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X-Men

X- Men: Days Of Future Past

Starring: James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage (Rated M – 131 min).

If cinema goers are not yet suffering from an over indulgence of blockbuster fatigue, this sequel to both X Men films The Last Stand (2006) and First Class (2011) successfully out dazzles all that came before it.

The reboot of the X-Men series was needed in First Class, done with style recalling the characters at a younger age focussing on the meeting of protagonists Magneto and Professor X. It opened a whole new angle for these gifted beings as chemistry between the team began. As this film begins, a dull voicer recalls the incidents of genocide on humans and mutants by robot sentinels including the destruction of revered Xavier Institute. The time-twisting plot takes Wolverine back from the future to the 1970s to round up the mutants in their younger formations to help with prevention of the post apocalyptic war that lays ahead.

The normally stubborn, irritable Wolverine has to become a people person trying to sort out differences of the various mutants as well as adapt to the adjustments of the swinging retro era.

This creates plenty of sly comedic moments in a time of waterbeds and lava lamps for Hugh Jackman in rare classic one-liner form. His body has also changed in the time-shift, the retracting claws are bone – not yet steel blades. Globetrotting to such places as Paris, New York and China there are many aversions happening throughout but the best part for ultimate X-Men fans is the merging of mutants, young and old. Over indulgent it may be, but director Bryan Singer (X-Men 1 & 2) blends animosity and action with ease.

Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart lead the elder crew into the desperate oblivion that lay ahead. I enjoyed seeing Halle Berry return as Storm and a brief appearance from Anna Paquin as Rogue. Fans will understand their importance, while Quicksilver and Kitty surprised me with grandiosity interactions. Jennifer Lawrence as the blue skinned shape-shifting Mystique implicates sarcastic cold dread every single time she appears. Her allegiance is tested between factions also.

The special effects are remarkable during various intervals but character, or should I say mutant, development is rife with clashing personalities, however, the same cause is abided by. Springing the young Magneto from one of the most secure prisons on the planet is a highlight of intense excitement while a showdown in Washington provides further epic proportions. If one has not seen the previous X-Men films or know about the comic book mutant history, some story arcs could be a little offbeat. It will satisfy many until the latest Transformers arrives on screens next month.

Shane A. Bassett

Sydney Unleashed is one of Australia’s premier entertainment publications exploring the latest in lifestyle trends. From Sydney’s finest restaurants, cafes and bars to the hottest in gadgets, products, and home entertainment, Sydney Unleashed is your one-stop lifestyle platform.