Escape to the Movies: X-Men: Days of Future Past

[PuckFuppet]

Really really clever. I liked it.

Entire plot hinges on mutant hunting killer robots being able to identify mutants. Beast invents perfect counter measure in 70's, seen in the film as being able to immediately de-mutant someone, which would totally invalidate the viability of sentinels and never bothers to bring it up later.

 

[shadowmagus]

Bob's reviews basically boil down to "I don't like this movie because it isn't Avengers" now. It's getting pretty sad. I know he loves Avengers but it was in essence, a dumb action movie with big budget CGI sequences and big names. A fun movie, but nothing amazing.

DOFP was a really good movie with loads of great acting and a great ensemble cast. Focusing on the trio of Mystique, Xavier and Magneto as main characters really made the movie work. Wolverine is more of a background character compared to those 3. Peter Dinklage was great, the visuals were spectacular and it was great to see the old cast and some new mutants turn up and partake in some great action sequences. Plus it was really emotional and character driven.

People like you miss the point so much I'm surprised that you're even pay attention to the review outside of "oooo! It's an X-Men movie, NEATO!" You've missed the point Bob made about it being a good movie for 2000, but since then the Avengers series, and the Nolan Batman franchise have made better stories, better characters, better actors. I'm sorry X-Men are lagging behind because Singer hates being wrong.

DOFP is a bad movie because they can't be bothered to actually USE the proper source material. Wolverine is a bad character, Mystiques characterization is all wrong, and young Charles and Magneto are complete shells of whom they should be, all this set-up by First Class. At least Avengers had the common courtesy to use the proper heroes and main villain, despite the story being different and it missing Wasp and Ant-Man. I mean, at least I CARED about the Avengers.

 

[PuckFuppet]

despite the story being different and it missing Wasp and Ant-Man.

Ant Man I can take or leave but the MCU really needs Wasp.

I don't think it is that Singer hates being wrong, it is that he seems to have had a genuine dislike for what Vaughn did with First Class (basically taking all of Singer's work and tossing it out a window) and is using DoFP to eh... settle the score.

 

[endtherapture]

Bob's reviews basically boil down to "I don't like this movie because it isn't Avengers" now. It's getting pretty sad. I know he loves Avengers but it was in essence, a dumb action movie with big budget CGI sequences and big names. A fun movie, but nothing amazing.

DOFP was a really good movie with loads of great acting and a great ensemble cast. Focusing on the trio of Mystique, Xavier and Magneto as main characters really made the movie work. Wolverine is more of a background character compared to those 3. Peter Dinklage was great, the visuals were spectacular and it was great to see the old cast and some new mutants turn up and partake in some great action sequences. Plus it was really emotional and character driven.

People like you miss the point so much I'm surprised that you're even pay attention to the review outside of "oooo! It's an X-Men movie, NEATO!" You've missed the point Bob made about it being a good movie for 2000, but since then the Avengers series, and the Nolan Batman franchise have made better stories, better characters, better actors. I'm sorry X-Men are lagging behind because Singer hates being wrong.

DOFP is a bad movie because they can't be bothered to actually USE the proper source material. Wolverine is a bad character, Mystiques characterization is all wrong, and young Charles and Magneto are complete shells of whom they should be, all this set-up by First Class. At least Avengers had the common courtesy to use the proper heroes and main villain, despite the story being different and it missing Wasp and Ant-Man. I mean, at least I CARED about the Avengers.

It was a good movie for 2014 because I enjoyed it. Don't insult my intelligence. It was a hell of a lot better in terms of characterisation than the Avengers. In The Avengers they show up, fight themselves, and then fight the bad guys.

The source material was fine. Wolverine was not there to be a beserker, but he had a mission, he's a soldier and he had to complete his mission. Why was Mystiques characterisation wrong? Magneto is about survival of mutantkind, he does exactly what every single Magneto would do. Charles is a drug addict, he's lost his foster-sister, his best friend, his entire school and dream. What did you expect?

