“X-Men: Days of Future Past” brings all of fans’ favorite Marvel Comics mutants back to the big screen for a fast-paced saga that melds the future with the past. Directed by Bryan Singer, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” takes the audience on an action-packed adventure from a future time that threatens the existence of both mutants and humans to the distant 1970s with hopes that the current future can be changed. Strong, emotional characterizations and a close connection with the mutant characters makes this film a winner for both X-Men fans and general audiences.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” opens in a dystopian future in which a formidable race of robots known as Sentinels are terrorizing the world. Originally created to destroy mutants, the robotic race is now attacking humans in general and threatening the future of all life on earth. The X-Men gather together to come up with a plan to fight this menace. The solution lies in a return to the past to change events so that the Sentinels will never be developed.
The job of changing the past falls on Wolverine, and much of the rest of the movie takes place in 1973 when the younger Wolverine, inhabited by the consciousness of the future Wolverine, works to convince Charles Xavier and Magneto to work together to save the future. Time cues involving technology, music and character appearance do a good job of showing which time frame is being presented in specific scenes. The plot works to integrate both old and new X-Men characters and includes many references to other X-Men film and comic book plots. Not all of the mutants have a lot of screen time or important roles, but the flawless integration of so many favorites will please old and new X-Men fans looking for a character fix.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is the star of the film. His convincing performance focuses on Wolverine’s inner strength as he navigates two different worlds working to remain strong and steady while trying to convince a variety of personalities to work together. James McAvoy as the young Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as the young Magneto play strong supporting roles. Excellent chemistry between the trio increases the believability of the plot as Wolverine works to build his case for the necessity of preventing the future from which he has returned.
Another notable performance comes from Evan Peters as Quicksilver. His fast-paced action scenes steal the show with the addition of realistic choreography and stunning visual effects. Quality, fast-paced dialogue provides a wonderful match for Quicksilver’s quick movements and show a quirky, fun side to the character. Peter Dinklage brings villain Bolivar Trask to life as a three-dimensional character with both strengths and weaknesses, and Jennifer Lawrence brings emotional depth to the role of Mystique. Depending on the scene, Lawrence alternately shows Mystique’s dark, evil side as well as a more human sympathetic side that gives audiences a deeper understanding of her personality.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” combines the fast-paced fun of a superhero movie with the emotional involvement of a more serious drama. All of the film’s elements work together to heighten the viewer’s emotional response. A rousing score by John Ottman brings back musical themes from some of the other X-Men movies to provide continuity to the film. A combination of great digital effects and traditional staging bring to life a wide range of over-the-top scenes in a realistic manner. Digital effects also enhance the appearance of the Sentinels, driving home their scare factor and increasing the urgency of Wolverine’s errand.
Underlying the fun action-adventure feel of “X-Men: Days of Future Past” is a serious theme. The Sentinels were developed in reaction to humanity’s fear of the unknown, and this fear flickers underneath much of the plot of the movie, giving it depth. A secondary theme is the power of hope. The X-Men of the future derive strength from the hope of a changed past, and the X-Men of the past learn to hope again as they come to believe Wolverine.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” ends with a glimpse towards a sequel, “X-Men: Apocalypse,” which is set to be released in 2016. Foreshadowing throughout the movie hints towards more past and future interplay in the upcoming release. If “X-Men: Days of Future Past” is any indication, the new film should further show the live-action comic book adaptation as more than a fun action film for fans. It is truly a well-developed movie in its own right.
