Review of X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) by Lewis E — 11 Sep 2016

Numerous elements here represent a step backwards in the franchise, making 'X-Men:Apocalypse' feel like it would have been more at home with the shoddy original trilogy. Inept introductions to newly recruited X-men, generic action infested with special effects, an uncharismatic one-dimensional villain and a melodramatic climax. These are common bad traits of the comic book movie era but it has been a while since they were all squeezed into one movie. This is not even including the cliche premise it is built upon. A villain targeting the destruction of the modern world...*YAWN* seen it. Professor X and Magneto arguing over mutant philosophy...*YAWN* seen it. Anything new please? To its credit, it rightfully steals a quality part of 'Days of Future Past' and incorporates an entertaining slow-motion Quicksilver scene. Though not technically new, the experience remains fun and vibrant and again stands out as the coolest part.

This saga was on a decent run but I never believed it fully shook off the errors of the past. If not already, X-Men is in danger of becoming stale as it repeats human v mutant themes and character story-lines. 'Apocalypse' is a setback and supports the notion that a fresh pair of hands take helm behind the camera in order to stop the X-Men from languishing in cinematic mediocrity. Fox, fancy following in Sony's footsteps, doing us all a favour and relinquishing these characters to Marvel?