Okay as a highly scientific experiment I showed my own daughter (who just happens to literally be 9 years old) a pic of the billboard and asked her what she thinks is going on in the image (she hasn't seen the movie) and how it makes her feel. Her answer: "Star Wars." "Huh?" I said. "It says X-Men on it where are you getting Star Wars?" "It just reminds me of Darth Vader choking that guy on Princess Leia's ship." Ah, lol. So then I asked, "Since you haven't seen the movie, what do you think is going on in this scene specifically?" She said, "well since there are blasted buildings behind them I think they probably had a fight. And in the trailers she was teaching the X-Men and I knew she used to be bad so that guy is probably mad at her for turning good." "Ah," I said, "so what do you think happens after he chokes her?" She said, "I have a feeling that he'll probably go easy on her and put her down." Well okay.
So then I told her that some people were complaining about the billboard and that the studio has decided to take it down. She said, "Really? Ohh because people think that's a spoiler? But it's in all the commercials." I said no because they think that the sign says it's okay for men to choke women and she laughed. So there you have a genuine 9 year old girl's reaction. And even as someone who *hasn't* seen a single X-Men film there was enough context with the blasted buildings in the background and all the TV spots and just general knowledge of who Jennifer Lawrence was in previous films that her fragile mind didn't for one second think "monster man abusing a woman." So I redact my statement that Rose McGowan had a point.
Okay as a highly scientific experiment I showed my own daughter (who just happens to literally be 9 years old) a pic of the billboard and asked her what she thinks is going on in the image (she hasn't seen the movie) and how it makes her feel. Her answer: "Star Wars." "Huh?" I said. "It says X-Men on it where are you getting Star Wars?" "It just reminds me of Darth Vader choking that guy on Princess Leia's ship." Ah, lol. So then I asked, "Since you haven't seen the movie, what do you think is going on in this scene specifically?" She said, "well since there are blasted buildings behind them I think they probably had a fight. And in the trailers she was teaching the X-Men and I knew she used to be bad so that guy is probably mad at her for turning good." "Ah," I said, "so what do you think happens after he chokes her?" She said, "I have a feeling that he'll probably go easy on her and put her down." Well okay.
So then I told her that some people were complaining about the billboard and that the studio has decided to take it down. She said, "Really? Ohh because people think that's a spoiler? But it's in all the commercials." I said no because they think that the sign says it's okay for men to choke women and she laughed. So there you have a genuine 9 year old girl's reaction. And even as someone who *hasn't* seen a single X-Men film there was enough context with the blasted buildings in the background and all the TV spots and just general knowledge of who Jennifer Lawrence was in previous films that her fragile mind didn't for one second think "monster man abusing a woman." So I redact my statement that Rose McGowan had a point.
Okay as a highly scientific experiment I showed my own daughter (who just happens to literally be 9 years old) a pic of the billboard and asked her what she thinks is going on in the image (she hasn't seen the movie) and how it makes her feel. Her answer: "Star Wars." "Huh?" I said. "It says X-Men on it where are you getting Star Wars?" "It just reminds me of Darth Vader choking that guy on Princess Leia's ship." Ah, lol. So then I asked, "Since you haven't seen the movie, what do you think is going on in this scene specifically?" She said, "well since there are blasted buildings behind them I think they probably had a fight. And in the trailers she was teaching the X-Men and I knew she used to be bad so that guy is probably mad at her for turning good." "Ah," I said, "so what do you think happens after he chokes her?" She said, "I have a feeling that he'll probably go easy on her and put her down." Well okay.
So then I told her that some people were complaining about the billboard and that the studio has decided to take it down. She said, "Really? Ohh because people think that's a spoiler? But it's in all the commercials." I said no because they think that the sign says it's okay for men to choke women and she laughed. So there you have a genuine 9 year old girl's reaction. And even as someone who *hasn't* seen a single X-Men film there was enough context with the blasted buildings in the background and all the TV spots and just general knowledge of who Jennifer Lawrence was in previous films that her fragile mind didn't for one second think "monster man abusing a woman." So I redact my statement that Rose McGowan had a point.
