Aside from the havoc wreaked on the Only True Origin Story of the X-Men, it would require an essay-length review to detail the inconsistencies, plot holes, and unbelievability (even for comic books) of this film.
Worst of all, except for a few bits by Nightcrawler, there is NONE of the trademark Marvel wit and depth of character that made the book franchise so wildly popular back in the day. ( )

The disappointment of quickly realising that Fox still doesn't know what they're doing after three unquestionably good X-films in a row (Days of Future Past, Logan and Deadpool) really soured the first view of this film for me. An underwhelming by-the-numbers end of the world fight with more CGI than heart, and stuffed with characters who don't get to shine or develop because they're too busy being namechecked. In a lot of ways, this is therefore a rehash of the issues tormenting the Last Stand, though like that film, this one too does have some redeeming qualities that keeps it from being a complete waste. Magneto's early scenes are good, for instance (if very reminiscent of Wolverine's lumberjack stint in Origins), as are Xavier's late ones. In general, it does a decent job of building on some of the character arcs from earlier films, notably the prequel series' core three (Magneto, Mystique and Xavier), and there are a small handful of others in the onslaught of underserviced characters who get solid moments here (notably Quicksilver and, surprisingly, if to a lesser extent, Havok) and on rewatch, such elements have stood out enough that the film climbed from 2.5 to 3.5 stars for me. The main flaw, though, is a villain who never feels like more than an (admittedly scary) plot device, despite generous helpings of screentime. Isaac is a terrific actor, so I can only assume the blame for this lies in the script.

For all that, I still got teary eyed at the new context for the recalled lines from the end of the original "X-Men" as the film ended. So clearly, I was more invested than my whining here indicates. ( )

I enjoy the X Men series of films, although like most series, they never quite maintain the standard of the first film. I really enjoyed the first of the films which went back in time to a young Charles Xavier and Eric and this is part of that sequence. The sequels are never as good but I did enjoy this even if the plot is nonsensical. I think why this works is the 2 actors who are Charles and Eric - they bring a watchability that draws you in. And it seems to me that all the films are really about Magneto as he struggles with who and what he really is. Charles is seriously forgiving though - yes, let's get the mass murderers teaching in my school! ( )

An ancient god wants to destroy the world.

Well, I guess it's not the worst X-Men movie.

Concept: D
Story: D
Characters: C
Dialog: C
Pacing: C
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: B
Acting: C
Music: C

Enjoyment: C

GPA: 1.9/4 ( )