Jack Reacher Doesn't Reach High Enough

Being a volunteer of the TIFF festival, I was among the many who gained an opportunity to watch a film, that has not been yet released in theaters, for free. I walked into the TIFF Bell Lighthouse with no expectations (and thus - an open mind) as they never told us what movie we were going to be seeing. It was only in the opening credits where we saw "A Tom Cruise Production", did we realize it was Jack Reacher. The film is based off of Lee Child's novel called One Shot.

Unfortunately, I already knew the plot before watching the movie. Trailers are an important marketing technique as they offer a hint. A good trailer is like a tease - it leaves you wanting more. But some trailers give it all away. Case in point - Jack Reacher's trailer pretty much gave everything away simply because some of the best scenes are in the trailers. There was enough scenes for me to make an accurate guess at the story. From the trailer alone, I knew Jack was going to be a brilliant and dangerous loner who cares only for doing the right thing. I knew there would be action, romance, comedy with a pretty much standard plotline.

There was action. Car chases, gun violence and fist fights. Unlike his Mission Impossible series, there were no stunts that left the audience talking about as most of the violence and fighting has been seen in other movies that do it better.

There was hints of romance. The UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension) between Tom Cruise and the classically beautiful former Bond girl Rosamund Pike (who played defense lawyer, Helen) was there right from the initial beginning. And there is a glimpse of Tom's body (not bad considering he's 50) and the backside of a random blonde. Romance makes out about 2% of the film though.

The comedy was a surprise. It was funnier then I expected. There was plenty of dark and dry humor that Tom managed to pull off well. Even the crowd that wasn't that excited to see the film, laughed in appreciation.

The plotline was standard for a crime thriller. In the end, it's all about the money and to keep their secrets, Helen is kidnapped. Of course, you all should know what happens afterwards. But if you don't, well I won't spoil it for you.

It's decent enough but I doubt I would ever watch it again just for fun. A good movie for the guys and some ladies but I wouldn't recommend this for a first-date move.

I apologize for the review being brief but the movie did not do anything for me. I did not love it - I wouldn't watch it twice just for fun like I do with the Bond/Bourne series. I did not hate it - like I did the 2010 Takers which I spent days wishing back for the lost hours and ranting to everyone not to watch that film. I didn't like it and I didn't dislike it. It was just there - and in a way, that's the worst way you can describe a film because it didn't inspire any passion within their audience.

Rating: 2.5/5

Looper Throws Audience for a Loop

 Joseph Gordon Levitt (JGL) is everywhere you look in movies. In 2012 alone, he starred in Dark Knight Rises, Looper, Premium Rush and the just released Lincoln. He is a talented actor that showcases many different personas and characters. So when Looper came to TIFF, I really wanted to see it. Even though the director is relatively new, I trusted JGL. He is one of the few actors I trust to pick interesting scripts.  

Bruce Willis (BW) is also an actor who on occasion picks interesting scripts. Willis is known for his action but he also is very talented at showing love and vulnerability. His character can be seen as the villain yet he cannot be hated. Willis is genius in his portrayal. The audience is forced to empathize with his pain yet are torn about how they feel about his actions. 

 I was fascinated by duality of the character. Joe is both protagonist and antagonist, hero and villain. The movie showed how choices can define a person. One scene in particular stands out in mind - at the diner where both Joes converse. JGL Joe could not recognize BW Joe. He didn't seem to understand how he became the man in front of him and he doesn't want that future. It's an important scene that gives much insight to both versions of Joe. 

That scene also seems to show the infamous struggle between fate and free will. While the choices are shown to clearly define the character, when looking at the larger picture, there is a sense that there was someone behind the scenes pulling the strings. The fact that JGL Joe manages to gain the part of the map which contains the true rainmaker is more then just luck as his existence in the kid's life so early defines the boy for either evil (as BW Joe will believe) or good (as his mom believes). He is a pivotal existence for the boy in more ways then he can imagine. 

Despite the fact that there is time-travel, the movie's focus is not on the sci-fi portion. Instead, the director chooses to focus on the characters, which is why the actors' portrayals were so important. It can make or break the film. Luckily, the actors rise to the occasion. Looper is a brilliant hybrid of action and adventure, science fiction,romance and brilliant story overall. It appeals to the heart while it gets adrenaline pumping. There's also a moral hidden within the film that you just have to look for. Either way, it is a good movie to enjoy. 

