Review #31 | "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016)

A big-budget film that doesn't take itself too seriously is usually a good time. Even people who are not fans of the X-Men comics will find the third installment of the X-men films thoroughly entertaining and impressive. Even Jean Grey thinks that "the 3rd movie is always the worst," but somehow that doesn't apply here.

Seeing the appearance of so many beloved X-Men in one film, and in their origins at that, is surely to be exciting even to fans whose knowledge of the X-Men universe is limited to the two previous installments. Michael Fassbender has been on a role lately (pun intended) and continues to showcase his diversity as an actor even within the same character. Oscar Issac absolutely captures the role of the villain, Apocalypse, onscreen. Even with the excessive makeup, Issac leads the audience into believing that he really can do some really serious damage. However, the overall scene stealer has to be Sophie Turner. Our beloved Sansa Stark has hung up her (metaphorical) sword in favor of even longer hair and an even more badass attitude. Turner is the perfect choice to play Jean Grey and she fleshes out her range as an actress by bringing tenderness as well as a sense of newfound responsibility to the young heroine.

"Apocalypse" is still your typical "superhero" movie and comes with all the bells and whistles. Those who are not acquainted with the source material may be a little lost, but as long as you pay attention to the narrative of the film, and just accept a few of the things they spring on you, a pleasant movie-going experience is still to be had.

__________________________________________________________

Rated PG-13. Runs 144 minutes.

Directed by Bryan Singer. Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Issac, and Sophie Turner.