Film Review | X-Men Apocalypse

Just when we thought peace would reign, remnants of the ancient world awakens to destroy humanity's modern foundations. En Sabah Nur's slumber is finished, the Apocalypse has begun.

The Story

Continuing their quest to undo mistakes from the early 00's, X-Men: Apocalypse follows the growth and progression of Professor Xavier's "School for the Gifted".

Although the original X-Men Trilogy tapped into the full potential of favoured Marvel characters, this instalment follows the flashback plot of X-Men: First Class.

We see Jene Grey (Sophie Turner), Scott Summers (Tye Sheridan) and Ororo Munroe - "Storm" (Alexandra Shipp) not only discover their powers, but find mentors who teach them how to unleash their abilities.

Original First Class and Days of Future Past characters are given meatier background stories in this instalment. This allows their stories and character development to blossom in ways that are both familiar and refreshing for long-time X-Men readers and viewers.

Apocalypse offers viewers a psychological journey into morality and spirituality. It pushes mental boundaries without offence, allowing you to think deeply and question the foundations of your own choices and abilities - even as a human.

The Cast

As always, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult did a magnificent job in reprising their roles. I cannot wait to see what they do next - that is if they do reprise their roles for another installment.

Evan Peters, Rose Byrne and Lucas Till receive special mentions for their reprisals too! It was nice to see Byrne and Till back in action, I missed them after the first film! Peters is still as funny as ever, but it was good to see a slight seriousness when it comes to the curiosities about Quicksilver's father.

Now, for the noobs...

Sophie Turner is a great Jene Grey. Not only does she capture the essence of the character that Famke Janssen created sixteen years ago, but she also brings a new air of mystery to the abilities that Jene Grey posses.

Tye Sheridan distractingly looks like Charlie Puth in this film, but this is permissible considering he does a great job bringing a more vulnerable side to Cyclops. Unlike James Marden's super serious take on the role, the teenaged Scott Summers is understandably struggling with being an adolescent and a mutant all at once - what an evolution in puberty! Sheridan was funny, serious and emotional, everything you need from a character who's been set up as a the typical Rebel Without A Cause who later becomes a real team player.

Alexandra Shipp's version of Storm is quite unique in the sense that she starts on the wrong side of the fight. We see a more naive version of Storm that is completely different to Halle Berry's stern, cool, calm and collected portrayal. Shipp beautifully portrayed a young girl finding her way in a harsh world. 

Kodi Smit-McPhee gets top marks, not only for holding a German accent, but for adding to the comic relief in this film. It's not easy to play a character "poofs" on demand, and he made it look easy! Smit-McPher is a brilliant younger version to Alan Cumming's original portrayal.

Ben Hardy's characterisation of Angel is vastly different to Ben Foster's original character. Although reviving the role doesn't make much sense in the timeline, he did a great job making the character his own.

Olivia Munn brings Psylocke to life nicely. Unlike the rest of the newbies, Munn has a lot of leeway in terms of breathing life into the character. Since Psylocke is a fairly new addition, there's not much to say, but Munn did a great job in making her an enigma - one that needs to be watched for future reference.

Oscar Isaac plays an excellent contrast to McAvoy and support to Fassbender in his role as Apocalypse. Although, you can't help but draw similarities between his character and James Spader's portrayal of Ultron (Avengers: Age of Ultron). He is as menacing as he is intriguing.

Overall...the film is one for all ages. It deals with family, friendship and morality in a way that you'd never imagine.

sL Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next on sL: Me Before You

Film Review | Captain America: Civil War

Uncle Ben once told us that “with great power comes great responsibility,” but here’s the big question: who keeps us responsible.

The Story

Following the destruction of Ultron in Sokovia, the world is once again openly questioning its safety in the hands of the Avengers. Although it owes much to the renowned heroes, many people who hold powerful positions feel powerless and see the Avengers as vigilantes.

The story adlibs much from the original comic in the sense that it moves away from identity and privacy crisis to a more personal look into why the Avengers do what they need to do.

We see Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) finding himself in need of a babysitter every time his ego gives way to his conscience. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) finds himself fighting for and against his past and present friends. The internal moralisation of each team comes down to minimising damage to civilians – whether it be through being tethered or ostracised by them.

The Cast

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. are pros after seven films. Arguably, Iron Man and Captain America are their most memorable – undoubtedly their longest – roles of their careers. After seven films, not to mention the rest to come, it’s not hard to see that these two know and love their characters.

Chadwick Boseman and Tom Holland are the new comers who need special attention seeing as their alter egos ignited excitement just by featuring in trailers. Boseman takes on Black Panther, a loving son who has his father taken away from him and is hungry for vengeance. Holland takes on a more challenging role by taking the mantel of (previously Sony-owned) Spiderman.