Rating: 4/5

Skyfall Meets Sky-high Expectations

After a four-year hiatus while MGM scrambled to find money, the twenty-third Bond film has hit theaters and blows the expectations away. Daniel Craig returned again as Bond and he is joined by an all-star team. Talented Sam Mendes directs what some consider to be the "best Bond yet". 

I loved it. What makes this Bond amazing is that it is also a wonderful movie. People who aren't Bond fans can go and enjoy this film without needing to know anything again.

That being said - it still rewards its dedicated fans. There are many subtle throwbacks that a fan of the series will recognize and be delighted about. 

The key word that sums of this film is "redemption".  It's what Bond wanted and it's what I felt this film was. Quantum of Solace was a flop in my mind after the beautiful masterpiece that was Casino Royale. But this movie seemed to redeem the franchise (not that it was in trouble) and it seemed to complete the reboot that Casino Royale started. 

Ben Whishaw joins the franchise as young, adorable nerd Q. If you recognize his face, it might be because he was in the very recent Cloud Atlas. He does a fantastic job as the quartermaster. He successfully manages to merge the beloved personality with a new hipster nerd vibe. He would appeal to both the older and younger generations. It also doesn't hurt that many females find him adorable. 

And he is only the tip of the ice berg with the wonderful  cast. Judi Dench gives an award winning performance as M. She balances the act between lady and bitch perfectly. Ralph Fiennes is a fresh face that we will thankfully be seeing more of in the future. He was so fantastic that I forgot that I last saw him as Lord Voldemort. 

Skyfall fulfills every requirement that Bond films need. 

1) Bond Ladies - 007 is known for many things especially his weakness for beautiful women. It has sometimes been his greatest weakness. The fifty years has showcased a great deal of unforgettable ladies and borderline hilarious names. Honey Ryder was the start with her iconic white bikini. In Skyfall, Naomie Harris teased the audience with her sexually charged banter. While Bérénice Lim Marlohe made blood pound with her raw sensuality and vulnerability. These ladies fulfill this requirement. 

2) Action - Bond is known for making the impossible seem easy! Before any other franchise, Bond danced with death to bring some amazing stunts to the big screen. Skyfall does that in its first 20 minutes - a car chase followed by a motorcycle chase, climbing from a crane to jump into a train chamber, fighting on top of a moving train, falling from a height into a river. And that's before the song comes on!

3) Beautiful Scenery - from the exotic to the tropic and back to London, Skyfall shows it all. So, check!

4) Creepy Unique Villain - Javier Bardem gives a brilliant performance  that words will do not justice. He is amazing. The character is exactly how I would imagine Bond to be if be ever went bad. He is always one step ahead. 

Skyfall meets every requirement to their formula and then some. Either way - this is a movie to watch in the theaters! Go. Now.

 

Rating: 5/5

Summer of Superheroes

Summer 2012 featured a great deal of amazing movies but the most popular, without a doubt, were the films about the superheroes. So here's a brief review on all three.

Dark Knight Rises

My favourite movie of the summer and easily the year. I saw it (so far) three times in theatres. Why? Because it's just that good. The final movie takes place eight years after the second film so a lot has happened which are explained well. Wounds have barely scabbed over from the Joker's rein. But there are some new faces joining the older ones. As well as humor to defuse the tension when it becomes too dark. There is a beautiful balance between action & adventure, drama, angst, romance, humor and tragedy.

Nolan brings it back full circle as Batman has to face his fears, limitations and demons to overcome the huge obstacle that is threatening the destruction of Gotham. One of my favourite things about Nolan's films, is that there is a great amount of depth in the film. Whether it is plot or symbolism. There were many times were I felt, symbolically, Nolan was showing his audience his first film again. Spoiler Alert but for example, when Bruce was climbing up from the Pit, it reminded me of the him in the first movie trying to climb up from the well. Actually, the whole part of the film where Bruce was in the Pit, was almost a homage to the Batman Begin's well known quote: "Why do we fall, sir? So, we can learn to pick ourselves up." That's what Bruce shows us in the pit - never give up. End of Spoiler Alert. Unlike Spiderman 3, Nolan masterfully juggles with the multiple villains so that the audience never feels awkward.

But as much as I loved it, it could be easily disliked as well. For those who had extremely high expectations - it will not meet them. After the late Ledger's legendary performance as the Joker, it's hard to come even close. Also, many people will not like it simply because Nolan's ending is not the one they wanted.

