Movie Review - X-Men: Apocalypse

X-Men: Apocalypse ***½ (out of 5) (PG-13) Once again, the variably-powerful mutants of Marvel Comics fame bring their gifts/curses (quite situational and subjective) to the screens for a high-octane summer blockbuster. All the adrenaline junkies will surely be pleased with the computer-driven artwork and the pyrotechnics of the action sequences. I can’t comment on how true to their pulp roots these characters and story arcs may be, lacking the literary grounding for such judgments that most Comic-Con attendees would possess.

My own enjoyment was diminished by a nagging syntax issue. The principal action occurs in 1983, in which younger versions of the adult figures we’ve seen in previous franchise releases strive to save Earth from an existential menace named Apocalypse, who’d been buried in some sort of coma state since the time of the Pharaohs. The long nap did nothing to improve his nasty disposition or belief in his right to become our new God. But how “apocalyptic” can these proceedings be considered, when those previous epics, mostly set decades later than this one, have featured so many of the same heroes, internal conflicts and rivalries? I tend to think of apocalyptic clashes as more all-or-nothing, and couldn’t forget who had to survive this one to appear in the movies we’ve already seen. That detracted from fully enjoying the visceral buffet on its own merits. Your ability to suspend disbelief and live in the moment may vary.

Perhaps I owe an apology here. Once you’ve bought into mutants with superpowers who can’t get along with each other or the wary non-gifted humans of the planet, what’s the big deal about a little sequencing and context hiccup? This isn’t likely to show up on the SAT.

Beyond that, the f/x payoff, especially in 3-D, is ample. Though running well over two hours, the time goes rather quickly. Stan Lee’s usual cameo legitimizes the production. One tip - no need to sit through the interminable credits waiting for one of the epilog treats that are often part of the package. It ain’t comin’ this time, so get that head start for the restrooms, car or both with no fear of missing that particular boat. You’re welcome. (5/27/16)