succeeds in bringing smiles to our face. During one particular scene Magneto even asks Apocalypse “Who the f*ck are you?”

In the making side, the length and the dullness that comes in the narrative is a letdown. There are some unexpected set pieces mainly involving quick silver which sort of makes you feel that now the movie is going to kick in. But to my disappointment it didn’t really happen. The trailers sort of gave an impression that Apocalypse is that mightiest villain they are ever going to face, but he somewhat looks like a mutant who needs guidance from Xavier on how to use his powers effectively. The unexplored predictable plot dwells too much time on earth shattering visual effects shots. Visual effects have the quality you expect from a Hollywood biggie.

The best performer among the cast would be easily Michael Fassbender who performed as Magneto, the only character in the movie who actually had to make a choice. Among the other cast Sophie Turner and Evan Peters manages to create an impression. Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse sort of got covered in prosthetic makeup.

I would say X-Men: Apocalypse is a watchable movie with no real surprises to its credit. Approaching it as a commercial entertainer with grand visual effects sequences for visual amusement may please you. It is an average movie for my taste.

Rating : 2.5/5