One thing you should know though is that this is the last Batman movie in Nolan's series. If another Batman movie comes out, it will not have Nolan as director, Bale as Bruce/Batman or probably many of the other actors.

Avengers

The big blockbuster hit of the summer, directed by the famous Joss Wheldon. For those who don't know the name, you know of his creations: Buffy, Firefly, Angel and even Toy Story. Originally Jon Favreau (director of the first two Ironman movies) was supposed to direct but he chose to stay on as an executive producer. This movie has a little bit of everything! It has action & adventure, drama, romance, angst, tragedy and plenty of humor to keep the audiences engaged. It is entertain for everyone. It nicely balances the storyline of the four protagonists as well as the supporting characters without neglecting anyone. It is incredibly easy for the view to connect with any one of the heroes. Also, Joss Wheldon does an amazing job with dialogue as many characters have memorable lines without being cheesy.

Personally, I saw the film four times in theatres because there were many scenes that I loved. In particular, Hulk had many hilarious scenes that I died laughing.  The first time I watched it, my friend had to nudge me in the ribs to get me to stop cackling like a hyena. 

The only problem with this film is that if you haven't watched the other four series (Hulk, Ironman, Thor and Captain America) you are going to miss something because a lot of the same faces pop up in this movie.  Ideally, to watch this movie, the viewer has to be up to date on the other four series. Well, not so much Hulk, seeing as they changed the actor. Mark Ruffalo, by the way, does an amazing job as Bruce Banner (I think you found a winner Marvel)!

One other negative for this film is that it is currently the most mistake filled film of 2012. It's not that much but it is still more then any other film so far.

But it's still an amazing movie.

Amazing Spiderman

I had mixed feelings about this reboot. I loved the new actors, Emma and Andrew, but I was still sort of loyal to the older actors. I disliked strongly where Spiderman 3 left us and I did feel like they were screwing up what had great potential from the first film. But at the same time, I was wondering where's Mary Jane and who's Gwen Stacey in the new reboot? Ultimately, I decided to approach the film with an open mind.

I'm glad I did because they did an amazing job. Andrew Garfield's version of Spiderman was more easier to identify with then Tobey Maguire's saint-like approach. Andrew's Peter was multi-dimensional. Sometimes, he was angry, vulnerable and hurt and other times he is shy, friendly and funny. But overall he is a nice guy. But Andrew's approach allowed for the audience to accept it more when Peter wasn't always nice whereas I judged Tobey's Peter more harshly simply because he seemed more saintlike and naive.

Emma Stone also did a wonderful job as Gwen Stacey to the point where I was like 'Mary Jane who?' Plus, the chemistry between the two actors set the screen on fire. There were times where I blushed more at their flirting then I did at some other movie's explicit scene. I'm glad they became a real-life couple as well because they are very cute together.

This movie like the other two superhero films mentioned aboved, have the same genres; action & adventure, drama, angst, tragedy, romance and humor. This movie is also a very good compromise for a date.

Unlike the previous two films, Amazing Spiderman has a slower build to the climax because unlike Dark Knight Rises and Avengers, it is starting from the beginning so it needs screen time to set up everything.

Chances are you will either love the new reboot or hate it because you are that loyal to the Tobey's. But personally, it really does deserve to be called the AMAZING Spiderman.

Terra Nova's Redeeming Villain

 Like most, I was intrigued by Terra Nova. The concept was interesting and it had Steven Spielberg's name attached to it. Plus, who didn't love Jurassic Park? When crime shows and sitcoms rule the television screen, sci-fi shows are a rare few. Off the top of my head, the few shows that come to mind is Doctor Who and Fringe. Terra Nova had potential pouring from its fingertips.

But the first episode left me lacking. The characters that were introduced were very one-dimensional and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't connect with them. So I didn't watch the show consistently. Instead, I'd watch it whenever I had time, because let's face it - there are so many amazing shows on currently. I thought the show would be cancelled like Firefly. But then I saw him.

Lucas Taylor. I fell in love with his character.

I read this article (click me!) and agreed with it completely.

Ashley Zukerman plays Lucas perfectly because he could have come off as a very fake, cartoonish character/villain. Instead Lucas comes off as a brilliant genius struggling with his demons. He feels real because some of the viewers can relate to his problems. Every child has had some sort of unresolved issue with their parents. Granted, most children don't want to kill them regardless of what Freud may think. But even then, it seems that a part of Lucas just wants to be accepted by his father. This complexity is believable in part due to Zukerman and in part due to his character's profile ("There is no great genius without a mixture of madness" - Aristotle).

