Filmy Fool | Films, Series, Books & more
Reviews and Opinions
Filmy Fool | Films, Series, Books & more
Reviews and Opinions
Over the past decade or so, the only thing DC has had an upper hand on (when compared to Marvel) is animated films. I say this because some of the best animation action/superhero films I have seen are all by DC. Batman: Under the red hood, Batman: The Mask of Phantasm, Justice League: Doom, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and above all Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox (my favourite). ...
2018 seems to be the year of great sophomore seasons. After Goliath, and 13 Reasons Why, comes season 2 of Luke Cage, and lands a massive punch. The season is set-up rather awkwardly because even though there is a recap, it is for season 1. However, those who have followed Marvel shows on Netflix would know that Defenders came after Luke Cage season 1. The storyline in Defenders did cause changes in Luke’s universe, unfortunately, there is no recap of what happened in Defenders. Hence, people who have not seen the show may be surprised to see Misty Knight, missing one of her arms. To know the entire backstory, you will have to watch Defenders and also Iron Fist…actually don’t torture yourself…just watch Defenders. ...
14 years ago, when Incredibles (2004) was released it was in no way a unique story. Powers were all derivatives of the Marvel universe, some of which had been used many times in multiple films and TV shows. But the film still clicked because the treatment was unique and the animation was flawless. Set in a world where Superheroes are illegal, Incredibles (2004) gave us heroes who lived in hiding. Centred around a family of 5 (including the baby, Jack-Jack), who is moving ever-so-often because of Dad aka Mr Incredible who can't seem to keep his powers hidden for long. Incredibles 2 gives us back the same adorable family but this time there is an added bonus (will come to that in a bit). ...
I had initially thought that I will write a spoiler free review but after watching the film, I don’t think it is a big task. There is not much substance in Deadpool 2 so treading around key plot points without revealing them is like a walk in the park. The film starts a little after part 1 finished. Wade Wilson aka Deadpool is now a full-on vigilante and has a very successful career killing a lot of very bad guys in worse ways. Then some shit goes down and a random sequence of events occur. This keeps happening until the film ends.
Deadpool is supposed to be fun and does not take itself too seriously. However, the first part had a semblance of a story and a logical flow of events. In Deadpool 2, things just happen, sometimes because it is visually appealing or sometimes even to set up jokes. The saving grace for the film is that a lot of the jokes are hilarious.
The first part was high on humour, broke the 4th wall a few times and was able to laugh not just at itself but the entire superhero genre. The second outing for Deadpool does not tread slowly in this regard. On the contrary, it ups the ante with a mountain of punchlines and meta references that it gets difficult to catch all of them. The film is full of superstar cameos. One of the funniest sequences is the meta reference to Xforce, which has a cameo from Brad Pitt as ‘Vanisher’. Matt Damon also makes an appearance as one of the red necks. ...
Let me start by saying that X-Men: Days of Future Past brings together arguably the biggest star cast we have seen in a long time. Though only a few of them get to do substantial work with their characters but I am not complaining. Why would I? How often do we get to see James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, with Patric Stewart & Ian McKellen? Add to that Jennifer Lawrence & Ellen Page, Top all that up with Hugh Jackman and Peter Dinklage. Wow! With a cast like that, one needs to do just a little more to make people scream. This film does a lot more.
The film takes no time in getting down to business and starts right away filling the screen with mutants both old and new. You see Blink who makes portals to move around (reminded me of Portal, the amazing game from Valve), Colossus, Kitty, Ice Man etc. The first fight sequence itself gives you a glimpse of what to expect from the rest of the film, and let me tell you what follows is spectacular.
The action sequences are top notch and extremely well choreographed. A few scenes mix humor with action which is actually signature for all Marvel Studio films (this film has Marvel characters but has not been made under Marvel Studios, read more here: Marvel Redefines Synergies). The highest point of the film comes thanks to the introduction of a new kick-ass mutant called Quick Silver. As the name suggests, Quick Silver is very fast and [SPOILER ALERT BEGINS] interestingly he is the son of Magneto. This fact is not revealed in this film, only a small hint is dropped to suggest the same. [SPOILER ALERT ENDS] The scene takes place in slow motion and shows the speed at which Quick Silver sees the world around him. The background score complements the scene really well and the entire sequence leaves you laughing and awestruck at the same time. It deserves all the claps it got during the screening. The narrative is interesting for most part though I would have loved a little more detail and background on the current time/present day happenings.
James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender are superb once again as younger versions of Prof. X & Magneto. As always Hugh Jackman lives and breathes like Wolverine and I can’t imagine what it will be like after this as this could very well be Jackman’s last outing as Wolverine. Lets hope he sticks around for the next sequel in 2016. Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique is totally in her elements and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) is breath taking as the central negative character but it is his future creations The Sentinels that are so much worse, inducing fear of life even in the most powerful mutants.
I would have really liked to see more of Ellen Page & Ian McKellen but as I mentioned before the film does not delve into the present day details and so these brilliant people do not get to show their class. The climax of the film is a little underplayed for my liking. I would have loved an all out smash & bang but the film settles for something safe on this front. It also resets the X-Men world in very interesting ways which can serve as fountainhead for new stories for next several years.
Overall, the X-Men: Days of Future Past is probably the best X-Men installment that we have seen and it surely is not a film that you would like to miss. A word of caution for the people who have not seen some of the previous films in the franchise. It would be a little difficult to link the events with past films which is not essential but it does elevate the experience. Having said that the film still has the potential to keep your attention throughout the 2 hrs even if it is your first X-Men film.
Rating: 4/5
P.S. The 3D version of the film offers absolutely nothing so i would suggest watching this one in 2D. Also, stick around for the end credits scene at the very end! You will be rewarded with a bonus first look at the next movie’s villain. And, if you are an X-Men fan, you know it is gonna be one hell of a ride! ...