Movie Marathon Monday: X-Men

With the impending release of Logan, it was only right that February's Movie Marathon Monday consisted of rewatching the X-Men series. Now almost two decades strong, the franchise seems to have gone from strength to strength - a fun movie day to be had.

The X-Men Series

X-Men (2000)

X2 (2003)

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Runtime: 12hr 30min

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Plot

Established in the Marvel universe, the superhero super-team known as the X-Men sees conflicts between various mutant groups in an ordinary world, with powers ranging from shapeshifting to weather-control. Attempting to gain the trust of the non-superhuman to further their fight, alongside highly complicated interpersonal relationships, add to an action-packed thrill-ride.

Why watch it?

A Marvel-must, greatest in its' pre-Avengers days, this fast-paced entertainment machine will keep you entertained (most of) the way through. Some brilliant characters, some impeccable battles and some laugh-out-loud comedy moments. Back-to-back opportunities to compare changes and nit-pick inconsistencies from start to finish. Truly something for everyone can be found here.

High Points

Hugh Jackman being badass; the national treasures that are Patrick Stuart and Ian McKellen; some epic fight scenes; pretty decent CGI in the later pictures; an overall interesting premise/universe.

Low Points

The Last Stand (eek!); gouge-your-eyes-out inconsistencies; some terrible recasting; some real brats; Gambit (seriously, what is he even there for?!).

Fun Fact

Russell Crowe was originally set to play the part of Wolverine, but instead turned it down and recommended his fellow-Australasian friend Hugh Jackman for the role.

Movie Marathon Monday: The Alien Quadrilogy

Due to the announcement of Alien Covenant, it was only appropriate for this months' Movie Marathon Monday that I review the original Alien series! Spawned in 1979, the franchise went on to have vast success, including crossovers with the much-loved Predator, and a prequel series including Prometheus, with the latest instalment due for release on 19th May.

The Alien Quadrilogy

Alien

Aliens

Alien 3

Alien: Resurrection

Runtime: 7hr 57min

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Plot

Throughout all four films, main character Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is the most worthy adversary to take on the Xenomorph; a terrifying extra-terrestrial creature. The movies, set in space in the distant future, uncover an intelligent, merciless alien, after which comes multiple attempts from humanity to weaponise them - to horrifying effect.

Why watch it?

The quadrilogy begins with one of the most acclaimed horror movies of all time, only to end with one of the greatest disappointments in movie history. Despite this, all of the films are entertaining in their own right - the regular change in directors create different styles and tones for each production, meaning no film is a re-hash - and while a couple didn't hit all the right notes (Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection), they are still fun to watch.

High Points

The first ever chest burster; Alien and Aliens consistently fantastic throughout; some iconic moments in Alien 3; multiple plot twists to keep you gripped.

 

Low Points

Alien: Resurrection as a whole (sorry, not sorry!); Aliens kind of detracting from the virtually impenetrable nature of the Xenomorph.

Fun Fact

The preliminary Xenomorph design sketches were deemed so chilling that they were held up in airport customs until Dan O'Bannon (Alien screenplay writer) went down to the Los Angeles airport and explained they were merely designs for a horror movie.