Almost every other character in Terra Nova could be easily replaced by another actor because their characters are that boring. Somewhere along the line, somebody dropped the ball. Either way, Lucas comes off as the most interesting and resonating character in the series.

Frankly, even as creepy as it is, I really enjoy Lucas and Skye together, more then Josh and Skye. Josh and Skye, despite being the obvious cannon pairing, are BORING together. THEY feel more like brother and sister to me personally unlike (ironically) Lucas and Skye. Besides the major UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension) there, Lucas and Skye challenge each other. He threatens her and her loved ones, she lies and shoots him. Their interactions are complex and much more interesting then the adorably sweet but one dimensional couple of Maddy and Mark.

Skye is another good character (though Lucas still tops them all) because of the conflicts she had to face like betraying Terra Nova for her mother. Her character grew better as the episodes came because I remember in the first episode, I was not impressed. In the first episode, her character was very cliche.

If this show gets renewed for a second season, I hope they make their characters and conflicts more interesting and make Ashley Zukerman main cast instead of a recurring characters because I know he's one of the biggest reasons my friends and I watch Terra Nova.

Cruise does the "Impossible" for the 4th Time

Even for someone who has not seen any one of the Mission Impossible movies (why wouldn't you?), you know what it is about. Chances are you know of the scene where Tom Cruise's character drops down on a wire and hacks into a computer whilst being suspended in air. This scene has been parodied in many movies as well. This series belongs to a select group of movies: cult classics. These are the movies whose scenes or lines are known to everyone. Like Star Wars' "Luke, I am your father" or the Sixth Sense's "I see dead people". They are heavily involved in pop culture. 

The formula to this movie is simple - beautiful locations, action, cars, action, attractive people and did I mention action? It's the classic formula that appeals to the male species. Personally, I love the locations in particular. I don't get the chance to travel as much as I want to (it's expense!) but movies like this shows me and its audience different parts of the world. This movie filmed in parts of UAE, Russia, Czech Republic, India and even Canada! I could not help chuckling as I saw Bollywood's Anil Kapoor play the Indian billionaire womanizer, a character much different then his own personality and other Bollywood characters he has played.

This series is similar to James Bond in one particular way - stunts. Like the name suggest, Tom Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt, always does the impossible. The fourth one was no way lacking either. From climbing the world's tallest tower and dropping down a vent (similar to the first film's iconic stunt), there were plenty of impossible stunts. One of the things I particularly enjoy about the mission impossible series stunts though, is that Ethan Hunt gets hurt doing them! He smacks his head many times, breaks his leg and other very painful injuries that make the audience wince almost every time.

There was one detail in this movie that I loved though. Usually in movies, Bond movies in particular, the romantic interest of the male lead was replaced so easily. I remember watching the old Bond movies and wondering what happened to the previous girl. I always wanted to know, did they just not work out or did she died? What happened? But this movie and the re-launched Bond movies, show what happens to the lady. I won't tell you exactly what happens because I think most should see this movie, but the absence of Ethan Hunt's wife (he married in the third film) is explained in great detail in this movie. It's one of the subplots too as it affects many of the characters in this movie.

If you are into action and stunts, then GO SEE THIS MOVIE! I wouldn't recommend this for a date movie though unless your girlfriend likes action too because the action in this film greatly outweighs the romance.

Rating: 3.5/5

'Tintin' Triumphs in Hearts

I have never read Tintin but watching this movie, I suddenly want to go buy the whole series and start reading.

From the beginning to end, you're on the edge of your seats. There were quite a few little plotlines that all tied together in the end. It was risky because it could have confused the audience but Steven Spielberg kept it easy to understand. Usually within a story, there is a certain amount of build up where the audience can learn about the characters and setting. However, there was no build up here but it wasn't awkwardly done. However, even as a person who has never read a Tintin book, Steven Spielberg managed to find a way to give plenty of details about Tintin and the other characters through the story. There was nothing awkward about it. It was a complete adventure.

