Review of X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) by Raji K — 12 Mar 2017

Singer directs the next chapter in the X-Men series, X-Men Apocalypse. The X-Men face there most challenging foe yet, the ancient and ever powerful mutant Apocalypse. He has recently been awakened after a long slumber and he seeks to take over the world and mold it as he sees fit.

He enlists Angel, Storm, Psylocke (Olivia Munn) to help him and they begin assembling their army. With Magneto revenge strikes after his daughter is killed, he eagerly joins the fight. By manipulating Professor Charles and cerebero they make their entire motives known to mutants and mankind alike. It becomes up to a young Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Beast, Quicksilver, Cyclops and Mystique to reign in and fight this new horrible foe.

X-Men Apocalypse just seems to be missing something and is not quite as good as its predecessor. Despite the epic scope presented, the film seems to lack some direction. Apocalypse powers seem confusing as it is unclear what he can truly do and why he bothers to even enlist anyone. The new cast of X-Men just does not seem as enjoyable to watch as the previous class. Sophie Turner does her best to be the new Jean Grey, and the new cyclops was quite forgettable. Kodi Smitt-McPhee seems to be a shell of Alan Turdyk's lovable Nightcrawler. Quicksilver has a great scene again like the first film, and steals most of the moments he is on screen. The favorites of Stewart, Jackson (although he has a good cameo), and others do feel quite missed. Oscar Isaac's interpretation of Apocalypse was not a bad one, but a far cry from how enjoyable the character to watch was in the animated series. Because the X-Men are younger it just seems to be unfitting that they would be able to take on such a foe. They also miss the opportunity to bring in the biggest hater of Apocalypse in Cable. The movie has some of the right pieces in place, but sadly it is one of the weakest ones in the series.

-3.11.2017.