Yes, I do agree that McGowan simply tried to create a solution that was in search of a problem. "Father, why is that monster man committing domestic violence against that battered woman?" Yeah right, Rose, I'm sure you heard that.
My kids take after their dad. They express irritation when trailers give too much away and will look away when they're watching Teen Titans Go or something and TV spots come on for a movie they want to see because they know that they give so much away.
Yes, I do agree that McGowan simply tried to create a solution that was in search of a problem. "Father, why is that monster man committing domestic violence against that battered woman?" Yeah right, Rose, I'm sure you heard that.
My kids take after their dad. They express irritation when trailers give too much away and will look away when they're watching Teen Titans Go or something and TV spots come on for a movie they want to see because they know that they give so much away.
McGowan had absolutely no problem profiting from sexism in hollywood and using her looks to get wealth and fame, she worked in a sexist system using her beauty and becoming very successful,
now that she is older now all of the sudden that same system she profited from is a problem,
Same goes for Patricia Arquette, I mean, yeah, sure, it's cool that they care now, but....how come they never cared before? cared enough not to accept sexist and objectifying roles?
McGowan went to MTV awards basically NAKED when she dated manson, probably the most objectifying moment in her career, she was literally being shown as a trophy girlfriend by manson. it wasn't even for a paycheck, i wonder what she thinks about that now.
What hit me this time around is that the film is fundamentally flawed. DOFP was a perfect blend of First Class 2 & X4. The progression of each character's arc made sense and contributed to the story. With Apocalypse, the characters seem like they haven't advanced. Magneto gets the only arc that works. He tries the quiet life in search for peace. It doesn't work out and he returns to what he knows best.
With Xavier, McAvoy not only looks like he hasn't aged a day (bull**** for being ten years after DOFP) but he hasn't matured either. His crush for Moira is extremely juvenile. This man is 50 in this movie yet acts like an insecure 20-year-old with her. To make matters worse, his dialogue is 80% recycled from both FC & DOFP. The character just didn't evolve.
Mystique is just a mess. She's going around helping mutants in trouble, trying to downplay her hero status. Sounds like a good angle for her, right? What ruins it is the execution. We see none of that. We get one rescue in the form of Nightcrawler and Angel and its just not enough. Again, this Mystique has been a mutant mercenary aiding her kind 20 years but all we see is one sequence in Germany of her elbowing a guard. Unimpressive to say the least.
Then there's Hank & Havok who haven't evolved AT ALL. Aside from bringing Scott to the school, Havok is completely useless. Again, Lucas Till looks 28-years old. Definitely not 40. Beast is Beast for five minutes in this film. His dialogue is minimal as is his role. Both these characters were virtually meaningless.
Quicksilver has some great moments but like Havok & Beast hasn't changed one bit. He shoulda have been outta the house doing something completely different. It was so boring seeing him living in the exact same way as if this film took place a year after DOFP & not 10.
The kids were fun but honestly undercooked. They got too involved too fast and aside from Nightcrawler I couldn't relate to Scott and Jean much. They needed more time. I also think it was pointless to see Scott in high school and meeting Jean. They could have been introduced in class AT Xavier's where Charles and Beast have a close eye on them because of their impressive power sets.
As far as Apocalypse goes, he was too big a villain for the budget they had. Sinister, Shadow King, Omega Red....those could have been done for $180 Million. Not Apocalypse. Oscar Isaac's performance is cool but its just not Apocalypse. The British accent, powers, look and size...he would have made a better Sinister.
Storm, Angel and Psylocke were cool and looked great. Characterization was just non-existent. Again, like the kids they were undercooked & needed more time.
Moira was pointless. I wish her role had some meaning. It didn't.
*Wolverine was awesome. Loved his look, head piece and moves. He killed effortlessly and beautifully. Weapon X wonderfully realized onscreen in a mere five minutes. Loved his moment with Jean thus setting up his obsession and love for her.
