Happy Weekend everyone, and to my fellow Americans, Happy Memorial Weekend!
Well, by the time you read this I’ll be on my way to Amsterdam, then Bruges and of course, Paris! So naturally I’ll be taking a blog break for the time being, but before that I’d like to share some of my favorite posts from my fellow bloggers and my quick thoughts on X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Let’s start with the reviews:
Keith and Tim reviewed Godzilla
Mark reviewed Enemy
Brian over at Vic’s Movie Den reviewed one of my sci-fi faves District-9
Natalie, Mikey & Dan reviewed X-Men: Days of Future Past
As for the rest …
Nostra is back with another edition of Many Faces Of – this time on Clint Eastwood!
Another CinSpec Award post is up from Josh, this time the focus is on 1952
Michael highlights the opening title and song of one of the best modern noirs ever, L.A. Confidential
Sati’s Rambling Friday is here! I even enjoyed her Game of Thrones’ coverage though I don’t even watch the show. That Pedro Pascal guy needs to get more roles! I actually noticed him when he was in BBC’s Robin Hood, man there are sooo many hunks playing supporting roles on that show!
Oh and lastly, check out Ted’s entry to Katy’s BLOGBUSTED B-Movie Blogathon: Action Jackson (1988) & Dark Angel (1990).
…
I’ve been wanting to see this one for ages. It’s perhaps my top 3 most-anticipated movies of the year. Well, I’m happy to report that it’s well worth the wait! In short, I loved it. I’m a big fan of the X-Men franchise, yes even the worst one (X-Men The Last Stand) is still quite watchable. I recall how excited I was when I first saw the X-Men movie trailer 14 years ago in 2000, that’s still one of my favorite superhero films to this day before the genre became so ubiquitous.
My favorite X-Men characters, Professor X, Magneto and Wolverine, are the major players in X-Men: Days of Future Past, and the complicated relationship between Charles & Erik is one of the main highlights once again. What I love about the X-Men movies is the social themes of prejudice and alienation that are thought-provoking and even relevant to our world today. This film adds a layer of complexity to the story of humans vs mutants struggle with the time travel aspect. The X-Men sends Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both species.
I’m not going to go into details about the plot on this mini review, but I just want to point out that I was a bit worried at first that the whole time travel aspect would be confusing, but it turns out to be pretty easy to follow. Despite the back and forth between multiple dimensions, somehow the pacing and transition helped me figure out just what the heck is going on. Kudos to Bryan Singer for still retaining all the things I loved about this franchise in the first place and adds an extra dose of cool factor in some of the big action moments. And most importantly, he’s able to tell a complex story in a compelling way, whilst at the same time not forgetting that this is after all a fantastical comic-book movie that ought to be escapist fun.
The ensemble cast are simply awesome! The five actors that make up the major players, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Patrick Stewart + Ian McKellen are excellent as always, and Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine is definitely much more fun to watch in an ensemble. Peter Dinklage is memorable here as well as the new cast member, but I’d have to say Evan Peters as Quicksilver was quite the scene stealer. His scenes of him in action are the most fun in the movie!
As far as superhero movies go, this one has everything that makes going to the movies so gratifying. Emotional drama and complex relationship are mixed together well with witty humor and thrilling, dynamic action. Similar to Nolan’s Batman films in some ways, it’s character & plot-driven. The dramatic tension gives a context and reason for all the action spectacle. In other words, it’s much more than just popcorn cinema that’s roaringly-loud but doesn’t really have anything to say.
I posted 40 reasons why I loved X-Men: First Class, I might do the same with this one at some point. I mentioned the soundtrack on that list and I love the score here too by John Ottman (Singer’s longtime collaborator). Can’t wait to see this one again, though I probably skip the 3D as it didn’t really add much to the experience. I think fans of the franchise might get more out of this film than those who’ve never seen any X-Men movie before. The nostalgia factor and the fact that I’m already invested in those characters adds so much to my enjoyment. That said, I think newbies might be intrigued enough by this one to check out the previous movies (well, you can just skip the Wolverine movies).
So did you enjoy X-Men: Days of Future Past?
See you in a couple of weeks, folks!
