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Rating: 4.4/5
Review: "X-Men: Days of Future Past movie review"

X-Men is the longest running franchise and it is clearly not slowing down at all. Before when this is even showing in cinema, the sequel is announced by Bryan Singer. The question is "Is the franchise getting tired?" After watching this, it is a safe bet that there can still be something fresh in the franchise. I have to admit that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the latest instalment. My hopes were not very high before watching this as I was actually getting tired of the many movies being churned out every two years. I was also disappointed when Matthew Vaughn dropped out as the director and Bryan Singer was to replace him. I am not saying Bryan Singer is a bad director but I feel that he suits more to characters-driven movies rather than big-budget action movies. However this time, he proves me wrong. He has created a good balance of characters development, action and thrill.

The story: The movie starts off in the future where mutants and Sentinels are at war. It results in many deaths. A surviving team led by Professor Xavier and Magneto finds a way to go back to the past to change history. For a time travel movie, the plot is rather straight forward. Bryan Singer is not eager to confuse audience but he wants to give them a thrilling and emotional ride. The movie does that very well. The pacing is just right with a thrilling action scene to start off. There are not as many big action set pieces as other blockbusters but Bryan delivers them well especially the thrilling special effect laden climax. The acting is good. The younger cast (including James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender) did a great job. The older cast (including Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellen) did okay as they do not have a lot of screen time. The special effects are well done. Music by John Ottman is good.

Overall: It is a pretty fun movie to watch. It has the right balance of action and drama. Another thing I was surprised after watching this is that it does not seem over-crowded which was one of my main worries. Now it is also understandable why some mutants don't make the cut. The post-credit scene teases the next sequel. Let's hope it will be something as fresh as this.

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