Both new comers did a great job in making their characters their own. Bringing Black Panther to life gave the film that darker edge and retained the need to avenge the loss inflicted upon a person. Spiderman on the other hand is a little harder to play seeing as we’ve just seen a reboot. But I have to hand it to Marvel, Holland gave an impressive performance as the prodigal son comes home.

Overall…comic enthusiasts will be saddened by the changes, but will have an amazing time anyway. Look, if you love Marvel and anything to do with comics there’s no stopping you from watching this movie. You will enjoy every minute. Personally, I was looking for Joss Whedon’s touch when it came to the fight sequences, but I will commend the Russo brothers for sticking with their flair from Captain America: The Winter Solider.

sL Star Rating: ★★★★

Next on sL: X-Men: Apocalypse

Film Review | Deadpool

Following its comic book origins, Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as fast-talking, comedic, anti-hero, Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool). Wilson narrates the whole film as we see Marvel undo…or make sense of…Deadpool from its prequel, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

We follow a story of a hit man going about his daily routine, falling in love and living a normal life as a thug in New Your City. Unfortunately, a common diagnosis forces him down the path of experimental treatments and voila, a mutant is created.

Only…it’s not that simple.

If people always hated Wade for his snide comments and well...his ability to never know when to shut up, then it stands to reason that so too would anyone treating him. His debatably loveable trait hits the wrong spot with one of his mad-scientists, which in turn encourages him to push Wade’s mutation to its full potential – immortality and really bad skin defects.

Stripped away from his good looks, Wade is now forced to hunt down Ajax (a.k.a. Francis) to turn the beast back into a beauty so that he can go back to his normal life, as well as avoid joining the X-Men at all cost.

The Story

As a whole, the story has you laughing from start to finish. Past and present intertwine in a comedic smashing of the forth-wall as Reynolds willingly invites you into the world of Deadpool, as well as openly comment on what happens beyond the screen.

He, along with the film’s writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, let loose with their poetic licence making several jabs at studio budgets, previous X-Men writing inconsistencies and openly name-dropping as many X-Men cast members as they can.

It’s a love-story wrapped in action, blood and inconceivable fight sequences. It’s worth every minute you’re holding your stomach due to laughter.

The Cast

Ryan Reynolds is just brilliant. He is much too comfortable in this character than any other I’ve seen him portray. He does not bring Deadpool to life, he is Deadpool. I am so glad he got his own film!

As brooding and hateable Ed Skrein is as Ajax / Francis, there are times I have no idea what he was saying! Although…that may have been on purpose, I do recall Reynolds making a side comment about it at the start of the film. Either way, I still think Skrein is a good villain for an anti-hero…however that works!

Although Stefan Kapicic brilliantly lends his voice to bring Colossus to life, he still did a great job! My favourite part is when he’s making a profound speech about what makes a hero and Deadpool completely ignores him, which then causes him to he throw up.

Brianna Hildebrand is a great young-mutant who also so happens to be a stereotypical teenager. As typical as her portrayal is in portraying teens for all generations, it was nice to see that she knew which side she was on and fulfilled the roles of being a face for the X-Men.

Morena Baccarin does an incredible job at keeping up with Reynolds as his leading lady. She’s just as funny and pulls your emotional heartstrings very well.

T.J. Miller is a great comedic side-kick as he deflects Reynold’s insults with matching sarcasm and useless advice.

Overall…Deadpool is too funny to miss. It’s a nice break before all the seriousness of X-Men: Apocalypse comes out. Go see it!

sL Star Rating: ★★★★

Next on sL: How To Be Single

Film Review | Fantastic Four

All Reed Richards (Mile Teller) wanted to do was make a difference. When he finally receives the chance to make a difference, the US government decides to give the glory to their people instead. Convinced by his colleague, Victor (Toby Kebbell), to “stick it to the man” and get ahead, Reed and the rest of his team decide to break the rules and make history.

The Story

This 2015 reboot of the Marvel franchise sees yet another origin story come to fruition. Moving away from 2005’s lighter take on the beloved comic book superheroes, this film leans towards the murkier side of story telling.

Instead of an intergalactic storm that alters human DNA, we have a completely separate world to play with altogether. Dealing with collegiate geniuses with their own quirky specialisations, this film plays with “bio-matter” and its potential to energise and rejuvenate our (apparently) dying planet.

Now, the story has a basic plot that simply outlines how these heroes become the Fantastic Four, so I can’t fault its premise based on its simplicity. What I can fault it on, on the other hand, is it’s lack in depth in regards to characterisation and missing “wow” factor.

Although I understand that this is an origin story, I wish the story had more depth into Doom’s lonely character. I didn’t believe that he was an outsider because the majority of the mid-section of this film has him part of the team rather than apart from the team. But…I think I’m getting way ahead of myself. In truth, I think the writing let the cast down.