Maybe people like you miss the point so much, because you're happy with The Avengers fighting faceless, nameless baddies for no reason.

 

[PuckFuppet]

Why was Mystiques characterisation wrong? Magneto is about survival of mutantkind, he does exactly what every single Magneto would do. Charles is a drug addict, he's lost his foster-sister, his best friend, his entire school and dream. What did you expect?

Mystique to not be hypnotised by dick, which is basically what appears to have happened.

Magneto to not stop and showboat for the cameras, thus giving the plot ample time to counter him. It to occur to Magneto that killing Mystique solved nothing, given that you know... DNA is still there even if she is a corpse. Honestly Magneto was a bit of a idiot throughout.

Charles to be mostly what they displayed him as but that idiotic call back to Wolverine's "traumatic past" did nothing except remind people "LOOK IT IS ALL PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER". Surely there was something better in Wolverines brain, namely some post Sentinel's killing everyone, stuff that could have characterised the struggle for the future better.

 

[endtherapture]

Why was Mystiques characterisation wrong? Magneto is about survival of mutantkind, he does exactly what every single Magneto would do. Charles is a drug addict, he's lost his foster-sister, his best friend, his entire school and dream. What did you expect?

Mystique to not be hypnotised by dick, which is basically what appears to have happened.

Magneto to not stop and showboat for the cameras, thus giving the plot ample time to counter him. It to occur to Magneto that killing Mystique solved nothing, given that you know... DNA is still there even if she is a corpse. Honestly Magneto was a bit of a idiot throughout.

Charles to be mostly what they displayed him as but that idiotic call back to Wolverine's "traumatic past" did nothing except remind people "LOOK IT IS ALL PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER". Surely there was something better in Wolverines brain, namely some post Sentinel's killing everyone, stuff that could have characterised the struggle for the future better.

What? What does that even mean? Hypnotised by dick? That makes no sense, Mystique made her decisions herself and no lust/love for Charles or Erik or Hank came into that at all.

You must have missed the part when Trask tells no one to shoot Mystique because he needs her ALIVE.

The story wasn't about Wolverine. His bits were just nice little Easter Eggs, and to add a bit of tensions since he could've saved the day right there and then at that moment in time if he had the memories. However he was gone for that whole sequence because of the flashbacks to his time in Weapon X. Also him going crazy and cutting Kitty meant that there's more tension in the Future part of the story.

Looks like you just didn't pay attention mate.

 

[Barciad]

First Class was silly. The plot was hurried and contrived and structurally flawed. The setting was a 'Madmen' cash in which could have been okay had the story been sound. As for the performances; Fassbender was good, but his character structure was all over the place. McAvoy on the other hand was irritating and unfocused.
Like Bob, I too am waiting for that first-rate X-Men film. As to why it hasn't occurred yet, especially when you consider all the attempts they've made.
All that being said, his is being a little unfair regarding Wolverine.

 

[Gorrath]

As is usual the review was good, Bob's take on things stands on its own merits whether I agree or disagree with any particular point and while I think I had more fun and enjoyment with Days of Future Past than he did, I can certainly get where everything is coming from. All in all, good review.

That said can we please stop using the fucking term "mansplaining?" It is inherently sexist and a totally immature way of describing something that people do because of their personality NOT their freaking gender. While we're at it, "whitesplaining" can go to hell too. Talking down to, or over top of a person because you're a dick and you think everyone else (or a specific person because of their sex/race ect.) is stupid is NOT a trait inherent to men or to white people! Sorry in advance, I don't want to cause some unrelated shitstorm about sexism but holy hell am I sick of hearing "progressive", "anti-sexist" people use such a blatantly sexist term with what seems like not a shred of self awareness. /rant

 

[Comic Sans]

So, Bob liked it, right? I've been stoked for this movie since I first saw that Sentinel at Comic-Con last year, and I'm gonna see it no matter what. Why did Bob complain about Quicksilver being an annoying smart-ass? That's one of his main character traits in every version! He's a speedster, so of course he gets easily bored by everything moving normally. I just wonder if he's still Magneto's son in this one, and if there even is a Scarlet Witch here.
Also, why is Bob being down on Jennifer Lawrence, again? I thought he reserved that for when she appears in a Hunger Games movie or something directed by David O. Russel.

