X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (B+)

Bottom Line: An awesomely action-packed, lushly layered and compellingly complex superhero big budget bonanza that mightily (without too much trouble really) claws its way to the top of the summer blockbuster heap (thus far).  It’s an intricately woven tale where new characters are introduced, old one’s revisited and familiar favorites reestablished – and its team-within-a-team-for-the-good-of-the-team execution is as intricate as it is interesting.  At times it may feel a tad bloated, like there’s a bit too much ping-ponging at play; a lot of characters, many continents and multiple decades.  But it mostly works wondrously in the give-peace-a-chance versus down-with-the-man ying yang of the X-Men Universe.  Set against both actual and imagined backdrops through time, director Bryan Singer expertly guides his talented cast on a timely, poignant, witty, explosively epic, big screen journey that feels as if it was freshly ripped from the pages of a comic book.  …and not unlike the 2009 reboot of STAR TREK, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST hits the reset button in a way that allows history to repeat itself – or not – and gives the whole franchise an another updated burst of fresh wind in its sails.  Butt kicking, thrilling and emotionally-charged, this is an uncannily good and groovy time at the movies – where ‘X’ literally marks the spot!

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Nicholas Hoult, Evan Petters, Ellen Page, Halle Berry and Peter Dinklage

Directed by: Bryan Singer (X-MEN, M2: X-MEN UNITED, THE USUAL SUSPECTS and SUPERMAN RETURNS)

Running time: 131 minutes

Studio description: 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 the past, "X-Men: First Class," in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future. (c) Fox

Official site: www.x-menmovies.com