X-Men: Days of Future PastThis isn't a perfect movie. X1, X2, and First Class weren't perfect movies, either. With that said, there's going to be a lot of arguing over which one of the top three (X2, FC, and now DOFP) is the best. For me, I loved X2, but parts of it (Jean's "death" at the end in particular) just fell flat to me. Because of that, I think DOFP is my favorite.
If you liked X2, you'll like DOFP. If you liked First Class, whether you like DOFP depends on what you liked about FC. Like it or not, the reality is that a sequel was never going to have the same frenetic energy as a "this is how they started" flick with all its subtle nods and winks to the audience. What DOFP does is take the actors you liked from FC and the same general setting (retro 60's/70's) and mix it with the kind of storyline Singer did best in X1 and X2.
There were a lot (like, a whole lot) or clever references, nods, and moments peppered throughout a movie that has several quite amazing action set pieces. The future parts of the movie have an almost-suffocating amount of dread and tension, as you know this is truly it. Most of humanity and pretty much all of the mutants rest on what happens. The future Sentinels are some downright scary motherfuckers, just human enough to cause a terrifying uncanny valley effect - somewhat like the T-1000 from Terminator 2. Only now, there's a whole army of them, and they can do way more than the T-1000 ever did. The brutality they spread shocked me considering DOFP is a PG-13 movie.
Some of the past stuff is a little hitchy at parts, and while I don't hate her, resting so much of the film on Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique will probably be the biggest knock against the film. Quicksilver's big scene might actually be the highlight of the movie - there's going to be a lot of crow served. I really hope Evan Peters comes back for the next one, and considering how much he enjoyed chewing the scenery that seems likely if they find a story use for him.
Slight Quicksilver spoilers:
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They do imply that Magneto is his father, which was a slight worry I had. Them being connected opens up a lot more interesting story options.
Music spoilers:
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The slight callbacks to the X2 theme in the opening sequence, and the full thing in the end credits, was such a fantastic touch. I doubt most people seeing the movie will even realize it other than on a subconscious "this is an X-Men movie!" level.
Very slight ending spoilers:
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Needless to say the ending left a smile on my face. It felt like... warmth. So many blockbusters and superhero movies don't have that. The only one I can say had it on display is Spider-Man 2. It felt good in a way like... entering a cafe you had visited a long time ago and smelling the cookies that brightened your rainy day back then.
The post-credits scene is nothing that special, and I really question the decision to release the title of the next movie before it was even able to surprise people. If you know the name of the sequel, you can pretty much guess what the scene is about. It's probably around 30 seconds with no dialogue, so don't get hyped for it too much.
Summary: If you liked X2, you're probably going to have a little internal struggle over whether DOFP is better. If you like First Class, that debate will be much more involved. In short, though, X-Men is officially back, and the future has never looked brighter - not even after X2.
Great action, fantastic actors, good story, great music, and a permeating sense of tension (and in the future segments, dread.)
