Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

One of my most anticipated films for the year, I can't help but feel as though I don't love it as much as I should. I've been thinking about it almost constantly since yesterday. 

This film is a direct sequel to the great X-Men:First Class from 2011, and in a way, X-Men: The Last Stand.  First Class was an origin story of sorts for the main characters of Professor X and Magneto. I remember when first seeing it, I loved it. Subsequent viewings have held up for this movie, and I think it is the best in the franchise (probably coupled with X2). Distinguishing which film is better between those two is a little difficult. Those both offer so much to the franchise, but are quite distinct from each other.

Anyways, back to DOFP. Let's start with story. In the year 2023, after the events of all the current X-Men films, we find that mutants are being exterminated by the Sentinels. The Sentinels were created by Boliver Trask, a man that created a program to help annihilate the Mutant race for the betterment of humanity. The elder X-Men decide that to change this current future, they must change a particular event in the past. The Wolverine is the man tasked with being sent back (his mind is sent back into his 1970's body) to try to affect a change that will hopefully help.

This is where the direct sequel portion to First Class picks up, with The Wolverine interacting with the younger Professor X and Magneto from 1973. This is all about the story I will touch on. 

Bryan Singer (director of X-Men and X2) is back onboard as director here. His appreciation for the world he created is definitely evident. The story is very well fleshed out, taking into consideration the events of First Class and the first 3 X-Men films. His eye for detail in production is excellent, with some exciting action set pieces, stunning cgi and performances from his actors that truly elevate this film from the lesser entries in the X-Men world. You probably pick holes, but you can in most time travel related films anyways.

However, unfortunately, perhaps under a weight of great expectation, I didn't have a feeling of 'I loved it!'. I did enjoy it though, and would say it was very good and of a high standard. My instant feeling upon finishing the film was that I wanted to watch it again. I felt as though there was a lot going on that I didn't soak in. It's because of this I am hesitant of how to rate this movie score wise. At this point I feel it is behind First Class and X2, but only just. I rate both of those at about a 4.5 out of 5. Those ratings have increased over time, and I feel this is natural when rating films. I want to say 3.5 for DOFP, but, I feel that is being too critical when comparing it to my love for the aforementioned. Hell, the fact I want to watch it again is testament to its potential greatness. 

Rating:

4 out of 5.

Review: Frozen

Well, I started out a little skeptical with this film. Ever since its release, I've heard how great it is. Then it goes on to make over $1bn at the box office, wins best animated film and best song at the Oscars. My interest was starting to increase. 

I'd had it in my mind to watch, and then my partner says she really wants to see it. So, we finally sat down to watch it this weekend. I have to say, I loved it. My initial skepticism was regarding the song and dance. But, once all the characters are in play here, it turns into a beautifully constructed movie. This is one for all ages I would say - I'm a 34 yo male with no kids. 

We're introduced into the world of two princesses, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has a special power - she shoots ice from her hands - hence the title. As kids, while playing, Elsa injures Anna, leaving her near death. To keep herself and her sister safe from harm, she closes off her relationship with her sister. This is all in the first 10 or so mins. From there, we pick up the story as they hit their late teens. 

Initially I felt as though I'm watching another film about mutants. Earlier that day I had seen Days of Future Past. But, this is so much more. The story is full of love, acceptance, adventure, humour, friendships and of course...magic! (mutant powers). Come to think of it, DOFP is full of the same - in a way.

My two favourite characters were Sven, the trust Reindeer Steed and Olaf the Snowman. Both of these smaller parts helped to round out the human characters. I loved how Kristoff has conversations with Sven, pretending to put on the voice of Sven. Olaf was just so funny. 

I didn't mind the musical scenes. Even though there a few, they're not overly long. And, the Oscar winning 'Let It Go' is very catchy.

Overall, this film is a must see for everyone. It's not perfect, but it does extremely well in teaching the audience the fundamentals of life and love (be kind and love one another, no matter how different), wrapped up in a very enjoyable Disney package. 

Rating:

4.5 out of 5.