Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2014

In a dark, apocalyptic present, Professor X and Magneto (Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellen) send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, carrying the film) back in time to convince their younger selves (James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender) to join forces in preventing Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), an act that led to their current lose-lose state of affairs. Got that? Okay, this clearly requires at least a cursory knowledge of 15 years of these mutant movies. Nice self-aware comic relief, notably a terrific “Time in a Bottle” sequence that was actually applauded. Way better in 2-D. (131 min)