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Another 4.5 starred review for Days of Future Past?!? Paint me as double excited for this as I too have anticipated the film. Great to hear, Ruth. And mucho gracias…er…wait, that should be merci beaucoup, for the linkage and including me with this fine set of bloggers, Ruth 🙂
Yeah I really enjoyed it, I think it’s on par with First Class which is interesting as it was by a different director. I hope you see it soon n enjoy it too. Love your LA Confidential post btw 🙂
Thanks so much for the mention Ruth. I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip! Please take plenty of pictures of Paris for me. I can’t wait to see them and hear about it.
My pleasure Keith! Thanks for the tip about Rue Cler, I hope I get to visit that street. Btw forecast will be quite rainy there in Paris but we’ll make the most if it anyway 😉
Have fun on your trip Ruth, since we’re finally having nice weather here, I’m pretty happy to be in MN. Of course in a few months, I’ll be complaining about the cold and snow again, LOL.
I agree with you about Days of Future Past, since I wasn’t that impressed with First Class and hated Last Stand, I didn’t have high expectations for this one. Thankfully Singer was able to recaptured what he did with the first two films and make it even better. I was surprised that the film didn’t have as much action as I expected from a summer flick. But that’s not a complaint, I was so into the story that I didn’t mind the film sort of lacked in the action area. All of the actors got their fair shares of screen time and all of them were great. I agree that if you’ve never seen any of the X-Men films, this one isn’t the one you should see, it’s definitely made for fans of the franchise. I’ll probable see it again too but not in 3D, just like every other superhero flicks, the 3D didn’t add much to the experience.
Ha ah yeah Summer is finally here!!
I actually like First Class but yeah this one is great too, it’s got the emotional weight n the story is engaging so I don’t mind not having too many action sequences. The ones that are there are great, the one w/ Quicksilver is hilarious n fun! It seems that the 3d is often so unnecessary in these movies.
I like First Class the first time I saw it in theater but when I watched it again on Bluray, I just felt it was kind of campy and sloppily edited. But it’s a vast improvement over the awful Last Stand. Hopefully Singer can get his personal life straighten out and come back and direct the next chapter. Apocalypse was my favorite villain in the X-Men cartoon series, it will be interesting to see how they interpret him for the movie version. I’m think I maybe in the minority here but I didn’t find Quicksilver that interesting, his short scene was cool but I can live without seeing him again in the series.
I think there are a few 2D showings at the Icon theater and it’s in Dolby Atmos too! I’m going to see it there again next week.
I’m going to see the X-Men movie in a few weeks as I got 2 more films to watch for my marathon as one of them is a last-minute addition.
Seems you are busy covering Cannes now right? Curious to hear what u think when you finally see this Steven!
LOVED days of Future Past and Quicksilver was pure awesomeness.
Glad to hear Abbi! One of the best from the franchise, surely.
Have fun in Europe!!
Thanks! Sore feet but totally worth all that walking 🙂
Sounds oike DOFP was X-tremely good 😉
It was to me 🙂
Have a wicked holiday Ruth! No movies!
Thanks Mark, definitely no time for movies until my return trip back home on the plane 😀
The previous investment in the characters is pretty big in making this film successful. Also, I’m highly jealous of your trip.
I agree, the character-driven plot made it substantial instead of just an action adventure.
Nice review there, Ruth. Once you get past the fact that this series has clearly given up on any form of continuity (to the point that they flat out rebooted it here, lol!), I was able to enjoy this for what it is, and came away feeling it was probably the best and most satisfying X-Men yet. 🙂
Ahah yeah, well I already expected the lack of continuity but it was still engaging to me and the main characters’ relationship is what I really like about this one. I’d rate this as high as First Class.
High praise for the X-Men, Ruth. I really it’s check these films out. I enjoyed to originals to an extent but I’m intrigued with McAvoy and Fassbender so I’ll give them a go. Thanks for the linkage as well, my friend. Enjoy your travels 🙂
Hi Mark! McAvoy and Fassbender are really the main reason to see this, they’re both excellent.
