http://www.ocolly.com/entertainment_desk/x-men-apocalypse-succeeds-thanks-to-its-rich- characters/article_ffbc145a-251d-11e6-9b66-f38ca28933de.html 'X-Men: Apocalypse' succeeds thanks to its rich characters

Brandon Schmitz, Entertainment Reporter, @SchmitzReviews May 28, 2016

20th Century FOX

It's amazing to think that Fox's "X-Men" saga has endured for more than a decade and a half with only a couple of stumbles. From the genre- revitalizing first film to the exceptionally intimate "Days of Future Past," the series has definitely made its mark on the blockbuster landscape.

With "Apocalypse," director Bryan Singer returns for his fourth time at the helm. Similarly to his previous outing, this movie is loosely based on one of the superhero team's most popular comic book storylines. Ten years have passed since Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and friends averted the rise of the Sentinels. However, altering the course of the "X- Men" continuity has merely replaced one disaster with another.

The world's first mutant, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), was worshipped as a god around the dawn of civilization. Thanks to abilities he has taken from other mutants, he is virtually immortal.

Following thousands of years of slumber, Apocalypse wakes to find a world ruled by people who he feels are weak. Namely, humans. Dissatisfied with earth's warring nations, the near-all-powerful mutant sets out to cleanse the world with his four "horsemen."

In the wake of this new threat, Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) must lead a young X-Men team comprised of familiar faces such as Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) and Jean Grey (Sophie Turner).

With this many entries under Singer's belt, you'd think he'd have run out of new tricks by now. Directors who stay on tentpole franchises such as this one for extended periods of time tend to become creatively stifled.

However, he approaches the world and its personalities with virtually the same level of appreciation. Indeed, to a greater extent than even some of the best Marvel movies, the characters have perhaps been this series' greatest strength.

Setting each subsequent movie one decade apart from the previous one has enriched the saga as a whole. Not only do we get to see familiar characters at different stages of their lives, but it also feels like a natural progression.

Having recovered from his all-time low in "Future Past," Xavier has come into his own as a father figure to his students. At this point, the nuance that McAvoy brings to the role has become just as vital to these movies as Patrick Stewart's run as the elder Professor X. Meanwhile, Michael Fassbender delivers arguably his most vulnerable portrayal of Magneto. Where he's at following the events of the previous film feels like a logical next step for the character. By the time he chose a side in the overarching conflict, I understood his motivations better than any other character's.

Lawrence's turn as Mystique has been a highlight of these three films. This time around, the character seems more aware of who she is and works surprisingly well in a mentor position.

Given the larger roster of costumed mutants, the movie allocates screen time appropriately -- for the most part. Newcomers Scott and Jean get just enough time to begin developing the relationship we see in the original "X- Men" trilogy.

Meanwhile, Quicksilver plays a more prominent role following his show- stealing turn last time around. I appreciate that the movie generally keeps its focus on the characters who are most critical to the story, though I understand why some may be disappointed to see some of their favorites sidelined.

For instance, Apocalypse's four horsemen -- with the exception of one -- are relegated to generic minion roles. I get that this is this continuity's introduction to these characters, but I would've liked to have seen more from them beyond what they can do in front of a green screen.

Speaking of Apocalypse himself, the guy is a mixed bag. Isaac is a terrific actor, and there are hints of intrigue behind the villain's extreme Darwinism approach. However, it's never explored beyond a surface level.

There are a couple of moments in which he exploits other characters' pain for his own gain, giving off a sense that he's a master manipulator. It's mostly standard baddy stuff, though. Considering that virtually every major character feels fully realized, it's a shame that the villain -- the sub-titular character -- feels as if he's only halfway there.

I mean, the movie knows how to have enough fun with itself that you can still appreciate Apocalypse as a Saturday morning cartoon villain. To give credit where credit's due, he's got a foreboding voice and delivers a couple of chilling speeches.

The action throughout this series, while entertaining, has often taken a backseat to more intimate character moments. Given the premise's implied emphasis on destruction and mayhem, I was surprised by how many of these moments made it into the movie.

It's frustrating, then, that the film's climax seems as if it's fueled more by effects than by its characters. That isn't to say that Singer doesn't weave any character payoff into the showdown. It's just that it seems to come second to the visual showcase of the god-mutant's destructive capabilities.

Neither the third act nor the relative lack of depth from Apocalypse are enough to derail the movie, though. The main trio of Xavier, Magneto and Mystique is almost as compelling as in the previous two entries, while the newcomers make me hopeful for the future of the series.

Oh, and remember Quicksilver's slo-mo action scene from "Future Past?" Yeah, he definitely tops that this time around. [email protected]