Plot: What’s it about?
One of four major superhero movies released this past summer, Days of Future Past had a lot riding on it prior to its release. The Director Bryan Singer faced some serious accusations, this is the seventh film in the series and it dealt with a tricky time-travel plot that might’ve fallen apart in the wrong hands. The good news is that it’s a very worthy film, and one of the better installments in this long-running franchise. These films have been fairly consistent, but the first misguided Wolverine solo entry left a lot of fans doubtful that this series could continue much more. 2011’s First Class was a small step in the right direction and it tried to offer a fresh spin on things. Last year’s The Wolverine got a few things right, but I am glad to see this film put more emphasis on the other mutants as well as Wolverine. It’s also great to have Singer back as the director. The film was a huge hit with both audiences and critics this past summer. I am more than ready for the next installment.
I admit that I was one of the biggest skeptics going into this film. It’s just something about the time travel element that hardly sits well with me. In truth: The plot is a bit more complicated on paper than it plays out. It’s a surprisingly involving film that’s aided by a strong cast and Singer’s steady direction. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is sent back to the early 70’s to stop Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from murdering Dr. Trask (Peter Dinklage). He has created machines known as the Sentinels. Their goal is to eliminate all mutants and the humans hoping to help them as well. Mystique did in fact murder Trask, but the goal of sending Wolverine back in time is in hopes of stopping her. After the assassination, Mystique was captured and her DNA was used by Trask’s company. Clearly, this isn’t something the mutants want happening. Once again James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender return as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, respectively. There are many surprises in the film, and those are best left to the viewer to see. One of the highlights is a prison break scene where Wolverine and a few pals break Erik out of prison with the help of Quicksilver (Evan Peters). The climax involving Erik moving a football stadium is nothing short of amazing.
After two viewings, Days of Future Past holds up very well. It’s easy to see why Singer wanted to use the time travel element. It gives him the options to pretty much do anything since he can manipulate virtually any element at this point. There’s a lot to love about this film; they successfully recreate the 1970’s, the plot is involving and the pace moves along quickly for a film that’s over 2 hours. With so many positives, I can’t really find anything negative to report. This should please all X-men fans as well as the more casual fans. It’s not just a fun blockbuster film, but also one that’s smarter than most as well. You might be getting superhero fatigue lately, but this one is well worth checking out if you haven’t seen it yet. Highly Recommended.
As is the case with most Marvel films, there is a post-credits scene of interest.
Video: How’s it look?
It comes as no surprise (to me at least) that the transfer is nothing short of amazing. The AVC encoded (2.40:1) image is always visually pleasing. There’s a 3D version out there, but I reviewed the regular edition. Colors are always accurate and well defined with no major issues to speak of. The print is flawless as well. Many of the sequences might not seem as bright to most people. I think this was intentional to show the 70’s as less colorful than modern day, but it’s not troublesome. It was just easy to detect. That aside, I feel generally pleased with the transfer here, no worries.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We get a very effective DTS 7.1 track. Even if you don’t have the best system out there, chances are you will still be more than satisfied. All channels stayed active consistently and vocals were clear and concise throughout. The track is top notch and will please. I can’t find anything else to say here. Like the transfer, this track will satisfy fans and put your system to good use.
Supplements: What are the extras?
There are more than a few versions out there, as well as store exclusives, so choose wisely. The version reviewed here is the standard Blu-ray edition.
- Deleted Scenes (5:36) Nothing major here, mostly just extended bits. Singer provides optional commentary for these. Some of these aren’tfinished as green screen can be seen at times.
- Kitchen Sequence – This is a nifty little feature that shows how the Quicksilver scene was accomplished.
- Gag Reel
- Double Take: Xavier and Magneto – This discusses bringing together the older cast with the newer cast. Singer talks about the fun of using time travel as an element in the film. We get some clips from the other X-Men films as well. It’s worth checking out.
- X-Men: Reunited – This shows how the idea came about and how they wanted to combine the cast from all of the X-Menfilms for one film. We learn how the cast always clicked (among other things). It’s reasonably interesting.
- Classification: M – This looks at some of the mutants used in the film. We learn how they chose particular mutants to be used in the film as well as bringing them all together. Singer wanted the mutants used in the film to serve the story, to serve a purpose.
- Sentinels: For a Secure Future – This shows the sentinels used in the film and gives a brief look about them and what they do. It also discusses how they wanted to stay true to the origins of the sentinels as well.
- Gallery: Trask Industries – This is broken into three sections (Mutant Experiments, Blueprints, Sentinel Construction). If you’re a fan of these types of galleries then this should be of interest.
- Theatrical Trailers – This includes three from the film. I always enjoy having this option. It’s fun to check these out sometimes.
- Second Screen App – I never bother with these features, but it’s here nonetheless.
- Sneak Peak – This includes a teaser for Exodus: Gods and Kingsas well as a brief behind the scenes.
- Fan Art – This is tucked inside the case. It’s a small booklet of Fan Art from the film. It’s fun to look at, but nothing essential. Still, it’s nice to have.
