Boasting a massive cast spanning two different film series, it would be easy to assume that X-Men: Days of Future Past might collapse under its own weight. It will come as a relief then, that the newest installment emphatically delivers the requisite summer movie thrills. Even more remarkably, it doesn’t sacrifice its character moments or big themes to do so. As of this point in time, it’s the season’s most successful big-budget blockbuster.
In an apocalyptic future, robots named Sentinels roam the landscape wiping out any mutant threat. With their numbers dwindling and extinction imminent, Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) hatch a last minute plan to send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to the early 1970’s. Once there, the time-hopper reunites the younger versions of the two mutant leaders (played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender). Together with Beast (Nicholas Hoult), the group attempt to alter history by changing an event that results in the creation of the Sentinels. To do this, they must stop Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating the program creator, Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage).
Of course, there are numerous other characters and familiar faces present, but the focus is on the younger X-Men and Wolverine. Besides the opening and closing, there are cutaways to the future that reinstate the threat and keep the tension and immediacy present. Still, the older cast members appear in what amounts to extended (but welcome) cameos. In truth this isn’t a criticism, but a wise move to keep various characters and threads from getting out of hand.
Instead, it anchors the story on the conflicting feelings of the troubled youths. These issues include loss, hopelessness, abandonment, and in some cases anger and vengeance. Perhaps what makes it the movie more interesting is that, although it is filled with impressive stunts and effects, it doesn’t challenge its characters to simply defeat the bad guys and save the world. To succeed, they must change perceptions, alter prejudices and try to implement understanding and tolerance, even among themselves. It’s a troubling and difficult job for the heroes and the script extracts great conflict from it.
Admittedly, some of the several new characters introduced in the future don’t make much of an impact. Events occur so quickly early on that it’s hard to get a real handle on who some of the new mutants are. Comic book fans may know the back stories and get the quick references, but new audiences won’t have as much of a vested interest in them.
While some do end up as background fodder, one of the new additions does make an impression. The mutant named Quicksilver (Evan Peters) has a grand entrance into the franchise. When the film is allowed to display his skills during a daring break-in attempt, it takes full advantage of the opportunity. Combining the use of slow-motion, clever camera angles, a few great sight gags and a couple of funny lines, it is an electric, standout sequence in a film full of impressive moments.
Yes, there may some minor details that will make little sense to those not familiar with the comic books (this includes the post-credits scene). Yet, by any standards, X-Men: Days of Future Past is an exceptionally entertaining flick that provides a sense of excitement as well as heart, thanks to its unique but sympathetic characters.