It was a wonderful, albeit exhausting, trip! Made me want to go to your neck of the woods though, and when that happens we have to meet up! 😀
Really enjoyed DOFP. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I wasn’t disappointed. Have an awesome time on your travels, Ruth! Enjoy the break, you most certainly deserve it. Bon voyage!
Hi V! Glad you weren’t disappointed, I was a bit wary the time travel aspect would be confusing. Fortunately that wasn’t the case.
Thanks dear, it was a nice break though I find it tough to get back blogging again.
Have a fantastic time on your vacation, Ruth! Enjoy your travels and have a blast. Great review and a very fun read on X Men DoFP. Going to see it tomorrow with my boys. Also, thank you kindly for linking Brian’s review of “District 9” in your post! I am very grateful and deeply appreciative 🙂
Thank you Vic! It’s been a blessed trip. So did you see the latest X-Men? Hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the link! I hope you’ll have great time in Europe!
Always a pleasure Sati! Yes I did have a great time, wish I had more time, too much to see too little time.
Thanks for the mention.
Now for then good review on the x-men film. I liked the film, I mean I have some problems from a total comic nerd point of view but yeah its good.
The visuals and 70’s timeline worked really well and the acting was really good. Quicksilver steals the show.
This wasnt greatness but Apocalypse might 😀
Can’t wait until X-Men Apocalypse! I think if we got Singer again at the helm it’ll be grand!
Although I’m not the franchise’s biggest fan, this latest instalment definitely sounds like fun so it’s great to hear you enjoyed it, Ruth!
Hello Dan! Well I hope that even tho you’re not a fan of the franchise, this latest one might change your mind about it. First Class was great as well IMO.
Really glad you liked X-Men, Ruth. Haven’t had chance to see it yet but I think it’s my favourite Marvel franchise so I’m really looking forward to it! Hope you’re having a fantastic holiday!
Hi Chris! It’s my fave Marvel franchise too and this one did not disappoint!
My holiday’s over, now time to catch up on what I’ve missed in the movie blogging world 😀
Days Of Future Past was uber-awesome! But then again, I’m the guy who slightly enjoyed the Last Stand! The only movie from the franchise I didn’t enjoy was X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Enjoy your hoilday!!
Hi Asrap! The Last Stand still have its moments tho it’s the weakest of the franchise if you don’t count the standalone Wolverine movies. This latest one is a return to form from Singer though.
Have fun Ruth 🙂
Looking forward to read about your trip
Hi Nov! Well, it’s gonna be a slow return to blogging. Still exhausted from the trip and lots of catching up to do 🙂
Have a great holiday, Ruth!
I can’t wait to see X-Men, by the way. 😉
Hi Elina! So did you see X-Men DOFP yet? Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
This was really enjoyable. The X-Men movies are a mixed bag. Half of then don’t hit the mark, while the other half are rather entertaining. This was possibly my favorite of the series. Great review Ruth!
Hi Mark! Indeed the movies in this franchise are a mixed bag, but I feel that this one has a balance of being entertaining without forgoing a substantial story.
Thanks for the link, Ruth! I thoroughly enjoyed the new X-Men as well. Hope you have a great vacation! 😀
Thanks Josh! My feet are still sore from all that walking all over Paris but it’s well worth it! Time to catch up on the blogging world now, glad to hear you enjoyed X-Men DOFP as well.
Greetings, Ruth! Hope you’ve had a great time on vacation. I’ve just nominated you for a ABC Award (awesome blog content), because I genuinely enjoy reading your posts, as well as a fantastic friend.
I totally understand that these awards are not for everyone (and you may already have it), but should you choose to accept it, here’s the link to your nomination:
http://le0pard13.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/the-abcs-of-a-blog-award/
Thanks.
Thank you Michael! I’m so honored you thought of me, and our feeling is mutual! I definitely accept this even if it’ll take me some time to work on them, still have to work on another alphabet blogathon thing, ahah. Thanks again for this, who doesn’t love awards? 😉
Hey Ruth thanks for the mention. For some reason it never tells me if someone links to my site. Hope you’re having a great holiday! There’s a little cinema in Bruges where I saw I Robot once. It was in English but had subtitles in both French and Flemish. You could hardly see the screen past all of the writing!
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