From the opening sequence, the sheer scale of X-Men: Days of Future Past is overwhelming. Featuring a bewildering array of characters, special effects, mutant abilities and plot lines, this is a superhero movie that grabs you from the very first frame and doesn't let go until the very last post-credits sequence.
The movie opens in an apocalyptic future where mankind is being decimated by the Sentinels, machines that were specifically created to kill mutants but evolved to kill humans who might have mutant offspring as well. Professor X, Magneto, and the "old" X-Men from the first three movies in the franchise are desperately fighting the Sentinels but it is a losing battle. Finally Professor X hits upon the brilliant idea of utilizing Kitty Pryde's special mutant ability; she can send anyone's consciousness back into the past. If she sends Wolverine back into 1973, he can enlist the help of young Professor X and Magneto to stop Mystique/Raven from killing the man responsible for the Sentinel program. When she killed him, she inadvertently ensured the program would flourish because mutants were perceived as a murderous threat to society. In addition, she was captured and her DNA was used to strengthen the Sentinels so that they could adapt to any mutant attack and never be defeated.
It's an elegant premise, ripe with the potential for time travel humor, complex character development, and twisty plots about how the past determines our future. The cast is impressive: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Ellen Page? Sign me up. Each action sequence is riveting, featuring imaginative skills and subterfuge, mutant mischief, and brilliant imagery. Director Bryan Singer makes each scene unique; instead of repetitive sequences of buildings collapsing, you are treated to fun and innovative new approaches to the eternal battle between humans and mutants. There are plenty of surprises along the way and wonderful twists that will please comic book nerds and movie lovers alike.
X-Men: Days of Future Past is a worthy continuation of the X-Men franchise and proves that re-casting the characters in their younger days has injected more vitality and fun to these films. This movie wasn't as funny as I like my Marvel movies to be, but the innovation and relentless pace kept me on the edge of my seat and delivered a true summer blockbuster. So grab your popcorn and head to the theater. Summer has arrived and the superheroes are back in full force.
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