New decade. New X-Men.

Rating: 7/10 (30 May 2016)

'X Men: First Class' (2011) showcased the origins of the heroes and villains we had seen in the original trilogy. It brilliantly encompassed the 1960' backdrop of the power struggle between the world powers. 'Days of the Future Past' (2014), set in the 1970's, completely eradicated the established continuity-allowing Apocalypse to act as a 'soft reboot' of sorts. With Bryan Singer back to the director's chair, this film is a continuation of Days of The Future Past, in which the whole timeline had simultaneously been reset. Now set in the 1980's, the heroes face their biggest threat yet, in the form of an omnipotent and omniscient mutant called Apocalypse. He is the world's first mutant who simultaneously wants to destroy everything this new world stands for.
Apocalypse starts by introducing the titular antagonist's origins in Ancient Egypt. Singer captures this mythological world rather epically and composer John Ottoman helps capture this feeling. Obviously, something doesn't go quite right, and Apocalypse is later reborn in 1983, the same year in which Star Wars; Return of the Jedi was released. I love how this film addressed the film as a little reference, but more importantly, one thing that separates the current X-Men films from other superhero films is the setting. Since 'First Class' each film makes the setting feel special, whether it be through the cinematography or props.
The film reintroduces heroes such as Cyclops, Jean Gray, Storm, Angel and Nightcrawler but they are younger, less experienced and not a part of the X-Men. I really enjoyed Tye Sheridan as Scott Summers, whose ability to shoot beams of energy through his eyes acts as a burden at first, as he is unable to live a normal life. However, when he is introduced to Professor X's School For Gifted Young Youngsters, he learns that his powers are not a burden but can be used for good. Out of all the youngsters, he and Jean Gray probably had the most character development. Speaking of which, Sophie Turner's Jean Gray leaves something to be desired- I think I just need to see more of her before I judge her portrayal. Although, she does somewhat capture the anger, loneliness that Jean Gray has, because of the extent of her powers. Kodi Smit-McPhee's goofy portrayal of Nightcrawler was reminiscent of Alan Cumming's memorable performance in X Men 2. He was enjoyable and acted as the comic relief, much like Evan Peter's Quicksilver. An overriding theme of the X-Men films is identity with a particular focus on acceptance. This is one aspect of the film that I really enjoyed as Bryan Singer and screenwriter Simon Kinberg address these themes and generally the franchise has done a good job of tackling these themes- something 'Fantastic Four' (2015), failed miserably at doing.
Oscar Isaac's Apocalypse didn't work for me because he just wasn't entertaining or captivating enough. I'm not saying he needs to break out dancing in between a fight or crack numerous jokes at the expense of the heroes, but there's something about a villain who is arguably less one dimensional. He was clearly powerful, threatening and his motives were clear as glass, but they weren't necessarily interesting. It's the sort of motive we've seen before and that's why I didn't enjoy the character.
Michael Fassbender's performance is also something that stood out, particularly in the first quarter of the film as we see him trying to adjust to life as a father and husband, whilst also hiding his powers and identity from those he has met in this newly formed life. There is one scene in the forest that was fantastic and much like X Men: First Class, Fassbender gets to show off his acting prowess. The film does feature numerous characters in this ensemble and this review would go on for too long to talk about each performance, so the ones mentioned are the ones I particularly felt were worth talking about.
My biggest gripe with apocalypse is the 'end-of-the-world' narrative. I think the X-Men films work better when the story is more close to the heart. To elaborate, narratives revolving around the theme of identity that highlight the divide and difficulties between a world with humans and mutants living side by side have previously allowed the X-Men franchise to stand out. That said, Apocalypse's narrative acts as a tool for conventionally forming a team, the X-Men. In this regard the narrative works, but it doesn't make the film stand out or seem unique.
Apocalypse is an enjoyable film through its setting, some particular set pieces (including a particular fan favourite cameo and Evan Peter's Quicksilver) and some truly great performances fronted by Fassbender, Tye Sheridan and James McAvoy. It's problems lie in the fact that it tries to up the ante and scale, whilst world building and introducing new and old characters, meaning that in my opinion it lacks the heart of some of the other X-Men films.