Bryan Singer's long awaited return to the "X-Men" franchise is impressive, yet it doesn't live up to the standards of "X-2", writes Scott Gentry, as he reviews "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (12A)
Director: Bryan Singer.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Peter Dinklage.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate fantasy violence and infrequent strong language.
Running time: 131 minutes.
Released in UK cinemas on the 22nd of May, 2014. 

Since Bryan Singer departed from "X-Men: The Last Stand” in 2006 (to direct “Superman Returns”, we could have done without it, right?) and foolishly left it within the incapable hands of Brett Ratner, the franchise never felt that it reached the same heights as "X-2", despite Mathew Vaughn's well received continuation of the series, "X-Men: First Class". However Bryan Singer has finally returned to the directing chair to deliver drama, action and interesting Sci-Fi, in his classic style. 

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

Set in the year 2023, "X-Men: DOFP" finds our world in absolute apocalyptic turmoil, as the mutant-slaying, robotic hunters known as the Sentinels, scour planet Earth in order to rid the world of all Mutant-kind. Now with only a small pocket of Mutants left (including Wolverine, Magneto and Storm) acting as the resistance, they realise that the Sentinels are an unstoppable force.

 As Patrick Stewart’s Professor X so rightly states, “Is the future truly set?” It seems not, as Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page, where’s she been these past few years?) argues that due to Logan’s ability to heal at lightning fast speed, his consciousness should be sent back into the past to seek the help of the team's former selves, in order to change the events of history forever. Despite its slightly confusing plot-line "X-Men: DOFP" deals well with the interweaving stories, and presents itself as perhaps this summer's most inventive blockbuster.

Bryan Singer and Patrick Stewart on set of
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

In regards to being inventive, Singer once again directs with a perfect balance, as he directs his ninth film with expert camerawork and beautiful cinematography from Newton Thomas Sigel (“Drive”) to match. 

The cast itself are (as always) uniformly brilliant, along with Jackman, McAvoy, Dinklage and Fassbender delivering great performances amongst the large and ambitious set-pieces; it's Jennifer Lawrence though, who ultimately receives the largest amount of screen-time and character development as Mystique, and rightly decides to once again prove her undeniable talent for acting. Despite this ensemble cast however, it unfortunately seems that there are far too many characters to actually keep a track of, and are (like the characters of “Godzilla”) ultimately missed.

Michael Fassbender as Magneto, in
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

In spite of its misused cast, we are (briefly) introduced to the character of Quicksilver (AKA Pietro Maximoff, played brilliantly by Evan Peters), a young man who has the amazing ability of superhuman speed, who sets about saving the team from many a misfortune, including an exciting scene in which Maximoff sprints around a villain-filled room so fast, that whilst running, he rearranges the directions of each security guard's guns, hats and fists, leading to a humorous climax.  

Jennifer Lawrence is compelling as Mystique,
in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

There is also a welcome return from Singer’s regular film composer John Ottman, who produces an often dramatic and exciting score, which is reminiscent of Alan Silvestri’s soundtrack of “The Avengers” (2012). 

The overbearing cast was an unfortunate step to have made, but Singer and his screenwriter Simon Kinberg eventually make up for their minor mistake, in the form of some much needed, yet reserved character development, which is what the first two “X-Men” instalments prided themselves upon; being a Superhero film that was intelligent and dramatic, yet action-packed. 

Peter Dinklage as Bolivar Trask, in
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

Verdict:

"X-Men: DOFP" is an impressive return from Singer and despite the misuse of this high-calibre cast, it works almost as well as “X-2”. It's most definitely not perfect, but it is an excellent beginning to the large group of summer blockbusters.

7 Stars out of 10

- Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.