The Marvel Comics mutants’ last two screen outings were smart, spectacular and nimbly entertaining. Hamstrung by too many characters and too little narrative momentum, their latest adventure, X-Men: Apocalypse can’t help disappointing.
The movie’s failings start with its less-than-compelling villain. Buried beneath layers of prosthetic makeup, Oscar Isaac’s god-like mutant Apocalypse proves underwhelming, despite his awesome powers. And when James McAvoy’s psychic Professor Charles Xavier and his X-Men allies strive to stop him wiping out most of humanity, there are so many different characters jostling for attention that the story fails to pick up the necessary pace to carry us through to the climactic showdown.
The film isn’t a total write-off. Fans will chuckle knowingly over the in-jokes and will no doubt whoop with delight when a favourite character makes an explosive cameo appearance. But with so many superhero movies currently cramming the calendar, X-Men: Apocalypse isn’t distinctive enough to stand out from the crowd.
Certificate 12. Runtime 144 mins. Director Bryan Singer
X-Men: Apocalypse arrives on Blu-ray & DVD on 7 November, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jer8XjMrUB4
Blu-Ray Special Features include: • Deleted/Extended Scenes (with optional introductions by Bryan Singer) • Gag Reel • Wrap Party Video • X-Men: Apocalypse Unearthed • Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg • Stills Gallery • Easter Egg
DVD Special Features include: • Deleted/Extended Scenes (with optional introductions by Bryan Singer) • Gag Reel • Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg • Stills Gallery • Easter Egg
