3 Thoughts on X-Men: Days of Future Past

1. The plot - The plot is pretty simple - Wolverine is sent back in time to change the future, in turn, he saves both mutants and humans. Yet, the creators seem to think the concept is difficult for audiences to grasp so they explain the plot, over and over, and over again. It was annoying and sort of insulting. It's a good concept, completely satisfying, with some great performances. There is also a perfect balance of humor, melodrama and blockbuster special effects. I just wish they focused on the story, instead of explaining the story multiple times.

2. The scene-stealer - If you've seen the movie, then you will probably assume I am referring to Evan Peters as Quicksilver. Indeed, his sequence of scenes are awesome (and arguably the best scenes of the movie). However, the "scene-stealer" I am referring to is, of course, James McAvoy. While Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lawrence are all fine actors, when they are in a scene with McAvoy, they become embarrassingly mediocre. I've said it several times, and I'll say it again - McAvoy is incredible; his scenes are resonating and emotional. It's even more interesting that during the scenes that focus on a different character or multiple characters, McAvoy still steals the spotlight. Every. Single. Time.

3. The franchise - I wish I did a marathon of the X-Men movies before watching this, but honestly, I had no interest in watching them again. I see a lot of praise for X2, but I don't remember liking it very much. The only one I have any affinity for was the original one. I mildly enjoyed First Class, as well. The problem, though, is that because it has been over a decade of time and there are so many characters, I get lost with the relationships between some of them. The writers obviously knew that the audience would need reminders, so they added in a ton of flashbacks and dialogue references (a little too much in my opinion). That doesn't say a lot for the franchise, if the creators feel the need to over-explain the mythology, but I can't say that it isn't necessary. It seems like there was some confidence lost, but hopefully this movie turns things around, because I like the direction the franchise is going in.