Very Solid Entry in The X-Men Universe

Rating: 8/10 (6 June 2014)

We're 7 films in now into this world. And with 2 more on the way, it goes without saying that they're staying afloat by sheer demand from fans. There are a lot of people out there that are die hard 'X-men' fans, just like any other comic book series has. Some of the films are notably better than others. And while there are plot holes galore here (Yes they are plot holes I don't care what you tell me), and I don't think it's better than the latest 'Captain America' or 'X-Men II: X-Men United' for that matter; This movie is full blown turned up to 100 from the get go, with well executed action scenes, a lot of humor in the right places, and a HUGELY talented cast all giving good performances.
The start of the film shows Earth as a desolate wasteland, thanks to the savage hunting machines known as the Sentinels. Originally created to hunt down and destroy only Mutants, the machines had since evolved in the future and began hunting anyone. So we see all of our favorite mutated heroes return and try to figure a way that can go back in time and prevent one of their own Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from executing the inventor of the Sentinels Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage). By preventing this event, it will reverse history so that humans will never decide to use the Sentinels to destroy mutants. And with one of many plot conveniences Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is the only X-Men that can go back in time to reunite young Xavier (James McAvoy) and young Eric aka. Magneto (Michael Fassbender) in order to create a new better future for everyone.
The volume of superhero films we get these days has made them become underwhelming to me for the most part. Rest assured though that this is one of the most solid entries in recent memory. Surprisingly the thing I enjoyed the most is the clever humor written into the script. There are hat tips to the previous films quite frequently yet I feel that this film is trying very hard to separate itself from them. The story builds to what an obvious leap into a brand new storyline. With 2 more films already in production this is no surprise.
Along with the humor, there are a few sequences of action that are extremely impressive. Especially a sequence with the character Quicksilver (Evan Peters) that I will claim is one of the most impressive sequences of ANY action film in the last 15 years. It really is that good. The most simple and honest way I could describe the film is, fun. Even if you're not a die hard fan, there's a lot you can enjoy in the film. A movie with a cast this stacked and a director who is familiar with the loire and characters, would be hard pressed to make a movie that wouldn't be an enjoyable time.
A problem I have with the film is it's lack of sensitivity to a younger audience. I mean, this isn't something I would usually talk about in relevance to a comic book film, however there's noticeable points in the film I thought to myself "Woah now, ease up a bit". A totally unnecessary F-bomb to start, which yes is a critique for a superhero movie. You'll have a great amount of young children attending this movie, they don't need to see superheroes dropping F-bombs. Also there's a weird script element in which the Charles Xavier and Hank aka Beast characters inject a serum of some sorts into themselves to keep their mutant powers at bay and to live more normally. What bothers me about it is that it subconsciously hints towards using heroin, as you literally see the characters tying bands around their arm in a panic and injecting themselves into their veins as if they're thriving for the serum. A tad inappropriate in my eyes, as there were numerous children under the age of 10 in the screening I was in and I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable watching those moments.
Nitpicks aside there is no denying the film is greatly enjoyable. Wonderful actors giving it their all, and there's plenty of exciting moments equally balanced with emotional engagement and laughter. I can't rave on and on about how incredible it is because for one I'm not an avid die hard fan, and two it's not all that incredible. Just very well done; nothing we haven't seen before. Some have said it's one of the greatest super hero movies of all time which is in my mind a bit of a stretch. In comparison to some of the other films in this universe that have been dismal to say the least, it is definitely a breath of fresh air. It's not greatly profound however; Rather a nice flavor of the moment.