In summary, a much better film should have followed DOFP. Script needed lots of work.
I kept picturing a better movie in my head that they could have done with the smaller budget. Wrote it down when I got home:
Movie opens with [bald McAvoy] Xavier searching for Magneto in Cerebro. Magneto feels him and just ignores it. Xavier is happy with the life Magneto is living.
Beast [not human Hoult, furry Hoult] teaches a class that includes Scott, Jean, Jubilee, Colossus and Storm. Charles and a new student suddenly walk in. Charles introduces him as Kurt Wagner. They all welcome him.
In the middle of the night, the perimeter alarm goes off. Xavier urges the children to stay in their rooms while Beast, a much older Havok and Wolverine (who lives in the mansion) search for the intruders, in the end finding nothing. Wolverine theorizes the culprit(s) wanted to see what they'd do. Reaction, response time, etc. Wolverine tracks an odd smell a few hundred feet past the perimeter fence. He finds odd hairs. Beast deduces they're a mutant hybrid of man and bear. Havok checks the security cameras which were blacked out with tar. Beast finds mutant DNA in the tar. Further DNA analysis leads them to two men: Michael Suggs and George Blair. Wolverine, Havok and Beast leave the mansion to find them.
Meanwhile in Ireland, Moira McTaggart experiences flashes of her time with Xavier while sleeping. Xavier feels this back in Westchester and speaks to her telepathically, without revealing his identity.
[an older-looking] Quicksilver heads to the kitchen for a drink of water when the perimeter suddenly goes off again. Xavier wakes up & Quicksilver intercepts five men at the gate. We only see their backsides. He prepares for a fight but is dispatched by one of the men screaming (Ruckus). Back inside, Xavier and the children are in pain from Ruckus' screams. Scott runs to Jean's room where he finds a dark figure injecting her with something. He goes for an optic blast but is attacked with a beam of light. A giant, muscular man (Slab) carries out Scott and Jean, following the other man. Xavier tries to intercept them but they're immune to his psychic powers. He too is blasted by the man with light. Before passing out, Xavier asks him "Who are you?". The man responds "My name is Sinister." Sinister and his men leave the school and a beat up Quicksilver finds the unconscious Xavier. He radios Beast who alerts the others of what's happened. They fly back.
Xavier communes with Quicksilver, Beast, Havok & Wolverine. Beast reveals both Suggs and Blaire volunteered for mutant research with a company called ESSEX CORP. years back but have now been declared dead along with three other volunteers. Xavier tries to track Jean and Scott with Cerebro but fails. Beast suggests they go to Ireland where the ESSEX CORP. lab used to be. Xavier suggests Moira can aid in the search with her people (she now works for British Intelligence). They all head for Ireland while Colossus, the oldest student at 18, is left in charge of watching the children.
Scott and Jean wake up inside Sinister's lab. Scott manages to free himself and tries to free Jean. He notices something weird. The color of her eyes is different. He's scared and scares her in the process. "What's happening???" He screams. Sinister replies "I see you've met the new Jean Grey. MY design of Jean Grey. The original has been disposed of as will you be, once I've cloned and redesigned YOU." The kids cry as Sinister signals Slab to restrain them. Scott asks "You killed her???" Sinister replies "In a way, yes, in a way, no."
Back in Ireland, Moira tells Charles and the X-Men about Nathaniel Essex, a mad scientist who disappeared a decade ago along with all his test subjects. She provides them with a location where Essex had land that was seized by the authorities. As the X-Men head there, Xavier stays behind and talks with Moira. He reveals himself as the man of her dreams who once knew her. She feels threatened but also taken and they leave the issue unresolved as Xavier must join the others.
