X-meh

 Even though “X-Men: Apocalypse” is an entertaining and action packed movie, it is one of the weakest entry in the franchise. Following the success of “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” that had both audiences and critics applauding the series, this film is a huge step back for director Bryan Singer.

While most people are fans of the “Star Wars” universe, I have always gravitated toward mutants and the world of “Uncanny X-Men.” I have been an avid reader of the comics for over 20 years. The way they fight intolerance in a world that fears them has always resonated with me.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” centers around the world’s first mutant En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse), and his quest for world domination. Apocalypse wants to cleanse the earth of the weak (humans) to pave way for the strongest and most deserving (mutants) to inherit the Earth.

Along the way, he collects four mutant disciples, known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and enhances their powers to aid him on his quest. The X-Men form the resistance against this global threat.

Fueled by action, “Apocalypse” is the most action-packed of all the films in the franchise. Like in “Days of Future Past,” Quicksilver, Evan Peters, once again has the most memorable scene. They showcased his ability to travel faster than the speed light in such a creative way, this time set to the beat of the Eurythmic’s “Sweet Dreams.”

The rest of the original cast of the previous “X-Men” films have returned – James McAvoy (Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Rose Byrne (Moira), and Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique). McAvoy and Byrne appear on screen enthusiastic and eager to add new layers to their characters.

I especially enjoyed the filmmakers revisiting the romance between Charles and Moira. However, the filmmakers don’t dive deep into their romance, which is unfortunate because McAvoy and Byrne have beautiful on-screen chemistry.

Instead, Singer and company choose to focus on Mystique and Magneto, which leads to the film’s downfall. Fassbender and Lawrence come across bored as if they are just going through the motions. The identity crisis of their allegiances comes across repetitive and derivative from previous “X” films, and I found myself along with the actors to be disinterested with their character arcs.

A word of advice to Singer and Fox Studios: Stop trying to make Mystique the pivotal focus of the “X-Men” Universe. Been there, done that. Stop trying to make Mystique happen. It’s never going too.

Besides the original X-Men team, Singer introduces a plethora of new players. I enjoyed Nightcrawler, Cyclops and Jean Grey.

However, seven new characters plus a new main (and underdeveloped) villain overwhelmed and damaged the film by not allowing other characters to fully evolve.

Storm and Psylocke in the comics are two of the most ferocious and compelling female characters. Here in “Apocalypse,” they are reduced to side characters that serve no purpose of extending the plot. However, with such limited lines, I can’t make a full assessment of their portrayal.

The filmmakers would have succeeded if they learned the phrase “less is more” with the story. Singer was trying to fit three movies in one which weighed down the film.

Yet, regardless of the problems with the story and the character design, the technical merits of the film are spot on.

The filmmakers also succeeded in creating a fun popcorn movie; a flawed but enjoyable thrill ride that general audiences will enjoy.

I feel that Bryan Singer and writer Simon Kinberg didn’t capture the true essence of the characters. I have always identified with “The X-Men.” Being a gay man, I know what it’s like to live in a world that doesn’t necessarily understand you. I have dealt with intolerance when all I wanted was to just find my place in the world. Singer has never captured this tone or what the X-Men truly stand for in any of his films.

He has neglected to include any of the charm, heroics and mythology that makes “The X-Men” one of the greatest comics of all time. I am grateful that he is leaving the franchise because new direction will give it a much needed make-over

Here is hoping the X-Men can achieve the level of excitement and grandeur like they do in the comics, Instead