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 | The Wolverine

Logan (Hugh Jackman), a.k.a. “The Wolverine”, is once again a lone wolf. After the devastating death of Jean Grey (Famke Janseen), Logan’s never been able to grasp what life should be like without her – and being immortal, it would be a long and lonely life.

The Story

The sub-story is Logan is trying to find a way to come to terms with the loss of Jean Grey. Throughout the film, Jean appears to him in dreams and visions beckoning him to come to her – that is, to die – which is impossible for his genetic mutation. The main story (that all the trailers showcase) is the idea that Logan has become human; needing the help of modern medicine and having someone to look after him, while simultaneously (and voluntarily) keeping a Japanese company heiress, Mariko Yashida (Tao Okamato), safe.

I personally liked the dual storyline that happens in this film. You have the main storyline that carries all the action, while the other serves as the underlying theme of Logan wanting to be human or normal. What I liked most about the story was it was focused mainly on The Wolverine. Unlike the first film (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and the X-Men Trilogy, there weren’t too many mutants in the one film. Since that was the case, you were able to grasps the story and believe the action playing-out before you.

The Cast

Hugh Jackman – Brilliant (as always) as he reprises his role as Wolverine. Like any role he’s been given, Jackman gives 100% and brings a delightful balance of humour, wit and seriousness to the role, and Wolverine is no different. Hugh was absolutely flawless.

Rila Fukushima – plays fellow mutant, Yukio, an adopted daughter of the Yashida family. Fukushima was a great sidekick for Wolverine, and at times became the main source for comic relief. It was great to see a female-bad-ass in combat boots and fiery red-hair. Kudus to Rila!

Svetlana Khodchenkova – plays another mutant, Viper, Yashida’s doctor as well as one of Logan’s nemesis in this film. Khodchenkova was vicious, sensual and, well, gross. Spitting everywhere as well as shedding her skin – it’s a given for a reptile-like mutation. But she was believable on both accounts – scientist and villain – so kudos to Svetlana as well.

Tao Okamoto – following the current trend of the paradoxical trait of being a kick-ass damsel in distress, Okamoto was a brilliant surprise in the storyline. I don’t want to say too much, because (a) you kind of see it coming and (b) every superhero needs something added to their story to keep audiences entertained – meaning all audiences. But I thought she did a great job contrasting the roughness of Jackman’s beastly character with the gentleness and grace of Mariko.

Famke Janseen – it’s always nice to see familiar faces, and Janseen’s is no exception. After her abrupt and colossus death in X-Men: The Final Battle, it was nice to see the Jean Grey that Logan fell in love with, rather than the Jean Grey that she disappeared as.

Setting

Setting the film in Japan was a great idea. Not just plot-wise, but as well as action and scenery wise. The beauty of several Japanese gardens contrasted with iconic Japanese skyscrapers, along with several provincial residencies were all excellent places to tell each part of the story.

Overall 

The film was a great addition to the Marvel collection of the X-Men Saga, but it’s also a great film that stands on it’s own. Marvel fans will love the simplicity of the story line as well as the execution. What I love the most about Marvel films is the transcendental inclusion of different languages, cultures and the histories that turns the differences into a similarity. You get a great sense of the Japanese culture in this film and really appreciate how history interplays with the world of Marvel. The only thing left for me to say is: GO SEE IT.

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Next on sL:  Now You See Me