The Cast

Miles Teller was an incredible choice as the leading mastermind behind the ingenuous invention that teleports people and things through to different dimensions. Where the writing faltered was in his ability to be the leader. Overshadowed by his father-like figure, Dr. Franklin Storm – a.k.a. Reg E. Cathey – Teller simply had no chance in really encompassing a leading role.

Kate Mara was believable in her role as Sue Storm, the adopted obedient daughter, but her character lacked depth beyond her ability to “follow patterns”. Her superhuman abilities of being able to be invisible and create force fields were rendered useless by her innate ability to hack into different computer systems.

Michael B. Jordan had a more rounded character as he took on Johnny Storm. He had it all – from daddy issues, to sibling issues and heck even loyalty issues. I think they used his super powers to its full capacity more so than anyone else’s in this film. So for that, I give the writers and Jordan two thumbs up for their redeeming factor with this particular character.

Jamie Bell needs to be given a pat on the back for his underdeveloped character. Although we see an abused child at the beginning of the film, this concept is never returned to as the film progresses. Instead Bell’s alter ego, “The Thing,” is somewhat underused as he was excused be a weapon for the US government…only after being slightly dejected by Teller’s character’s momentary abandonment of him – which again was ignored towards the end of the film.

Toby Kebbell was the most disappointing underdeveloped character altogether. What should have been the perfect counterpart for Teller’s lead, fell through as Kebbell’s antagonist was simply given a sloppy introduction and an abrupt ending. There was nothing scary about Kebbell’s ‘Doom’ – gory, yes, but not scary as his name suggests. What the writing missed in this character was the looming presence of hatred and resentment. Instead, we get an image of a lazy and resentful post-teen collage student.

Special and Visual Effects

These departments receive a dishonourable mention in regards to their lack of attention to detail. The graphics in this film were poorly executed as some – if not most – of the scenes with green screens and/or other graphics were obviously spotted. It was more distracting than awe-inspiring as the big screen only magnified their underdeveloped digital enhancements.

Overall, regardless of my disappointments, I didn’t mind this film. I’ll forgive its faults since it is a reboot and a re-origin of the Fantastic Four. But in future – please give your actors something to work with and get your special effects “on point”! And…what happened to the end-of-film preview scene?! C’mon!

Star Rating: ★★

Next on sL: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Film Review | Ant-Man

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) just wanted to ‘be the hero his daughter already knows he is,’ instead, his time in prison has landed him in a tough place – unemployment. After being kicked out of his own daughter’s birthday party for not pay– oh, wait, I mean playing his part as a parent, Scott decides he needs to get his head in the game – even if it means doing a job that will land him back in prison. Little does he know, he’s being watched.

The Story

Skewing minutely away from the original comic, the next instalment to Marvel’s Avengers ensemble sees Paul Rudd as the comedic and charming, Ant-Man. Changing the origin story to suit past, present and future storylines, we see an ex-conman trying to make an honest living. Swearing never set foot in another jail cell again, Lang sees himself at a dead end as his past taints his employment prospects – regardless of how much street-cred he may give to any workplace.

While Lang plays “who’ll employ me?!”, his story is overshadowed by the bigger up-hill battle that Michael Douglas’ character has to face – his own creation. Attempting to hide his advanced technology that shrinks bio-particles from the government, Hank Pym finds himself at odds with former protégé, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll). Slightly psychotic and delusional, Cross attempts to replicate the Pym Particle in order to capitalise his imitation in order to show Pym that he was, and is, worthy of his attention. In the mix of all of this, we also have a father-daughter complex where Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) is a double agent who feeds information from Cross back to her father, Hank. But back to Lang…

After allowing Scott to “rob” him – i.e. take his shrinking suit – Hank hires him to steal Darren’s replica, the Yellowjacket, before it gets into the hands of the wrong people.

As a whole I thought the combination of past Ant-Man and future Ant-Man, along with the allusions to the original comic storyline, worked great for this next instalment. The storyline was solid and fluid, as well as the perfect amount of comedic-charm that Marvel’s films always have.

The Cast

Michael Douglass was a brilliant mentor figure in this film. Bringing the seriousness to balance out Rudd’s comedic strand, Douglass brought the comic’s initial storyline to life.

Paul Rudd’s take on the ‘new’ Ant-Man was just as brilliant as Douglas’ seriousness. Although Rudd did bring much of the comic relief, he did have some great emotional moments in the film as well. He understood the importance of playing a father who would do anything for his daughter, as well as playing Marvel’s typical strong-type superhero. It’s nice to have another father figure join the Avengers, I’m glad to see Hawkeye has a friend!

Correy Stoll was another great balance to Rudd’s light-hearted take to a Marvel classic. He played the roll as a villain brilliantly and was an excellent mirror of what Pym could have been if circumstance were different.

Overall, Marvel fans who have not seen this film are missing out. The story, the cast, the graphics and the film as a whole will have you laughing and sitting at the edge of your seats. Go get your tickets at your local Event Cinemas today!

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: Fantastic Four