amazon X-men Apocalypse reviews
X-Men: Apocalypse focuses on the main villain Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the first mutant and is considered the most powerful of the X-Men universe. This is also the third part about the X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Day of the Future Past. If this is total, then this is the eighth episode about the Mutants.
Recall history a little bit. The first X-Men movie was released in 2000 by Bryan Singer. The film was very successful at the time and the second part of the film debuted three years later also performed by Bryan Singer. However, after this section, Bryan Singer no longer co-directed the series, including X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X- Men: First Class (2011), Wolverine (2013). He only really came back to 2014 with X-Men: Days of Future Past and continues to showcase his talents by connecting two generations of young and old-timers through the Wolverine Werewolf . The episodes really revived the X-Men brand and no wonder the sequel called Apocalypse was made. If compared to Days of Future Past, watching you will feel the film circuit is slow and a bit long. But if you look through all of the X-Men movies, you’ll see Bryan Singer’s effort to perfect the film circuit and X-Men universe. It is possible to say the last part of the X-Men: Apocalypse will be the beginning of the first X-Men in 2000, finishing all the puzzle pieces and explaining all questions from the fans.
Back to Apocalypse. After waking from a sleep for thousands of years, the Apocalypse boss feels disappointed with the world and decides to recruit a series of powerful Bersers against Professor Charles with the ultimate goal of “rebuilding a better world “according to his way of thinking. The film is set 10 years after the events of X-Men: Day of Future Past, the first Apocalypse – the first Marvel Universe to wake up after 6000 years sleep. He recruits the four horsemen Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Angel (Ben Hardy), Psyloke (Olivia Munn) and Magneto to destroy the entire human race. Under the tutelage of Professor Xavier, the X-Men mutiny together against the dark plot of the Apocalypse.
The Apocalypse appears in the film a bit differently from the comic as he slowly, lightly and has the preference for adoption to form the Four Horsemen. However hidden behind the crust is a boss that can be said to be the most vicious and cruel in the Ancients. And there is only one hidden power that no one can control can destroy him.
The movie also introduces you to a number of very popular bersis, but in youth like Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-Mcphee), Jean (Sophie Turner), Cyclops, Of course, will not miss Professor Xavier, green, “Beast or Magneto, and especially the appearance of Quicksilver. Quicksilver is the most beloved character in Days of Future Past, there will still be an exclusive slow-motion scene of this guy, and no less than before, and the background and his life became clear (the previous part is just a hint).
The mystique in this section is much more mature and the “head” training and leading new mutants. One of the weaknesses of the film is the time to dig into the mysterious relationship between you and Professor Xavier’s feud – Magneto has quite a few. On the two fronts, it can not be denied that they constantly help each other to see humanity and keep one another from crossing the moral line. The Wolves will also appear in the movie, but do not expect much from him, he only appears as a “guest” and connects to the first X-Men.
where can you get a X-men Apocalypse online
X-Men: Apocalypse Buy it now
X-men: Apocalypse Buy it now
X-Men: Apocalypse Buy it now
Plot Summary
The story begins in ancient Egypt, where the first mutant, En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse), is worshipped as a god. After being betrayed by his followers and entombed, he is awakened in the 1980s by a cult led by a mutant named Psylocke. His return heralds the coming of an era of chaos, as he seeks to rule the world and bring about an apocalypse to reshape it according to his vision.
Apocalypse, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, has the ability to absorb the powers of other mutants, making him an extremely formidable adversary. He recruits four powerful mutants—Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Psylocke (Olivia Munn), Angel (Ben Hardy), and Magneto (Michael Fassbender)—to be his Four Horsemen. The X-Men, led by Professor X (James McAvoy) and including younger versions of familiar characters like Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), and Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), must come together to stop Apocalypse from destroying humanity.
Character Analysis
- Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac): Isaac’s portrayal of Apocalypse is one of the film’s most ambitious aspects. The character, with his god-like demeanor and powerful abilities, is a formidable antagonist. Despite his imposing presence and grand plans, the character’s depth and motivations could have been explored more thoroughly. Apocalypse’s quest for purification and his belief in his divine mission provide him with a certain gravitas, but his screen time and development sometimes feel overshadowed by the ensemble cast.
- Magneto (Michael Fassbender): Fassbender’s Magneto continues to be a standout character in the series. In “X-Men: Apocalypse,” we see Magneto grappling with personal loss and the devastating consequences of his powers. His emotional turmoil and the tragedy that befalls him provide a powerful narrative arc. Fassbender’s performance is intense and empathetic, adding depth to Magneto’s character.
