X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

X-Men: Apocalypse Poster

After the re-emergence of the world's first mutant, world-destroyer Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.

Plot Introduction
"X-Men: Apocalypse" is a 2016 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics series. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is the ninth installation in the X-Men film series. The film plot revolves around the rise of Apocalypse (the first and most powerful mutant), and the X-Men who attempt to stop him from destroying humanity.

Opening Act
The motion picture starts in Ancient Egypt, where with the assistance of 4 mutants, the god-like mutant En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse) transfers his consciousness into a brand-new body to gain immortality. Betrayed by his followers, Apocalypse's transfer is interrupted, and he remains buried beneath a collapsing pyramid for centuries.

In today day, Moira MacTaggert, a CIA representative, unintentionally awakens Apocalypse while investigating a cult dedicated to him. Apocalypse starts to recruit four brand-new fans, "The Four Horsemen", including Storm, Psylocke, Angel, and Magneto. He boosts their powers and controls a distressed and grieving Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr) into joining his cause.

Middle Act
On the other hand, a ten-year-old Jean Grey has actually been experiencing upsetting headaches and Charles Xavier assists her control her abilities. Raven Darkholme rescues Nightcrawler from an underground fight club and takes him to the X-Mansion. Lastly, Cyclops, inadvertently unleashes his optic blast power and signs up with Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

When Apocalypse abducts Xavier as part of his strategy to move his consciousness into Xavier's body, the X-Men team plans a rescue mission. Not able to stop Apocalypse and conserve their teacher, Jean and her comrades get help from Quicksilver.

Final Act
In the last act, X-Men and the Four Horsemen battle. During the battle, Nightcrawler rescues Xavier however Apocalypse pursues them. Xavier fights Apocalypse telepathically, contacting Jean to release her power. Jean annihilates Apocalypse, saving Xavier, and incapacitating the Horsemen.

Conclusion
Upon defeating Apocalypse, Jean Grey totally embraces her powers and changes into the Phoenix. Magneto and Jean rebuild the school, Mystique and Beast join Xavier to train a new generation of X-Men, while the latter still runs the institution for gifted children. The film concludes with Mystique preparing the new X-Men for their future fights, with Jean now being a part of the team. These include Jean Grey, Cyclops, Quicksilver, and Nightcrawler, in addition to a reformed Magneto and Storm.

Final Thoughts
In "X-Men: Apocalypse", Director Bryan Singer has clearly portrayed the fight in between the very first mutant Apocalypse and the X-Men team. The story encapsulates components of action, feeling, the struggle for power, and unexpected alliances. A strong ensemble cast brings to life the complex, nuanced characters of the X-Men universe. The aesthetically striking CGI effects added another layer to delight in the movie. Though it's a standard superhero film, extreme scenes and intricate character arcs make "X-Men: Apocalypse" a worthwhile expect any superhero fan.

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