Days of Future Past, More Than Just the Title

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2014)

Rarely do I ever go into a movie with great expectations only to have them exceeded. "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is one of those films, and that's definitely saying something considering the run that comic book films have been on since the 2000s, and a lot of stinkers that have come out of Hollywood ("X-Men: The Last Stand" being one example). I enjoyed "X-Men: First Class", though originally I was a bit put off by the premise of it. That film proved my pretense of it to be very wrong, however, its sequel far outdoes it.
"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is perhaps one of the best comic book films ever made. In a market saturated with comic book films, it can be difficult to make something that truly stands out, and this one does just that. This one not only serves as a sequel to "First Class", but it also serves as a sequel to the highly anticipated but exceedingly disappointing "The Last Stand". It brings together cast members from "First Class" and "The Last Stand" in a beautiful swan song for this series. If this is the last X-Men film for awhile, then the series has definitely ended on a high note. If you're a comic book fan or an X-Men fan, I highly recommend it. 10/10 Top notch action, acting, visuals, story, and direction. SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
While the concept of "DoFP" borrows a lot from the first two "Terminator" films with the grim opening on a dark and barren ruin that was the world as we know it being oppressed by machines and the "time travel" device being used as a means to alter history, it makes that concept its own. Instead of Logan literally going back in time, Kitty Pride uses her power to send Logan's present consciousness back in time to his 1973 counterpart so that he may prevent the Sentinels from becoming operational as they are in the present day. Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Nicolas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, and Michael Fassbender are an excellent leading ensemble. They all give top notch performances as their characters, and it's good to see Logan's character arc finally complete. Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen are spectacular as always reprising their roles as Charles Xavier and Magneto, respectively, from the first three films of the 2000s. The film's visuals are varied. The present day is very dark and foreboding while 1973 is brighter with the sense of an incoming darkness given the viewer's knowledge of 50 years later already established. The "Forrest Gump" aspects of integrating the characters into actual historic events are a nice touch as well, continuing and furthering that motif from "First Class". James McAvoy as Charles in 1973, dealing with the difficulty of the times, is brilliant. Granted the idea is a bit cliché, but considering its Charles Xavier, the most optimistic and positive thinking character we've encountered in this entire series who has lifted up so many of the characters being pessimistic and cynical just shows what McAvoy is capable of as a performer. Charles in 1973 is using a special treatment created by Hank McCoy (Beast) to allow him the use of his legs, but it simultaneously negates his telepathy. Charles willingly accepts that, because he senses all the pain and suffering of the world during that time. He uses that treatment as an escape. Ironically its Logan, someone he raised up from that frame of mind, who returns the favor in a way and raises Charles up from that hole. Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique...need I say more? She's brilliant. Rebecca Romijn brought the character to life and made her one of my favorites, but Jennifer Lawrence perfected Mystique for me. Much like Charles, in this we see Mystique on the losing end of her own internal struggle. Michael Fassbender is a brilliant counterpart to Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto, and is fast becoming yet another one of my favorite actors. Ever since his role in "Inglorious Basterds" he's never ceased to entertain.
10/10 Top notch action, performances, visuals, and story.