Wolverine traces the scent from Hairbag's fur to a tunnel deep in Essex's rural estate. They sneak in, undetected and enter a massive subterranean lab. Wolverine wears his yellow & blue costume; the others wear their respective costumes as well. The team splits up. In absolute horror, Wolverine finds Jean Grey inside a tank, alive in suspended animation. As he's about to get her out Hairbag attacks him and they fight. Beast finds Cyclops along with the body of a dead Cyclops clone. He releases Cyclops who tells him "He's here." Beast asks "Who's here?" Sinister cackles and steps out of the dark. Meanwhile, Quicksilver and Havok fight The Nasty Boys. Eventually Wolverine kills Hairbag and smashes the tank getting Jean out. She remains unconscious. Wolverine gets her to the entrance of the lab and then turns back to aid the others. The X-Men (and Cyclops) beat the Nasty Boys but are overwhelmed by Sinister - who kills Havok. Xavier finally realizes Sinister's forehead gem blocks his telepathy. Cyclops blasts it and then Xavier attacks Sinister's mind. He sees flashes of Essex's troubled past and century-long life. Sinister activates a security feature in the lab that makes the place blow up piece by piece. Xavier telepathically tells Sinister "I swear I will find you" and they all escape. Sinister enters his own ship and signals Slab to bring along "The Prize." Slab carries a large capsule as he enters the ship with the others. Xavier and the X-Men reach the jet and escape as the tunnel collapses putting out the blast from within. Wolverine and Cyclops hover over Jean, both concerned of her state.
Back in America, Xavier and the others bury Alex Summers. After the funeral, Charles tells the X-Men he's going back to Ireland. Apparently Moira has a few candidates for Xavier's school that she's been watching for some time with help from a soldier, that he wants to meet.
Back at the mansion, during class, Cyclops looks at Jean in doubt. He brings it up to Jubilee who says she seems fine. Soon after as class ends, Hank asks Scott, Jean, Colossus, Storm, Jubilee and Nightcrawler to stay behind. "What's going on, Professor?" asks Scott. "I have something to show you guys." Hank responds. They go down to the lower levels where they all walk past the X-Suits, Jet and war room into a door marked "DANGER". Hank opens the door, where Wolverine (in his orange and brown costume) & Quicksilver (in his silver and blue costume) are standing. "What is this???" asks Colossus. "Training." Responds Hank. The doors of the Danger Room close as the trainees see Wolverine drawing his claws.....
Mid-credits stinger
Somewhere desolate in Ireland, The Nasty Boys enter a lair hidden under a waterfall. Slab lays down the large capsule. Inside it, in suspended animation is the real Jean Grey. "This is small and raw, but it will do. Good work, George." says Sinister. He heads outside where he is seemingly alone. "The Prize is in perfect condition. Does this please you?" Weird sounds of machines moving nearby follow, then a massive 8 ft tall figure reveals himself. "I am pleased, Sinister, but you were asked to deliver TWO prizes." "Xavier is near. Without his bodyguards. I'll have him for you soon." Sinister responds. "No, Sinister. This time, I will capture the prize myself." The massive figure responds. "Yes, Lord Apocalypse. As you wish." replies Sinister.
Post-Credits Stinger
Inside a cell in Ireland, a teenage boy looks out the window to the sea. The cell door opens behind him and a man enters. "Heard you had a rough night, Kevin." The man says with a British accent. "I never know when its gonna get outta hand. Tell Mom I'm sorry. I really am, Brian." Responds Kevin. "I believe you. You ready to get started?" asks Brian. Kevin turns around. Brian throws a soccer ball in the air and Kevin begins to reshape and restructure it in mid air until its a flat square. "Good. One day at a time, mate." Says Brian.
THE END
^That movie that played in my head took a few minutes to conjure up & X-Men: Apocalypse is vastly inferior to it.
Hopefully Josh Boone's NEW MUTANTS is a much better film than Apocalypse.
I said no because they think that the sign says it's okay for men to choke women and she laughed. So there you have a genuine 9 year old girl's reaction. And even as someone who *hasn't* seen a single X-Men film there was enough context with the blasted buildings in the background and all the TV spots and just general knowledge of who Jennifer Lawrence was in previous films that her fragile mind didn't for one second think "monster man abusing a woman." So I redact my statement that Rose McGowan had a point.