Wanda is not in the film, but they do refer to the comics with regard to Quicksilver and Magneto. Quicksilver is told that the man they are looking for has the power to control metal, and he says "his mom knew someone like that once". Not necessarily family, but a clever reference.

Really really clever. I liked it.

Entire plot hinges on mutant hunting killer robots being able to identify mutants. Beast invents perfect counter measure in 70's, seen in the film as being able to immediately de-mutant someone, which would totally invalidate the viability of sentinels and never bothers to bring it up later.

Well, to stop Magneto would require them to use their powers. Making themselves invisible to the Sentinels means they can't do what they need to do. In addition, I doubt they could make enough to help many people, given that it requires repeated doses per person. It would be a temporary stopgap for a few people at best.

 

[RedDeadFred]

So if you really liked First Class, you're probably not going to like Days of Future Past?

I guess that means I'm really going to like Days of Future Past.

That's not what he said... Bob like First Class and still like Days of Future Past. He just didn't like it as much as other critics do and found First Class to be better. He said this was the third best movie of the franchise with First Class being first.

 

[DarkhoIlow]

Not a surprise at all by your thoughts after seeing the video..kinda expected it.

I just came from the theater a few hours ago and I found this movie simply fantastic. By far my favorite X-men movie yet and I cannot wait to see X-Men Apocalypse.

 

[wizzy555]

As is usual the review was good, Bob's take on things stands on its own merits whether I agree or disagree with any particular point and while I think I had more fun and enjoyment with Days of Future Past than he did, I can certainly get where everything is coming from. All in all, good review.

That said can we please stop using the fucking term "mansplaining?" It is inherently sexist and a totally immature way of describing something that people do because of their personality NOT their freaking gender. While we're at it, "whitesplaining" can go to hell too. Talking down to, or over top of a person because you're a dick and you think everyone else (or a specific person because of their sex/race ect.) is stupid is NOT a trait inherent to men or to white people! Sorry in advance, I don't want to cause some unrelated shitstorm about sexism but holy hell am I sick of hearing "progressive", "anti-sexist" people use such a blatantly sexist term with what seems like not a shred of self awareness. /rant

Is there even context for the mansplaining thing? Are they talking to women in a patronising manner in the movie?

 

[Gorrath]

As is usual the review was good, Bob's take on things stands on its own merits whether I agree or disagree with any particular point and while I think I had more fun and enjoyment with Days of Future Past than he did, I can certainly get where everything is coming from. All in all, good review.

That said can we please stop using the fucking term "mansplaining?" It is inherently sexist and a totally immature way of describing something that people do because of their personality NOT their freaking gender. While we're at it, "whitesplaining" can go to hell too. Talking down to, or over top of a person because you're a dick and you think everyone else (or a specific person because of their sex/race ect.) is stupid is NOT a trait inherent to men or to white people! Sorry in advance, I don't want to cause some unrelated shitstorm about sexism but holy hell am I sick of hearing "progressive", "anti-sexist" people use such a blatantly sexist term with what seems like not a shred of self awareness. /rant

Is there even context for the mansplaining thing? Are they talking to women in a patronising manner in the movie?

There is a scene where Magneto and Xavier have to talk Mystique out of her actions that lead to the movie's plot. I don't want to go into too much detail as not to spoil anything. The context here is, at least, debatable given the characters involved. BUt it really makes no difference to me whether one proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the scene absolutely made Mystique look like an emotionally fragile woman who needed a couple of men to talk some sense into her, we can call that problem out without having to resort to idiotic sexist crap like "mansplaining".

