Colorful new cast and beloved classic characters on generic apocalyptic brawl

Rating: 7/10 (20 May 2016)

X-Men always has an edge over the competition by utilizing the rich relationship between Professor X and Magneto, also diving into the nature of mutant as the struggle for acceptance. All of these elements are still present, but they feel watered down to accommodate an omnipotent villain, which ironically a gimmick used by other superheroes and one the X-Men was superior of.
It follows many characters this time around, and even though it's a chance to showcase these champions, it may a bit too much. Focus shifts between the younger members such as Jean Grey and Cyclops, veteran heroes and new rising antagonist. It can be a bit hectic at times, but luckily the acting prowess brings them to next level.
James McAvoy and the older actors provide already established presences, a special credit for Michael Fassbender for one of the better performances in the movie. Younger ones deliver a commendable works as well. Sophie Turner as Jean Grey has the fitting look, she appears to have immense power, yet still restrained and doubtful. Also, the fan favorite Evan Peters as Quicksilver is always a welcomed addition.
The problem lingers in the repetitive theme, both from previous X-Men movies and other superhero flicks. Many of the scenes feel rehearsed, for example, the secret facility infiltration, new secret life or sudden death. These feel as though they are deja vu and the way they are presented is all too similar, perhaps for nostalgia effect, but if that's the case the old feel is not a boon for the movie.
Furthermore, some of the characters inevitably have less screen time. The antagonist side relies too much on the Apocalypse, and the supposed Horsemen are not beyond ordinary henchmen. This is a bad news for Storm, a key member of X-Men, who seems just dragged around from scene to scene. The rest are just there for one of two cool sequences without having much dialogues.
Apocalypse himself is the typical god complex villain, he might be overwhelming at first, but that effect will wear off. However, Magneto is still the quintessential antagonist, although he has the second seat this time. All the set-up eventually brings many colossal showdowns, the movie is good at this, Quicksilver and Nightcrawler will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
For all the doomsday talk, it treads the path of many similar heroes. Still, the culmination of characters and capable actors playing them, as well as smooth animation, keep X-Men a collectively presentable gallery.