X-Men: Days of Future Past review

Title: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Ellen Page, Halle Berry, Evan Peters, Peter Dinklage, with Ian McKellan, and Patrick Stewart
Release Date: May 23, 2014
Rating: PG-13


 

The Verdict: Epic, fast-paced, and emotional, featuring a superb cast and gripping action, Days of Future Past is undoubtedly the best entry in the long-lasting X-Men franchise yet.

8.5 out of 10.0
 
"Is the future truly set?" A question we often ask ourselves, and one that confronts Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past, the seventh installment in the long-lasting X-Men film series. In their latest adventure, Professor X (Patrick Stewart,) his off-and-on nemesis Magneto (Ian McKellan,) Storm (Halle Berry,) sporting yet another haircut, and of course, the cynical and practically immortal Wolverine (Hugh Jackman,) find themselves under attack from the Sentinels, a group of murderous androids that have all but exterminated mutantkind. To save their future, the X-Men send Wolverine into the past to team up with the young Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender,) to stop Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from inadvertently triggering the creation of the Sentinels.


 The first thing that most will notice about Days of Future Past is simply the sprawling cast of characters. The film features both the characters from the original X-Men trilogy and their younger counterparts from X-Men: First Class. Director Bryan Singer assembled a fantastic cast, and not a single actor disappoints. I doubt Hugh Jackman will ever wear out his welcome as the grumpy yet lovable Wolverine, James McAvoy turns in a surprisingly thoughtful and emotional performance as a young Professor X, and Michael Fassbender brings an intense presence to the film as Magneto's younger self. As usual, Jennifer Lawrence all but steals the entire movie as Mystique, who is vital to the film's plot. Mystique has become bitter and hateful towards humanity due to their fear and distrust of mutants, and Lawrence perfectly captures both Mystique's strengths and insecurities. The characters in the future aren't given nearly as much screen time as their younger selves, but Page, Berry, McKellan, Stewart and others are all excellent, even with their limited presence. The film's biggest suprise is Evan Peters as Quicksilver, who turns in a clever, hilarious performance as the speedy mutant who assists the lead characters.


 The large cast is hardly the only aspect of Days of Future Past that impresses however. After six films, one would think that a seventh movie might be predictable or formulaic. Not so. Days of Future Past manages to keep you on the edge of your seat for its entire 131 minute running time. The tension builds as we jump back and forth between the 1970's and the "not too distant future," with things continually looking bleaker for our heroes. As usual, the set pieces are fantastic. One particular action scene featuring Evan Peters' Quicksilver staging a prison break is one of the most original, clever, and downright fun sequences I've ever seen in a comic book film.

 But action and thrills aside, where Days of Future Past really succeeds is where the X-Men stories have always succeeded: in bringing genuine emotion to a film about superheroes. Days of Future Past's mutant characters are continually displaying their human sides, making them all relatable and believable. In particular, Xavier and Mystique truly connect with the audience. Xavier is overwhelmed with the task he is presented with. He doesn't want to save the world, he simply wishes to live the rest of his life devoid of the presence of others, alone. Mystique is just the opposite, sick of being alone and alienated. Bitter and cynical due to the fact that she knows society will never accept her. Both learn valuable lessons on their respective paths, and teach the audience a lesson or two in the process.


 The film really only suffers from one flaw, and that is the fact that Days of Future Past utterly ignores major events in past X-Men films. Professor X died in The Last Stand, yet here he is, alive and well in Days of Future Past. In that same film, Magneto was injected with the mutant cure and had his powers removed, yet they inexplicably return in this movie. In The Wolverine, the film concluded with the title character no longer wielding his trademark adamantium claws. Yet in this film, somehow they're back again. These might seem small issues to some, but they do make the film slightly less enjoyable.

 Overall, however, X-Men: Days of Future Past easily succeeds on the strength of its cast, thrills, and genuine emotion. 
 "Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn't mean they can't be saved." It's a simple line that Xavier delivers, yet one that is undeniably powerful in the film, and one we would do well to apply in our own lives. It's moving in the film to see Xavier's unwavering faith in Mystique; his belief that she will choose the right path, regardless of the mistakes she has made. It's a valuable lesson we ought to remember in our everyday lives, be it in relationships with friends or family. No matter what those we love have done, there is still hope for them. For you and I. For all of us. After all, the future is never truly set.