Since the end of the original “X-Men” trilogy, this franchise has produced passable, but far from X-traordinary results in two “Wolverine” efforts and two origin chapters involving younger versions of Professor X, Magneto and Mystique. “Apocalypse”, No. 9 in the series, finishes the prequel trilogy with just about the same X-ecution.
Set in 1983, 10 years after the events of “Days of Future Past”, “X-Men: Apocalypse” sees Charles Xavier (reprised by James McAvoy) running his “School for Gifted Children” full-time, now in Westchester, NY. Erik (Michael Fassbender) is living in Russia, hiding his true Magneto identity as a husband, father and mild-mannered metal worker. And Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) is also keeping a low profile. These characters are supposed to have aged a decade since the last film, but returning director Bryan Singer isn’t too concerned with that.
The old gang is forced back in the game when the first-ever Mutant, Apocalypse (played by an unrecognizable Oscar Isaac), is accidentally awakened after being buried underground in Egypt for thousands of years. He’s looking to become the King of the Mutants, wipe-out everything on Earth and start over. But he needs the Professor’s mental powers to complete his plan.
The complicated relationships between the members of the “X-Men” family are put to the test once again, including Raven and Hank (aka Beast). Lawrence and actor Nicholas Hoult split-up after a five-year relationship prior to filming “Apocalypse”, so it’s definitely interesting to watch their reunion scenes.
Fassbender is quite good, and his is the most compelling storyline in the film. There are also a few smart references and flashbacks to “First Class” and other “X-Men” movies, as well as a “surprise” (but unfortunately, over-publicized) cameo that provides some much-needed energy.
However, nearly every scene in “Apocalypse” drags and is way too talky. There are nearly two dozen characters directly involved, and Singer does a poor job weaving them together, creating an uncomfortable distance. Apocalypse is a weak, bland villain, and a “Sweet Dreams” scene involving Quicksilver, that combines slow-motion and fast-moving elements, has the arrogantly, unfunny tone of “X-Men” spinoff, “Deadpool” – and we don’t want to go there.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “X-Men: Apocalypse” gets a C.
Running Time: 144 min.