OK, the Days of Future Past director wasn't alone. Its trio of screenwriters helped. So did the team of producers. John Ottman played a part, once again doing the music for the series. And I suppose the army of artists, sound people, effects wizards, camera people, casting department, etc.
Oh yeah, the extraordinary cast deserves some credit too, like Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, the stellar Evan Peters and, of course, the uber-ripped Hugh Jackmam, AKA the Wolverine.
So let me recap: Bryan Singer, the Wolverine, and a whole bunch of people saved the X-Men. The movie series. Maybe the comic too.
I beg your pardon. I just left the theatre, which means I'm still in the "honeymoon stage" with this film, my perception of its flaws still blinded by a blissful suspension of disbelief. For who would be so foolish enough to spend hard-earned money to go into an X-Men movie to pick it apart for continuity problems. With something as utterly vast, dynamic and ever-changing as the X-Men narrative, mistakes and/or oversights are to be expected and, strictly speaking to the past films, some things are best forgotten.
Sorry Basementites, while there's plenty of violence, and some of it fairly grim (although Iceman's head has me wanting a novelty silicone ice tray) -- there's is next to no bloodshed. However, there is a lot of semi-naked Jennifer Lawrence, who has really taken ownership of the Mystique role. She and her stunt-double do a pretty fine job. Fassbender, who stole the last X-Men outing, First Class, once again puts in a fine performance. Peters portrayal of Quicksilver is a total treat. I'll say no more on that. But it's definitely the highlight of the film.
And STOP. I was getting close to putting some spoilers there, but I think I've said enough.
What I will say is this movie ties up a lot of loose ends and brings focus. It also strips away that dystopian future from the comics that, frankly, I never got into. (I stopped ready religiously about the time when the Brood were introduced) Seems to me Days of Future Past does away with that convoluted storyline and offers potential for a bold new direction. Not that Marvel would ever milk anything to produce more copy. Or more films for that matter.
And yes, another X-Men film is planned for 2016, again with Singer at the helm.
To sum up Days of Future Past, yes, it is a big summer blockbuster extravaganza. Yes, it's bloated with CGI. And yes, there's some deep social commentary rooted throughout that doesn't try to hit you on the head like a hammer attempting to guilt you into not enjoying yourself. Oh, and there's some humour too.
Definitely a Good. For now anyhow. I may give it a second go after the honeymoon.
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