This weekend, 20th Century Fox held the first screenings of Bryan Singer’s X-Men Apocalypse and now the reviews are in. Some people love Singer’s epic vision, but most found it to be long, bloated and disappointing. We’ve got examples of them all.
First, quotes from some full reviews:
If you’ve seen one cinematic apocalypse, you’ve seen them all. At least that’s the feeling conjured by “X-Men: Apocalypse,” the latest entry in one of the more reliable comic-book franchises around, this time disappointingly succumbing to an exhausting case of been-there-done-that-itis. – Variety
Narratively jumbled and jammed with so many characters that you give up keeping them all straight while simultaneously lamenting not seeing more of those you might actually want around, Bryan Singer’s fourth entry in the enormously profitable series he inaugurated 16 years ago undeniably builds to a cataclysmic dramatic reckoning. But mostly it just feels like a bloated, if ambitious attempt to shuffle as many mutants and specially gifted characters as possible into a story of a resurrected god ready to take over the world. – The Hollywood Reporter
With “X-Men: Apocalypse,” however, Singer seems to have acquired a new mutant power of his own: Monotony. Whether it’s the lack of an interesting villain, or the fact that the series’ time-travel element is forcing these mutants to meet each other (and the audience) all over again for the first time, this latest entry marks a shocking letdown from Singer’s earlier contributions; what once soared now slogs. – The Wrap
“Apocalypse,” for all its faults, has the audacity to make the MCU look small, and the conviction to make the DCU — if there even is such a thing — look foolish for confusing self-seriousness with gravity. If only these characters were allowed to be as complex as the ideas they fight for, “Apocalypse” could have represented a new beginning for superhero cinema. – Indiewire
“X-Men: Apocalypse” is a lifeless affair, squandering its star power, underselling its characters, and muddying its action in grays and cutaways. – Comic Book Resources
For the second straight movie, the best setpiece belongs to Peters’ Quicksilver, who steals the show with an exciting and funny showcase for his powers. If we’re being totally honest, though, it’s not all that different than his showcase scene in the last movie. – Screencrush
At times, it feels like Singer is trying to fit as much as humanly possible into this movie, just in case it’s his last. By the time it gets to the climactic showdown against Apocalypse, it’s obvious what an unstoppable force he is, and everything leading up to that point does pay off. – Daily News
53 years of X-Men comic stories and an almost unlimited budget, and this is the best they could come up with? – Film School Rejects
And now some tweets:
Review: ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ should please fans, but it’s awfully familiar fare https://t.co/FRlUL37snG via @HitFix
— DrewAtHitFix (@DrewAtHitFix) May 9, 2016
Alert! X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is a groove & a gas. Outstanding cartoon fun after snoozier DOFP. Loved it. But note: I also dug GODS OF EGYPT.
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) May 9, 2016
I didn’t like X-MEN: APOCALYPSE very much, sadly. What a waste having Oscar Isaac & hiding him under all the makeup. https://t.co/RwV3Hyd4Zz
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 9, 2016
Biggest complaints about Apocalypse are the first act feels like it’s 75 min long and there’s a needless swipe at Last Stand. Mostly dug it.
— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) May 9, 2016
X-Men: Apocalypse is a tremendous pile of crap. The most groan-inducing movie I’ve seen in ages and an exercise in boredom.
— Spencer Perry (@TheSpencerPerry) May 9, 2016
X-Men: Apocalypse starts off strong, but falls apart. @PNemiroff reviews – https://t.co/ODup5GNeM3
— Collider News (@ColliderNews) May 9, 2016
It’s hard to tell who’s most bored in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, the cast or the audience.
— Todd Gilchrist (@mtgilchrist) May 9, 2016
Really can’t wait to see #XMenApocalypse again.
— Kellvin Chavez (@Latinoreview) May 9, 2016
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is between good and really good. The Quicksilver scene is insane. Cast awesome. Some amazing stuff. Just not a homerun.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 9, 2016
Nothing really happens in X-Men: Apocalypse? Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. It has a few good moments but otherwise unmemorable.
— Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) May 9, 2016
Singer has made the same movie 4 times. What else is left to explore? X-MEN has gone from one of my favorite CBM franchises to one of worst.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) May 9, 2016
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is dark & destructive & it feels like a period piece in more ways than one. True trilogy capper — maybe one of the last?
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2016
Seems like the consensus is… you’ll have to decide for yourself. The film opens May 19.