I watched X-Men: Apocalypse and I liked it. 3/5
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X-Men: Apocalypse, directed by Bryan Singer, is a movie that aims for the grandeur of its title but ultimately stumbles under the weight of its ambition. While the film delivers some great action sequences, solid performances from the returning cast, and a few standout moments, it also gets bogged down by an overstuffed plot, underwhelming character arcs, and an over-reliance on CGI chaos. It’s not a disaster, but it’s far from a triumph, leaving this entry in the X-Men saga feeling like a 3/5 movie.
The Pros: Nostalgia and Mutant Action
Let’s start with what works, because X-Men: Apocalypse isn’t without its charms. The movie brings back fan-favorite characters like James McAvoy’s Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender’s Magneto, and Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique. These actors have already proven they can handle the emotional and moral complexities of their characters, and they do their best to elevate the material here. Fassbender, in particular, stands out with a subplot involving Magneto’s attempt to live a normal life, which takes a tragic turn. His scenes have an emotional weight that the rest of the movie struggles to replicate.
The new additions to the cast are a mixed bag, but some shine. Sophie Turner steps into the role of Jean Grey and brings a compelling mix of vulnerability and strength. Tye Sheridan’s Cyclops also gets a decent origin story, and Kodi Smit-McPhee is a surprisingly fun Nightcrawler, injecting some much-needed levity into the proceedings. Evan Peters once again steals the show as Quicksilver, with another jaw-dropping slow-motion sequence that might be the most memorable moment in the film.
The action is solid, if not groundbreaking. There are some truly epic set pieces, like the destruction of Xavier’s mansion and the final showdown against Apocalypse and his Horsemen. When the film focuses on the mutants using their powers in creative ways, it’s undeniably entertaining. Seeing characters like Storm, Psylocke, and Archangel in action is a treat for fans, even if their roles are underwritten.
The Cons: Too Much, Yet Not Enough
The biggest issue with X-Men: Apocalypse is that it tries to do too much while not delivering enough substance. The plot is overstuffed with subplots, character introductions, and apocalyptic stakes, but it all feels surface-level. The titular villain, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), is a major letdown. Despite Isaac’s talents, the character is reduced to a generic, monologuing bad guy with unclear motives. His plan to destroy the world and rebuild it in his image is as clichéd as it gets, and the script never makes him feel like a genuine threat despite his immense power.
The movie also struggles to balance its sprawling ensemble cast. Characters like Psylocke (Olivia Munn) and Storm (Alexandra Shipp) are visually striking but barely developed, while returning characters like Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and Mystique feel like they’re on autopilot. Mystique, in particular, is disappointingly sidelined, which feels odd given her prominent role in the previous two films. The same can be said for the emotional beats of the story. Magneto’s arc starts strong but fizzles out in the third act, and the film never fully capitalizes on the tension between him and Xavier.
CGI Overload and Pacing Problems
Another major drawback is the over-reliance on CGI. While some of the effects are impressive, the climactic battle devolves into a mess of digital destruction that lacks any real emotional stakes. Watching entire cities crumble should feel impactful, but the excessive CGI makes it feel hollow and weightless. By the time the movie reaches its conclusion, it’s hard not to feel numb from all the visual noise.
The pacing is also a problem. The first act is slow, taking far too long to set up Apocalypse and his Horsemen, while the third act rushes through its resolution. The middle section of the film, which focuses on introducing the new characters and revisiting familiar ones, is the strongest, but even that feels disjointed at times.
A Missed Opportunity
X-Men: Apocalypse feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a truly epic installment in the franchise. The seeds for greatness are there—a legendary villain, a strong cast, and the potential for a dramatic showdown—but the execution falls short. The movie lacks the emotional depth and narrative focus of its predecessor, Days of Future Past, and instead opts for a more bombastic, spectacle-driven approach that doesn’t always land.
Final Thoughts: Entertaining but Forgettable
Despite its flaws, X-Men: Apocalypse isn’t a bad movie—it’s just a disappointing one. There are moments of greatness scattered throughout, from Quicksilver’s show-stealing scene to Magneto’s tragic subplot, but they’re overshadowed by a bloated plot, lackluster villain, and an over-reliance on CGI. Fans of the series will find things to enjoy, but casual viewers may find themselves checking out before the credits roll.
In the end, X-Men: Apocalypse is a decent addition to the franchise but far from its best. It’s entertaining enough to warrant a watch, but it doesn’t leave the lasting impression you’d hope for from a movie with “Apocalypse” in its title.