Edit: And sorry if my reply seemed aggressive towards you, I promise I did not mean it that way. I am simply aggravated by this issue. It is my own failing.

 

[wizzy555]

As is usual the review was good, Bob's take on things stands on its own merits whether I agree or disagree with any particular point and while I think I had more fun and enjoyment with Days of Future Past than he did, I can certainly get where everything is coming from. All in all, good review.

That said can we please stop using the fucking term "mansplaining?" It is inherently sexist and a totally immature way of describing something that people do because of their personality NOT their freaking gender. While we're at it, "whitesplaining" can go to hell too. Talking down to, or over top of a person because you're a dick and you think everyone else (or a specific person because of their sex/race ect.) is stupid is NOT a trait inherent to men or to white people! Sorry in advance, I don't want to cause some unrelated shitstorm about sexism but holy hell am I sick of hearing "progressive", "anti-sexist" people use such a blatantly sexist term with what seems like not a shred of self awareness. /rant

Is there even context for the mansplaining thing? Are they talking to women in a patronising manner in the movie?

There is a scene where Magneto and Xavier have to talk Mystique out of her actions that lead to the movie's plot. I don't want to go into too much detail as not to spoil anything. The context here is, at least, debatable given the characters involved. BUt it really makes no difference to me whether one proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the scene absolutely made Mystique look like an emotionally fragile woman who needed a couple of men to talk some sense into her, we can call that problem out without having to resort to idiotic sexist crap like "mansplaining".

Edit: And sorry if my reply seemed aggressive towards you, I promise I did not mean it that way. I am simply aggravated by this issue. It is my own failing.

I agree the word is stupid, but if there's no context other than - it's a man talking (they happen to be the only people with any relationship to her) it's REALLY a stupid thing to say.

But to be honest I'm starting to think I've been baited.

 

[Gorrath]

As is usual the review was good, Bob's take on things stands on its own merits whether I agree or disagree with any particular point and while I think I had more fun and enjoyment with Days of Future Past than he did, I can certainly get where everything is coming from. All in all, good review.

That said can we please stop using the fucking term "mansplaining?" It is inherently sexist and a totally immature way of describing something that people do because of their personality NOT their freaking gender. While we're at it, "whitesplaining" can go to hell too. Talking down to, or over top of a person because you're a dick and you think everyone else (or a specific person because of their sex/race ect.) is stupid is NOT a trait inherent to men or to white people! Sorry in advance, I don't want to cause some unrelated shitstorm about sexism but holy hell am I sick of hearing "progressive", "anti-sexist" people use such a blatantly sexist term with what seems like not a shred of self awareness. /rant

Is there even context for the mansplaining thing? Are they talking to women in a patronising manner in the movie?

There is a scene where Magneto and Xavier have to talk Mystique out of her actions that lead to the movie's plot. I don't want to go into too much detail as not to spoil anything. The context here is, at least, debatable given the characters involved. BUt it really makes no difference to me whether one proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the scene absolutely made Mystique look like an emotionally fragile woman who needed a couple of men to talk some sense into her, we can call that problem out without having to resort to idiotic sexist crap like "mansplaining".

Edit: And sorry if my reply seemed aggressive towards you, I promise I did not mean it that way. I am simply aggravated by this issue. It is my own failing.

I agree the word is stupid, but if there's no context other than - it's a man talking (they happen to be the only people with any relationship to her) it's REALLY a stupid thing to say.

But to be honest I'm starting to think I've been baited.

Baited? Not sure what you mean. Bob used the term when talking about that particular scene in his review. I was reacting to his use of that word. I'm not sure if you think maybe I was trying to bait you or if Bob was trying to bait us in general. I certainly was not trying to bait you and I don't think Bob was trying to bait his audience, I think it's just a case of him using a popular buzzword, a really, really stupid one.