- Professor X (James McAvoy): McAvoy’s portrayal of Professor X remains consistent with his previous performances. In this installment, we see him struggling with the responsibility of leading the X-Men and the burden of his powers. McAvoy’s depiction of a more vulnerable and conflicted Professor X adds a layer of complexity to the character.
- Jean Grey (Sophie Turner): Turner’s portrayal of Jean Grey introduces a new dimension to the character as she begins to realize her immense telepathic and telekinetic powers. Jean’s development throughout the film sets the stage for her becoming one of the most powerful mutants in the future films. Turner’s performance is solid, though some viewers might find her character’s development somewhat rushed.
- Cyclops (Tye Sheridan): Sheridan’s Cyclops is a more youthful and raw version of the character, grappling with his emerging abilities. His arc is less developed compared to other characters, but Sheridan manages to convey Cyclops’ internal struggle and growth.
- Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee): Smit-McPhee brings a youthful energy to Nightcrawler, whose teleportation abilities add a unique visual element to the film. Nightcrawler’s character is both charming and earnest, and his interactions with the other X-Men provide a refreshing dynamic.
- Storm (Alexandra Shipp): Shipp’s Storm, although not as prominently featured as some of the other characters, is a formidable presence. Her transformation from a street thief to a loyal Horseman of Apocalypse and eventually to a hero is one of the film’s more interesting subplots. Shipp’s performance is engaging, but Storm’s character could have been given more depth.
- Psylocke (Olivia Munn): Munn’s Psylocke is visually striking, with her combat skills and psychic abilities making her a formidable opponent. However, the character’s motivations and background are not explored in great detail, making her seem more like a supporting villain rather than a fully fleshed-out antagonist.
- Angel (Ben Hardy): Hardy’s portrayal of Angel is notable for the character’s transformation into Archangel. While the visual effects and Hardy’s performance are impressive, Angel’s character development feels somewhat superficial compared to other characters.
Themes and Motifs
- The Burden of Power: One of the central themes in “X-Men: Apocalypse” is the burden of power and the moral implications of its use. Both the heroes and villains grapple with the consequences of their abilities. Apocalypse’s desire to reshape the world and Magneto’s vengeance-driven actions highlight the dangers of unchecked power.
- Identity and Belonging: The film also explores themes of identity and belonging. Many characters struggle with their sense of self and their place in the world. Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler each face challenges related to their powers and their roles within the X-Men team.
- Change and Adaptation: The film presents a world on the brink of change, with Apocalypse’s arrival signifying a major shift. The X-Men must adapt to new threats and internal conflicts, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world they inhabit.
Visual and Special Effects
The visual effects in “X-Men: Apocalypse” are impressive, showcasing a range of powers and abilities in dynamic and visually appealing ways. The film’s action sequences, including large-scale battles and individual confrontations, are well-choreographed and executed. The CGI used to bring Apocalypse and his Horsemen to life is striking, though some might find it overwhelming at times.
Direction and Screenplay
Bryan Singer’s direction provides a sense of scale and grandeur, fitting for a film about an ancient mutant seeking to reshape the world. However, the screenplay by Simon Kinberg sometimes struggles with balancing the numerous characters and subplots. While there are moments of strong dialogue and character development, other areas feel rushed or underdeveloped.
Criticisms
- Pacing and Structure: The film’s pacing can feel uneven, with certain plot points and character arcs feeling rushed. The numerous characters and their intertwined stories sometimes lead to a cluttered narrative.
- Character Development: While the film has a large ensemble cast, not all characters receive the depth and development they deserve. Some of the villains, particularly Psylocke and Angel, are not as fleshed out as they could be.
- Villain’s Motivation: Apocalypse’s motivations, while grandiose, are not always clearly articulated. His plan to “purify” the world and his rationale behind choosing his Horsemen could benefit from more exploration.
Conclusion
“X-Men: Apocalypse” is an ambitious entry in the X-Men film series, bringing together a large cast of characters and introducing a powerful new villain. While it excels in visual effects and action sequences, it faces challenges in pacing and character development. The film’s exploration of themes related to power, identity, and change adds depth to its narrative, though some elements could have been more thoroughly developed.
As part of the X-Men franchise, “Apocalypse” serves as a significant chapter in the series, setting the stage for future stories and character arcs. Despite its flaws, it remains an entertaining and visually impressive film that continues the legacy of one of the most popular superhero franchises in cinema.