One of the biggest helps in the story too was that there was plenty of humor throughout. With plenty of action and adventure, it might have worked against the audience. However, the humor brought a balance to the story. You'd be laughing even as you're biting your nails in anxiousness. It was a different humor then what is currently popular. Instead of being dark or perverse, it was what I like to call "Old humor". Similar to the "Three Stooges" but also consisted of close calls and funny catchphrases. The audience ate it up though because the theatre was alive with laughter.

One of the things I loved about Tintin was the technology used. The animation was amazing. It was the perfect combination of realism and abstract. Looking back on the movie, I am a hundred percent happy that they did not do the movie as a live action. Some of the sequences in movie could not be done in by using real people and they would have to SGI it which would have been ridiculous and the audience would have hated it. But I'm glad they did not do a full on comic version of the movie either. This is really the perfect balance of the two. While Europe has done many versions of Tintin, both comic and live action, Hollywood has not. This is their first dip into this particular comic and it is beautifully done. They've set the bar high.

Even the marketing plan for this movie is brillant. Usually once a movie is made in Hollywood, it would be released in North America first then Europe. But Tintin was playing for two months in Europe before being shown in America. Perhaps this is a nod to the European roots of Tintin or a brillant marketing scheme. I've heard that movies that do well in America are not always as popular in Europe. I'm not sure why this is, maybe it is due to the difference in societal values. But Tintin was a hit in Europe, only time will tell if it is the same here in North America.

Personally, I loved every moment of it. It brought out the inner child in everyone - adult and teen. The characters were lovable and apparently true to the comics. The actors that portrayed them did an amazing job of bringing them to life. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were hilarious as Thomson and Thompson. Jamie Bell was a brilliant Tintin. Andy Serkis was a hilarious Captain Haddock. Daniel Craig, played Red Rackham and Ivan Sakharine notoriously. Frankly, Snowy was the unsung hero in my eyes.

This is a movie worth seeing. Whether it is with your friends, family or even on a date - it's a good movie for all.

Stars: 4.5/5

Make Time for "In Time"

Time is money. Money is power. Thus, time is money.

It is such a simple concept yet it is a powerful one. The idea of using time, whether it is minutes or centuries, as a currency is amazing. I cannot imagine living a life like that where I am losing five minutes of my life just to buy a cup of coffee.

This concept also allows for a very young and good looking cast. Justin Timberlake, Amanada Seyfield, Olivia Wilde and Alex Pettyfer to name a few.

The storyline greatly reminds me of Robin Hood. Both Will Salas and Robin stole from the rich to give to the poor and thus were wanted by the authorities. Both of their fathers were murdered for their beliefs. Though, Robin Hood had his band of merry men to back him up while Will had Sylvia Weis to help him. Personally, I think Will got the better deal out of it. Not only does Sylvia have personal knowledge about the banks but she is very hot.

The storyline itself is nothing super original but the idea behind it is interesting enough. Like some of the great heroes, Will's turning point comes when his mother (played by the beautiful Olivia Wilde) died, flying into his arms. He chooses to fight the system that denied him his mother and along the way, finds and convinces the girl to abandon her world for him. Together those two change the world for all others. Quite cliche but well executed nonetheless.

This movie is honestly a breathe of fresh air compared to the movies that are coming through the cinema. It is (as far as I am aware) not based from a novel nor is it based off of a game or comic. It's an original concept.

This is a good movie to see, especially if on a date. There is romance that she will appreciate and action that he will enjoy.

Rating: 3.5/5

The End of Potter

At the end of the final Potter movie, there were very few dry eyes. It felt like the closing of the childhood to many of the Potheads.

J.K. Rowling's seven little books managed the impossible in generation addicted to gaming and television. She made kids read. Millions of children, teenagers and adults flocked to the bookstore every year to buy the new book in the series. Potter pandemonium erupted over the world and Hollywood capitalized on it. In 2001, the journey started and ten years later, in the birth month of the protagonist, the series came to the end.

A little after midnight of July 15, 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two started and from moment one, the audience was hooked.

Despite this being the most darkest book, they managed to find ways to lighten it up. From McGonagall's cute happiness at using a spell to Neville's complete kick-ass attitude. Heck, even Voldemort's behaviour brought out huge laughs from the audience. There was tons of romance from Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione and even Neville had a crush on Luna. Hollywood managed to even make the final battle more interesting then in the book - though there was still a lot of talking!

There were only a few places which I cringed at. One of them was during the moment when Harry was living them to face Voldemort in the forest. The interaction between Ron, Hermione and Harry was completely awkward. Ron especially, as he remained sort of aloof despite his knowledge that his best friend was going to his death. Yet at the same time I understand, because what can you say in that situation. While you don't want him to die, he has to. There is nothing to say that would help.

