Review: ‘Best Entry In The Series,’ Bryan Singer’s ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ Delivers ‘An Awesome Visual Spectacle!’

After ushering in the X-Men back in 2000, Bryan Singer returns to the mutant superhero franchise with the best entry in the blockbuster series. Based on the two-part miniseries by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, X-Men: Days of Future Past delivers an awesome visual spectacle that is truly meant to be seen on the big screen.

Days of Future Past begins in an apocalyptic future, where humanity has been nearly wiped out and mutants are locked up in internment camps. Those who are genetically different are tagged and have a robotic collar wrapped around their necks. The unstoppable giant robots, known as Sentinels, have conquered the world, leaving a trail of death behind them.

In the X-Men comics, doomsday come about because of the death of one man, Senator Kelly. Kitty Pryde, known as Shadowcat, believes if she can send herself back into the past and prevent Kelly's assassination, her alternate future will never take place. The time-traveler leaps into her mind, replacing her younger version with her future self.

With the help of screenwriter Simon Kinberg, The Usual Suspects director uses the backdrop of the original source material and expands on the themes. Instead of Shadowcat going backwards in time, it's Wolverine who makes the time-twisted trip. In the original arc, the anti-hero plays a secondary role and has few scenes in the narrative. Of course, this is Hugh Jackman playing the tough and gruff loner; he should have a bigger role. Story-wise, we do get an explanation why Logan's mutant healing factor is vitally important in the time jump.

In the comics, Senator Kelly is the target of Mystique and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. In the flick, the scientist who created the Sentinels, Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) is the sole figure who will either make or break the future. With an engaging screen presence, Jennifer Lawrence just rocks as the blue shape-shifting baddie. Any role you give Lawrence and you cannot take your eyes off her.

Though Quicksilver shows up here and again in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Singer beats out Joss Whedon when it comes down to the white-haired speed-ster. Singer doesn't avoid Quicksilver's mythology and actually makes his back-story integral to the plot. Its little details like that that makes the film feel faithful to the comic.

Back in the right hands, the X-Men franchise seems like the money-making series can continue with many sequels. The epilogue connects with its predecessors, starting with the X-Men and leading up to First Class. If you're a die-hard fan, X-Men: Days of Future Past will feel like it was made especially for you.

Rating: A+