 

[wizzy555]

Baited? Not sure what you mean. Bob used the term when talking about that particular scene in his review. I was reacting to his use of that word. I'm not sure if you think maybe I was trying to bait you or if Bob was trying to bait us in general. I certainly was not trying to bait you and I don't think Bob was trying to bait his audience, I think it's just a case of him using a popular buzzword, a really, really stupid one.

No, not you, baited by Bob.

He probably said it to get a rise.

 

[teamcharlie]

Not that he wasn't also a cliche, but I think Quicksilver came the closest to having nuance to his character. Unlike Magneto's complete sociopathy, Raven's refusal to think about the political impacts of any of her planned politician-murderings (maybe she should, like, actually go to college), or Trask's completely opaque reasoning for why he needs to invent unstoppable racist death robots, Quicksilver's moral landscape is refreshingly gray. He does good if it's fun, and he steals shit and messes with people because he finds that fun, but he's not by that token incapable of empathy.

That being said, I'm pretty sure the X-men didn't call him in because Quicksilver is a great match for Magneto on his own and Evan Peters isn't an important enough actor to actually be involved in that fight. Same reason why Ellen Page's character needs to stoically endure pain (small favors though: I'm grateful she didn't get many lines. Her delivery is still atrocious), or why we get an extended scene of Hugh Jackman standing around naked.

For good measure, a couple plot holes not mentioned in the review:
1) They have a serum that can cure goddamn spinal paralysis, and the guy who invented it is still alive 50 years later. Why hasn't anyone done any work to improve it such that the serum lets Xavier walk but doesn't turn off his powers? I hope at the very least there's some, "Holy shit, there's this awesome serum that helps paraplegics walk! Nobel prize time, Hank McCoy!"
2) At the end of the movie, when Magneto's helmet is off, Charles can clearly control both his actions and his powers. The helmet is also right there, in plain view of both of them. Why doesn't Xavier have Magneto smash it to bits before he lets him go? There is literally no reason for Xavier to do anything other than destroy it at this point. Sure, Magneto can probably figure out a way to make a new one, but why not at least make it difficult for him?
3) Somebody with super speed and reflexes should be good at Pong. Quicksilver shouldn't have any points at all on the scoreboard, or at the very least he should have broken the joystick within two seconds of starting to play if even tapping somebody's face when he's at super speed knocks that person the fuck out.
4) This isn't original to this movie, but still bothers me: does Raven naturally not have nipples or a vagina, or does her 'natural form' come with a removable seamless bikini? I'm seriously not 100% sure how she's supposed to have kids unless they come out of her mouth, or if she can even have sex when she's in blue girl mode.

 

[Insideout Ink Demon]

can someone tell me how big the spoilers are, before I jump into this video? i'd appreciate it

 

[Sheo_Dagana]

Bob actually enjoyed First Class? I mean sure, I like it, but not for the reasons other people like it. I liked it because it's laughable - terrible and over the top in almost every way possible, but still doesn't manage to impress with their big dumb action sequences. The only reason I watch the movie is to laugh at how closely it resembles a James Bond film.

So I guess maybe I'll like Days of Future Past, then. Although it IS odd that Kitty Pride does what she does with absolutely NO explanation...

 

[Grace_Omega]

I don't normally like it when critics get accused of "fanboyism", but I have to say that was my impression with this review. Most of the criticisms- "bad" aesthetic design, the approach to the subject material, supposedly huge script problems that honestly feel like comic-fan nit-picking (I barely even remember who Kitty pride is, let alone what powers she has), the movie not living up to The Avengers in some nebulously defined way- feel like stuff that would only be relevant to super-hardcore comic movie fans. I know that Bob is one of those people, and that's fine, but ultimately I came away from this review with no evaluation of the movie's quality because it feels like it's being judged on criteria that aren't even going to register for me.