Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Bryan Singer, 20th Century Fox, MA 144 Minutes.
Having previously helmed ‘X Men-Days of Future Past’ Bryan Singer appears to be seeking to usurp Spielberg’s sci-fi supremo title with an opening sequence that is simply superb in his direction of this sequel.
Singer’s cleverly crafted script begins in ancient Egypt where Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac – ‘Ex Machina’), the first and most potent mutant from Marvel’s X Men universe, is being worshipped as a god before he is buried under a pyramid that has suddenly collapsed.
The time zone then shifts to the 1980’s where in the early years of the X Men era a youthful Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) is establishing his School for Gifted People.
At the same time in another part of the world Erik aka Magneto (Michael Fassbender) appears with his family living and working in Poland until the townsfolk learn of his true identity which triggers a number of devastating consequences.
This tragic event which killed Erik’s family coincides with Charles’s reunification with Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) being mostly concerned about the re-emergence of a dangerous Magneto as she is with the reawakening of a powerful mutant menace like Apocalypse.
Raven’s worst fears are soon realised when Apocalypse manages to recruit Magneto to his side together with other mutants such as Angel (newcomer Ben Hardy – TV’s ‘East Enders’) and a much younger Storm (Alexandra Shipp – ‘Straight Outta Compton’).
With the battle lines now drawn it is left to Charles group including Beast (Nicholas Hoult – ‘About A Boy’), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner – ‘Game of Thrones’), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit- McPhee – ‘Slow West’), Quicksilver (Evan Peters) and Raven to save human kind from Apocalypse’s planned domination.
Singer’s stylish fourth-time direction is once again evident in his highly enjoyable sequel skilfully incorporating past storylines with spectacular special effects thereby ensuring that his sci-fi action adventure is a significant addition to the X-Men saga.
Besides reassembling a stellar cast, he has added such talented stars as Isaac and Turner with the former turning in a powerful performance as Apocalypse, supported by Aussies Smit-McPhee, Byrne as FBI agent Mactaggert and Jackman’s brief cameo appearance.
Singer’s ‘X-Men-Apocalypse’ is definitely an entertaining roller coaster ride from start to finish and should be considered the best in the current series with most of the main characters returning in ‘Dark Phoenix’.
X-Men Apocalypse is televised on 7MATE at 7.30pm on Friday 27 November
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
