X-Men: Days of Future Past

Release Date: May 23, 2014

Runtime: 2 hr. 11 min. 

Director: Bryan Singer 

Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Nicholas Hoult, Peter Dinklage , Ellen Page, Evan Peters, Halle Berry, Shawn Ashmore.

Like a gene within a mutant, the "X-Men" series has undergone various evolutions, from directors to actors to oscillating timelines. Yet despite some setbacks (ie. "Last Stand," "Origins"), it has remained tested and proved, to be a reliable beacon in the comic book world. With the welcome return of Bryan Singer and a handful of originals, it's a reversion to better days in "Days of Future Past." Beginning in a bleak future where Sentinels hunt ruthlessly, we find the X-Men cornered with little to no hope. As a last act of survival, Kitty Pryde sends Wolverine's consciousness back to 1973, to change the past, and their lives, for an alternate future. It's a risky move for Singer who has directed only two of the last six films, employing something as elusive as time travel. With continuity being an issue, not to mention the ever-existing paradox, it's a challenge for anyone to connect each and every component. But Singer makes due with his experiential knowledge, offering up a mind-bending summer blockbuster with a nostalgic value. Combining the "First Class" with the old class, it's a reunion of sorts, as familiar faces return to readily join forces. But it's a newcomer that swiftly, and comically, steals away the spotlight, the aptly named Quicksilver played by Evan Peters. While apprehension has surrounded Marvel's dual intentions ("Avengers: Age of Ultron" will have its own take on the character,) Peters is surprisingly well-suited for the role. Less serious and volatile than what's to be expected of the latter, his tricked-out scenes (3600 fps) are visually the best parts of the film. Comparably, the battle scenes with the Sentinels are brimmed with intensity, as they finally play a larger role other than inside a simulation. The plot, however, is predictably convoluted, as real-life situations coalesce with past story lines. To the occasional viewer, inconsistency is easily dismissible, but to the discernible eye it unrightfully breaks the continuum. Some upbringings of the past no longer seem valid, while certain events of the future are just deliberately ignored. But creative licensing is sometimes necessary in times of reformation, whether it's for better or worse is subject to opinion. Nevertheless, "Days of Future Past" gives fans another favorite in the series, though the best may be yet to come. Bring on the "Apocalypse."

Rating: 4 stars

Godzilla

Release Date: May 16, 2014
Runtime: 2 hr. 3 min. 
Director: Gareth Edwards
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn.

When you hear "Godzilla," you're likely to picture the 1998 blunder, starring Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno. Hokey, uninspired, and poorly scripted, it was an ill attempt at modernizing the legendary monster. But as the saying goes, "it's better late than never," we finally get an American remake that's worthy of that title. Gareth Edwards directs the latest on the Japanese classic, going back to its roots of epic proportions. Spanning the globe and introducing a new set of creatures, it's already a giant departure from its deficient predecessor. The story, for one, is effectually developed, bringing humans to the forefront inside embattled cityscapes. Bryan Cranston, particularly, carries the emotional heft of the film, as he struggles to expose the truth by any means necessary. His brief screen time is far more compelling than Johnson's leaden performance, who is easily forgettable when not dodging disaster. Yet despite the film's title, Godzilla himself is seldom present – teased repeatedly through dark waters and billows of fog. Edwards strategically builds up the anticipation, so when the beast does appear it's all the more thrilling. His gargantuan size and trademark "atomic breath" are a sight to behold when he's ultimately unleashed. As he comes face to face with his equally massive prey, the slow build and suspension seem reasonably diminished. While diehard fans will eternally find flaws in these remakes, there's no doubt that we've progressed since 1954's "Godzilla." With lookalikes like "Cloverfield" and "Pacific Rim" steadily emerging, it's nice to see the return of the original "King of Monsters."

Rating: 4 stars

Neighbors

Release Date: May 09, 2014 
Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min. 
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Ike Barinholtz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

A married couple learns parenthood isn't what it's cracked out to be when a fraternity moves next door in peaceful suburbia. Starring Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne,  and a douchey Zac Efron, it's survival of the young, high and relentless. Coming from Stoller and Rogen, the humor is as expected – unrestricted and immature for laugh out loud moments. But in between takes are lulls of indifference, not enough character development to justify a side. It eventually becomes a repetitious game of juvenility, not very creative or extreme as could be. However, Efron, for his part, is notably entertaining, having long shed his "High School Musical" days. His frat boy persona seems perfectly fitting when up against a 'grown up' Seth Rogen who feels like the exact opposite. Given a premise of such myriad potential, the film is less than fulfilling compared to Stoller's previous work. But consistent or not, "Neighbors" does manage to have some hilarious forays, one particularly dealing with 'junk' and plaster. If we learn anything from this suburban scuffle, it's love thy neighbor but watch your back.

Rating: 2½ stars

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Release Date: May 02, 2014 
Runtime: 2 hr. 21 min. 
Director: Marc Webb 
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Chris Cooper.

Dating back to its inception, romance has always played a key factor in the "Spider-Man" saga, more forthcoming and fundamental than other comic book movies. And with the recent reboot, it has only grown more prominent thanks to the chemistry of its stars, so naturally conveyed by Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. As every villain needs a hero, every hero needs a love interest – and for Garfield's Peter Parker, that love is Gwen Stacy. In the sequel to "The Amazing Spider-Man," their relationship takes greater precedence, overshadowing any adversaries despite there being plenty. The film's constant struggle of love versus law is a battle of its own amidst the muddled story line. Combining romance, friendship, father issues, and an unsolicited vendetta, it's a barrage to conceive in the given amount of time. Jamie Foxx as Electro seems marginally wasted, as he's hastily introduced with a half-baked motive. The same can be said for the sudden return of Harry Osborn, played by Dane DeHaan who has, on the upside, been persistently surprising. It's enough to keep the web-slinger busy, let alone cultivate a continuity, for the impending spin-offs which are to include the "Sinister Six." Regardless, the sequel is visually immersing in all its vibrancy; the Spidey-view as equally exhilarating, if not, better than before. This especially pays off during Spider-Man's confrontation with Electro, as they duke it out with style in an acrobatic frenzy. In the end, a decisive moment is worth the admission ticket alone, as it differentiates for the first time from Sam Raimi's iterations. Seeing as Garfield is locked in for at least one more sequel, it's safe to say his wise-cracking days are yet to be behind him.

Rating: 3 stars