Film Review - X-Men: Days of Future Past is one of the best films of its genre

Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart
Director: Bryan Singer 
Rating: ****

What's it about:

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a movie within a movie. The concept of narrating two parallel stories set in different time frames works brilliantly in this fast paced super hero extravaganza that will have you at the edge of your seat till the final scene. Brilliantly written, Bryan Singer puts together a stellar ensemble that rivals The Avengers and every other super hero franchise of recent times. Apart from revisiting the histories of some of our favourite X-Men, we also get to be part of their emotional journey as a mutant. Beginning from a dark futuristic present where the existence of their kind is threatened by giant mutant killing robots called Sentinels, we meet the familiar faces Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Storm (Halle Berry) in an unsettling environment. Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) takes Wolverine 40 years back to 1973 when Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) killed Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) setting forth a series of incidents leading to the total annihilation of their breed. Now Wolverine must go back in time and get Charles and Erik to prevent Mystique from committing that act and changing the course of their future.

What's hot:

There is a lot going on in this chapter that will make you sit up and think. Singer uses substance over style to put together a smartly woven storyline that at no given time gives away the intrigue behind these characters. Despite a linear storyline, most of the characters take you with them on different journeys. One such new addition to the cast is the superbly talented Evan Peters (from American Horror Story) who plays the super sonic Quicksliver with the right attitude. It's a tragedy that we don't see more of him in the film. Fassbender who plays the young Magneto does most of the acting with his icy cold gaze and ripped torso. Jackman is more of a spectator and a catalyst than a protagonist this time around. He lets the other actors take foreground while camouflaging his stardom in the shadows. Dinklage once again proves why he's such a superstar and impresses in a role that does full justice to his towering talent. Fans of the series will lap up the extra attention Mystique is showered with, in fact she is the key and central focal point of everything that's happening in the film. 

What's not:

There are moments where the 3D distracts and takes you away from the core of the film. Some of the special effects and action scenes look a bit dated. Also at times its a bit hard to shuffle between the past and the future. With both the timelines happening simultaneously there is a chance that some sub plots might seem confusing. There is no explanation or back story of Magneto and Professor X's sudden truce as the film begins, leaving us wondering if we missed anything in the previous chapters.

What to do:

Sit back, get some popcorn and enjoy this insane ride of time travel with your favourite mutants. X-Men: Days of Future Past is one of the best films of its genre.