Marval Movie

X-Men: Apocalypse has had so-so  reviews from “real” critics. Me personally - I liked it.  For a Saturday cheap matinee, it was entertaining with good special effects, decent acting, and it moved along. I did not find myself looking at my watch or eager to edit this film down. Plenty of characters moved in and out of the story line and that kept my interest.

Synopsis

Worshiped as a god since the dawn of civilization, the immortal Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) becomes the first and most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) lead a team of young X-Men to stop their seemingly invincible nemesis from destroying mankind.

Starring

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Olivia Munn, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Lucas Till, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy

It does seem appropriate to mention that this film is applicable to the concept today of “why can’t we all get along?”  Yes, mutants have different skills and might look unique, but for the most part, they just want to get along and make the world better. So root for Professor X, Raven/Mystique, and the “good” crew to destroy the evil Apocalypse. Enjoy the battles and marvel at our speed demon who can stop time – Evan Peters. That special effect is awesome.  

All in all, this is a very entertaining popcorn movie and keeps the X-Men franchise moving along. There’s humor, drama, and yes a quick Wolverine appearance – hooray for a Hugh Jackman sighting. 

C’mon, you know you should see this on the big screen.  Enjoy and reflect on what mutant skill you’d like to have.

Futuristic film Passengers – over 5000 souls are on board the Avalon as it heads on a 120 year journey to Homestead 2 a new planet for colonization. As they sleep in hibernation chambers, the ship hurtles deeper into space. At the thirty year mark, there is a collision with large debris. Warning. Warning. As the ship recovers and continue on its trajectory, one chamber opens. Jim (Chris Pratt) is greeted by a programmed cruise director. He’s given his bracelet key, sent to his room, and has time to get acquainted with his new neighbors. Alas, there is no one else awake. One android bartender (Michael Sheen) provides whiskey and some chat.

As a mechanic, Jim explores the ship and tries everything to figure out what when wrong. After a year, he’s lonely, bored, and contemplating suicide…unless….. (spoiler alert that you can figure out pretty quickly )  …what if…he wakes up someone else….and that someone is, of course, the lovely smart Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence)?  Ahh, now we have a story – two pretty people in space. The perfect couple. And it goes so good until it can go bad. So much for secrets.

Passengers is entertaining and has some new twists to a familiar plot until the last thirty minutes. Then it’s a bit hurried and clichéd. Chris and Jennifer have good chemistry. The ship is very cool. It’s a pleasant film and you’ll enjoy it when you stream it at home. No need to rush to the theater.