Bryan Singer’s return to the X-men directors chair, reveals a post apocalyptic world in which man and mutantkind have been driven to the edge of extinction by the sinister Sentinels. In a desperate bid to prevent the bleak future, the remaining X-Men send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) into the past to unit the young Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to inhibit the rogue Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage).
From the opening scene this film feels fresh. A palate cleanser for what many would consider the repulsive 2006 X-men The Last Stand. Energy seeps from every shot, and the opening fight scene is amongst the best choreographed and well thought through that I have ever witnessed. From the first whistle, we are left gasping without seat belts on the most outstanding of take-off, and the film is less than ten minutes old.
The motif of rebirth persistently hangs around the picture in every aspect of it’s design. Bryan Singer revisiting the beloved franchise he kick started connotes a sense of redemption, not only for his career but also for the series which never reached the heights that he initially set. Rebirth permeates the narrative itself, as the main focal point being a broken Professor X terrifically portrayed by McAvoy having to be aided by the future Wolverine (acting similarly to an AA sponsor) back to his more notable and iconic stature.
The ensemble cast is terrific, start studded in every sense of the word. With returning original members consisting of the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen (not often you have a film containing two Knighthoods, playing mutants) whom are always assets to any motion picture. Also revitalising his role for the seventh time Hugh Jackman, is on top form and again front and centre, returns as fan favourite Wolverine. Many X-men purists have a negative outlook of the prioritisation of Wolverine’s character. For me, this ideal would be founded if it were not for the stunning commitment and perfect persona Hugh Jackman brings to the role. Days Of Future Past is most certainly one of his finest examples of the character he has made his own.
The new ‘First Class’ cast also return and it is evident that this is a seamless passing of the baton to the younger generation of the beloved characters. Similar to First Class there is a focus upon the dynamic between McAvoy and Fassbender, but the duo is beginning to become more of trio with the rise of Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique. All are clearly invested in the characters and the tug of war between Magneto and Professor X for Mystique's loyalty is fascinating to watch.
There is also the introduction of Even Peters’ loveable speedster Quicksilver. If I were to be honest this depiction of Quicksilver had me on eggshells prior to release, but after Days Of Future Past all doubts were not only corrected but I felt guilty for ever questioning it’s logic. There is one scene that I will not spoil but is by far the most amazing piece of film that has ever graced the comic book genre. Literally it is worth the price of the ticket on its own.
However, the greatest strength possessed by Days Of Future past is its boundary pushing narrative. This film for me, sets a new standard for the comic book genre. It breaks away from the stereotypical goodie encounters bad guy, loses, and as a result has to rebuild to beat the baddy. The plot is bold, tackling the concept of time travel head on in a bump-less fashion in which I never felt lost or manipulated. There are twists and turns but the strong cast and gripping story allows us to travel down the rabbit hole without apprehension. We are also left with a sentimental insight into the main theme of hope. Hope is the main driving force and we are willed to believe (in the simplest terms possible) that a broken man is capable to channel his demons for betterment of a race subjected to mass prejudice. The story is not defined by a great fight spectacle (although there are many), but so wonderfully realised character developments that makes Days Of Future Past succeed as not just a terrific comic book adaptation, but more so a captivating energetic immersion into the thoughts of the main protagonists and antagonists.
My Score: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
IMDB: 8.4/10
Did You Know?: Shooting went under the working title ‘Hello Kitty’. Which refers to X-men member Kitty Pryde. 
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