I do not understand what “Days of Future Past” means; I
barely understand what “Back to the Future” means. This film stretches the mind.
There are elements of H.G. Wells, Fatalisms, Determinism and I am certain some
of Einstein’s theories were violated but I have no clue which ones. As dense as
all this sounds the plot is not difficult to follow and holds the film together.
Someone from the future goes to the past to change the future. Please hold off
your spoiler e-mails, there is much more to the plot than this one line.
The film takes place during the Nixon administration in the
70’s. The clothing and absence of modern day gadgets frames the movie’s tone. The
70’s alone would be a good excuse enough to escape to the future.
There are some new mutants and some old ones. The main
protagonists in this film are: James McAvoy (as the young Charles Xavier),
Michael Fassbender (as a young Magnito), Jennifer Lawrence as Mystic, Nicolaus
Hoult as Beast and Hugh Jackman as the ageless Wolverine. These characters are
still fresh. The action is not recycled and holds your attention with good
pacing. The film is not heavy on “buddyism”, there are a few grudges to settle,
even if with one’s self. There are some well-placed jokes you should look out
for. The Nixon actor would have been funny if he was not so close to the mark
with his tubular nose and shifty eyes.
Jennifer Lawrence has a big role in this sequel. Her dialogue
is minimal but her body language speaks volumes. I really hope she does her own
killer yoga moves. Michael Fassbender plays Magnito with dispassionate purpose destroying
anything and anyone threatening his vision. His Germanic warmth is pervasive. I
cannot talk about McAvoy since his condition would give away too much of the
plot. As for Beast he is now in command of his blue fur and with better temperament
(although he was funnier in earlier films). Jackman wears his patented scowl
and takes copious rounds of bullets. The
ensemble of actors’ works well. The main characters give enough room to each
other so no one is pushed out by the other one.
The arch villain is played by Peter Dinklage as Bolivar
Trask. This is the little guy from “Game
of Thorns”. If they wanted someone evil they picked the right guy. He is a
combination of a mad scientist with a touch of Joseph Menegle.
CG was good, but was it $200m good? The old standbys of building
levitation and twisted steel were expected. Some of the newer creations were just
a bit cheesy. Too many mega block buster films have made us jaded.
My favorite X Men movie is” X Men First Class”. This movie
is right behind it. With a production budget of $200m (double that for
marketing), this movie better do well and I think it will; I recommend it. There
will probably be a sequel. Whatever conundrums make up the next title, my good friend
Felix will explain them to me.
