X-Men: Days of Future Past (7/20/2014)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity and language.

Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence and Halle Berry

Directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, Usual Suspects)

The best X-Men so far.

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The beloved characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from X-Men: First Class, in an epic battle that must change the past — to save our future.

There is no arguing the fact that Marvel Studios know how to make amazing super hero films and sustainable super hero films franchises. And it appears that 20th Century Fox is taking notes. They had some real misfires with Ghost Rider, Electra and of course Daredevil. There other films like the Fantastic Four and even some of the X-Men films were met with lukewarm reviews and box office dollars.

Besides being a great action film, Days of Future Past is a well-crafted time travel film. It forces you to ask the age-old question: If you travel back in time can you change the course of history? And if you change too much, will you even exist when you return to the present?

That question in the wrong hands only leads to confusion and frustration. But when Bryan Singer is in the director chair and asking the questions, you can rest easy. He directed the first two pictures and is not afraid to show us his inner comic book nerd. He is totally immersed in X-Men mythology, and we reap the rewards.

Besides having one of the best directors, this film has a stellar cast led by Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence and Peter Dinklage.

This film has a great storyline, humor and a few twists on several historical events. Let’s just say I know who assassinated JFK. The film also introduces several new X-Men, my favorite of which was Quicksilver.

From beginning to end the film is wildly entertaining and for a time travel film, actually makes sense. In fact the final scene brings everything we’ve seen so far from the X-Men full circle… brilliant. And just in case this is your first superhero movie, make sure you stay through the credits to see you sneak peek at the next X-Men film.

I will definitely be adding this film to my movie collection… it is “worth buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
When Wolverine awakens in 1973, he is in a bed, sleeping next to a random woman. He is actually nude, when he runs to get his pants, his nude backside is shown.

There is one f-word, several s-words and several milder profanities.

The violence is too frightening and intense for younger viewers making this the darkest X-Men movie yet.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the mutants of the future? (Try to get them to use words like desperate or hopeless.)


2. When was last time you faced a desperate or hopeless situation? What was it?


3. Read Romans 12:12
   
   Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
   
   Now read Deuteronomy 31:6
   
   Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
   
   How can you rejoice in hope when facing a difficult situation?


4. Finally read Romans 15:13 and be encouraged.
   
   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.