Another one is the Ginny and Harry romance. I can't blame this on the movie though because it's a factor in the books. But it still doesn't make sense to me, they were no clues in the books, though the movie showed subtle clues. The romance between Harry and Ginny came out of nowhere and just felt awkward and completely wrong. There was no attraction or chemistry. It's not just me, even the audience slighted in their seats in discomfort. Most people I talk to agreed that what is supposed to be a great romance is just weird.

Actually while it is realistic, most of Rowling romances were never as great as I wanted them to be. In fact, her greatest love story was never told. The love between James Potter and Lily Evans was never told in detail but of greatness. In a way, I appreciate that because I get to imagine what I want.

However, the part that always teared me up every single time I watched that movie, was ironically, a romantic part. But can you really call unrequited love a romance or heartbreak. Snape's unchanging love for Lily can make even the coldest of hearts melt a little inside. The moment you see, through Snape's memories, just how far he went for Lily is so moving. Snape's struggle is something everyone can relate too - the sting of unrequited love, heartbreak. That's my favourite love story from the Potter series.

Regardless, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two had a little bit of everything for everyone. There was romance, humor, adventure, triumph, loss, heartache, hope, life and death. One moment, you'd be scared for a character then you'd feel relieved when everything worked out for the best.

All in all, I'll mourn the loss of the Potter world as will every other child that grew up with it.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

"X-Men" - A "First Class" Movie

"X-Men: First Class" is undeniably one of the summer's most anticipated blockbuster movies, along side other names like, "Transformers 3", "The Hangover 2", "Thor" and "Green Lantern". That kind of hype is hard to live up to, many movies flop under the pressure.

While I was never looking forward to this movie, I always knew I'd go and see it. I love the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and enjoyed majority of the X-Men movies (personally, I hated the third). Maybe it was because I had no expectations of this movie, that caused me to love it so much after watching it.

It had many elements that allow people to connect with it. It had romance, friendship, bromance, betrayal, a need to belong and a loss suffered.

Besides having cool effects and action, X-Men had a wonderful story that tied the ends that we always wondered. There were many relationships that were explored and even though there was many new mutants that were not there in the original trilogy, it was enjoyable.

I think my favourite part of the movie was the bromance between Eric Lensherr and Charles Xavier. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were amazing in their respected parts. Fassbender brought enough darkness and humanity to Eric's character. You could understand why he became what he is because of where he came from - the suffering he had to deal with. McAvoy showed Professor X's intelligence and empathy. Despite his flirty beginnings, it wasn't awkward. The young Professor Xavier was not everything I imagined but James McAvoy managed to sell his version of Charles so convincingly that I even forgot my old expectation! I loved how you could see how their friendship grew and evolved. How Eric would depend on Charles and Charles would trust Eric to do the right thing. You couldn't help but cheer their friendship on! And it was soooo bitter when you watched Eric finally become Magneto and become the direct cause of Charles' wheelchair. I teared up when I watched their friendship dissolve. There was no violent outburst on either side, just a bitter fact that both had to shallow. They calmly walked their separate ways with heavy hearts.

We all wondered why Magneto and Professor X were enemies yet they never tried to kill each other despite having many opportunities too. Their history is so much more complex then we originally thought. I knew there was begrudging respect on either side but this version is so touching.

Also, I like how Raven was friends with Charles first. That was a twist I never saw coming, because we always see Mystic with Magneto. She technically chose Xavier over Magneto at the end - it was because of Xavier's acceptance that she went to Magneto. I can understand why Magneto. Despite everything Xavier has done for her, he could never do what Magneto did. Magneto kissed her in her blue form and that was an acceptance Charles could never do for her. I'd like to believe it is because he's been friends with her for so long that he can only see her as a sister. But like any woman, they wanted to be accepted for all of themselves - including the parts that they don't like either.

I did not enjoy the face-off between Angel and Banshee though. Their flying around battle gave me a headache and felt kind of pointless.  Also, where was the 3D? This movie would have been an EXCELLENT choice for being shown in 3D. If "Avatar: Last Airbender" was in 3D, though it was only the title, why couldn't this movie?

Overall, it was an amazing movie and you would be missing out if you did not go and see it!

Rating: 4/5 stars