Visually stunning, an easy-to-follow plot and well cast characters set to a script filled with witty dialogue that does not overdo the comedy. Apocalypse is merely your Saturday morning cartoon variety villain who wants to destroy the world to rebuild in his image. A commentary on modern commercialism replacing the religions of old perhaps as the new "cult following"? Or a criticism of humanity's arrogance and self glorifying nature? Maybe even a critique on how common folk are quick to idolise mortal "false gods" of the influential and powerful? No, no and no. His motivations could have been much deeper. Oversized platform boots, plastic looking Armour and an ill defined set of powers all downplay the threatening presence of the villain. The snake-like menace that Oscar Isaac exudes through his sinister delivery is betrayed by a design that borders on corny. On one hand, it seemed that the creators were going for the "all powerful but frail" type of villain ala emperor Palpatine of Star Wars. Apocalypse himself is a villain that is as equally divisive as the movie itself. But their story came to a decent close in the last movie and this one just feels like more of the same. Don't get me wrong, they are fantastic actors, especially Michael Fassbender completely nailing the tragedy of Eric's character arc. Instead we get more Charles Xavier and more Eric playing out their character drama like star crossed lovers. Kodi-smith mcfee's more feline looking Nightcrawler is also another intriguing character sidelined. Instead he is also shoved into the background after his introduction. Ty Sheridan's Scott Summers could have been great as the new audience surrogate, going from meek bullied loser to taking his first steps as confident leader of the X-Men. Beneath the visual spectacle, the movie under utilises its cast of characters. His character is simplified into yet another archetype. But as mentioned earlier his motivations are touched on but not explored. And at least this time he has a purpose in the story other than being a just a miraculous attempt. Quicksilver (last see in DAYS OF FUTURE PAST) returns and we get to see the full extent of his powers once again only on a larger scale. Interspersed between these divisive battles are particular scenes of movie magic. Oh look, the villain is getting the upper hand! Let's shoot more! Where physical stunts and fights come, they are a thrill to behold except the dated wire work which feels artificial. When the action does come, it is a special effects spectacle of mutant powers on display where everyone.pretty much stands around shooting things at each other. Divisive might be the best word to describe this movie. Those who can appreciate a slow build up would love this while those who need their immediate action fix would be left disappointed. The fresh elements of course add new facets to a film which could have otherwise been a complete bore, thanks to the slow burn nature of the plot which mostly sees both good guys and bad guys gathering their key players for the final showdown. The familiar elements gives us a sense of the revolving nature of conflict, that history repeats despite the best intentions. Call it homage or call it cliché, I feel that this story manages to toe the line between familiar and fresh. Powerful mutant with delusions of godhood and a gang of loyal followers is Apocalypse this time replacing magneto's role in the first 3 xmen movies. Xavier is once again captured and the X-men's home base is compromised, again like X-MEN 2. Mystique replaces wolverine as the badass wanderer who is thrown into a leadership position to guide our young loners. Scott jean and Kurt are the inexperienced loners who have to work together to overcome their challenges, a little like pyro, Bobby drake (ice man) and kitty pryde (shadow cat) in X-men 2. Eric is the grief stricken blood knight who goes evil with vengeance when tragedy strikes, again. So familiar in fact that the whole movie is a pastiche of plot points taken from past xmen movies. Our characters are all reduced to two dimensional archetypes each with familiar story arcs. It is very simple and it is in its simplicity that it loses out on the richness of character than past xmen movies had. Fortunately or unfortunately it does not require much inferring or complex thinking to follow the story. Thankfully the masterful execution of dialogue and acting chops saves this film from sinking into mediocrity. The third in this "new trilogy" that began with X-MEN FIRST CLASS, the franchise reached its high point in the epic X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST but now tips back down to a rather typical tale of good vs evil intertwined with the usual hero's journey. X- MEN APOCALYPSE brings to mind some Japanese anime and a yearning for the better X- men movies of the past. The word "apocalypse" brings to mind an end-of-the world event of biblical proportions.
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