Coming Back with a Mission

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 2016)

After ending half-frustrated by the latest entries involving my favourite super heroes, it's good to see that someone in Hollywood hasn't forgotten how to put together a great comic book action film. With the Oscar Isaac providing a solid center for the ultimate mutant/villain, this side of Voldemort, we have a troop of very talented people making return appearances, some promising newcomers who are more than welcomed to return in the newer entries, and my hat off to the fact that we have one screenwriter, keeping the vision focused, and the action tight despite the story going on for quite a while. It is commendable that it's a very long movie and not two parts, a trend that turned many of us cold.
Here is one intimidating villain, one that could easily destroy just about anything crossing him or in front of him. His origins are unclear, but he/it appears to be powerful enough to run a tight ship back in the golden days of Egypt. He has positioned himself as the supreme "God" and is apparently in the midst of a renewal/recharging cycle when a little coup-d-etat manages to recover the freedom for that civilization, and in a quieter, subtler note, it appears to lead to its decline and that of the entire world.
Isaac's villain is a marvelous and intriguing creation for he is no angel and no demon either, and he has more human qualities than many human themselves. He is also very centered in what he wants and needs, and his plans are precise from the beginning. He needs to rebuild his empire and seeks the best of the mutants to achieve his goals. He is also generous in providing them with the energy and support they need so they can do a good job. His choices are interesting, and he knows how to appeal to them. It is at this moment that we wonder what his true nature is.
He comes close enough to achieve what he sought to do because he's a great commander. His presence is enough to rattle a few nerves and inspire fear even in the most powerful of his adversaries. It helps him that some of the mutants are not sure on how to use their gifts, and it takes several tries and some confidence building situations to make them take charge.
In the end, the day is saved by an unexpected presence, and one of the most satisfying qualities of the film is that these teams work as real teams, providing each other with the strategies and tactics as needed. There is very little display of ego or emotional trauma. It's a dirty war, and it has to be fought to the end. Prepare yourselves for a great roller coaster ride and be sure that the X-Men are coming back with something even more exciting next time.