The X-Men Universe Explained: Timeline Changes & Reviews
The Thrifty Typewriter・65 minutes read
The X-Men franchise explores the world of mutants with complex characters, social commentary, and entertaining action sequences, receiving both praise and criticism. Despite some inconsistencies and mixed reviews, the X-Men films provide an engaging superhero experience with memorable performances and moments, leaving viewers with a mix of feelings about the franchise's direction.
Insights
- 1. The X-Men franchise began with the original X-Men film in 2000, setting the stage for team-up superhero movies and introducing Wolverine's journey in a world where mutants and humans coexist.
- 2. X2: X-Men United received high praise for its character development, special effects, and social commentary, showcasing the complexity of the mutants' world and earning a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
- 3. The Fox X-Men franchise's legacy is marked by its confusing timelines and inconsistencies, with no clear resolutions provided, culminating in Logan's sacrifice to ensure the next generation of mutants can escape, signaling the end of the X-Men timeline.
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Recent questions
What is the X-Men franchise known for?
The X-Men franchise is known for its top-tier group of superheroes and groundbreaking team-up movies.
Who are the main characters in the X-Men films?
The main characters in the X-Men films include Wolverine, Professor X, and Magneto.
What are some criticisms of the X-Men films?
The X-Men films faced criticism for their messy timeline, underdeveloped characters, and conflicting themes.
What is the premise of the X-Men films?
The X-Men films explore a world where mutants and humans coexist, focusing on the struggles and triumphs of mutant characters.
How did the X-Men films influence the superhero genre?
The X-Men films set the blueprint for team-up superhero movies and introduced complex themes and character dynamics.
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Summary
00:00
Evolution of X-Men Films: From Criticism to Praise
- X-Men franchise started with the little-known X-Men, a top-tier group of superheroes for the speaker.
- X-Men Evolution was a significant influence on the speaker's love for the X-Men.
- The X-Men films faced criticism due to their messy timeline, confusing viewers.
- The first X-Men film in 2000 introduced a world where mutants and humans coexist, focusing on Wolverine's journey.
- X-Men was groundbreaking for its time, setting the blueprint for team-up superhero movies.
- The cast of X-Men, including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, was praised for their performances.
- X2: X-Men United, the sequel, improved on the original with better acting, iconic scenes, and character development.
- X2 delves into Wolverine's backstory, explores the dynamic between Professor X and Magneto, and introduces a compelling villain in William Striker.
- X2 maintains relevance with social commentary and character arcs, showcasing the complexity of the mutants' world.
- X2 received high praise for its execution, special effects, and character development, earning a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
14:06
X-Men: The Last Stand Critique
- Cyclops is criticized as a poorly adapted character in superhero movies, lacking depth and leadership qualities.
- Mystique is portrayed as ineffective in the movie, lacking development compared to previous films.
- New characters like Kitty Pride, Juggernaut, Beast, and Archangel are introduced but not given sufficient screen time.
- Rogue's character is reduced to a bitter girlfriend, with her powers not effectively utilized.
- The movie features two plotlines - one about a mutant cure and the other about the Dark Phoenix, which do not blend well together.
- The film's message regarding mutants and the cure is conflicting compared to the previous movies' themes of acceptance.
- Jean Grey's portrayal by Fonka Johnson is praised for her performance despite the poorly written storyline.
- Magneto is depicted more as a classic movie villain rather than a sympathetic character.
- The romance between Logan and Jean Grey is criticized for lacking chemistry and depth.
- The movie is considered a fun summer blockbuster but falls short in comparison to the first two films in terms of script quality, character development, and CGI.
27:41
X-Men: Days of Future Past - Summary
- The mission is to prevent the creation of Sentinels by stopping Mystique from killing Bolivar Trask.
- The future depicted in the film is a continuation of the previous trilogy with minimal references to "The Last Stand."
- Notable absence of characters like Jean, Cyclops, and explanations for Professor X's revival, Magneto's powers, and Wolverine's metal claws.
- Logan's time travel shifts the film's tone drastically, contrasting the 70s with the future and injecting comedic moments.
- Wolverine mentors a younger Charles and Hank, showcasing his evolution across the films.
- Quicksilver's portrayal is a standout, surpassing the MCU version, with compelling interactions between younger and older Charles and Eric.
- Mystique's pivotal role in the story hinges on her choice to kill or spare Trask, altering the entire X-Men universe.
- The Rogue cut adds scenes involving Rogue, providing redemption for her character and enhancing the future timeline's focus.
- Despite some plot holes and underutilization of Bolivar Trask, the film delves into social issues, friendship dynamics, and the ability to change.
- "Deadpool" and "Deadpool 2" are humorous, fourth-wall-breaking films within the X-Men universe, showcasing a different timeline and character portrayals.
41:06
X-Men: Quicksilver, Nightcrawler, and Magneto's Evolution
- Quicksilver's increased role and iconic scene of saving everyone from certain death are highlights of the film, showcasing his overpowered abilities.
- Nightcrawler, portrayed by Cody Smith McPhee, stands out as a character reminiscent of Alan Cummings' Nightcrawler from X-Men 2.
- The film includes a signature Wolverine scene and a peculiar interaction with teenage Jean Grey, adding an odd touch to the storyline.
- Charles engaging in a fist fight with Apocalypse in the third act is deemed uncharacteristic, with Jean ultimately saving the day as she transforms into the Phoenix.
- Magneto's shift back to the X-Men side completes his character arc, emphasizing his pivotal role in the movie.
- The X-Men's collective use of powers against a common enemy is reminiscent of Justice League dynamics, though some CGI shots towards the end appear unfinished.
- The movie lacks stakes due to its placement in a timeline where all characters are alive, diminishing the sense of danger.
- The film, influenced by Marvel, leans towards a more generic superhero movie feel, deviating from the unique essence of X-Men films.
- Despite mixed reviews, the movie is considered a decent watch, falling short of the quality of better X-Men films but offering some redeeming qualities.
- The conclusion sets up the X-Men as a fully formed team, hinting at future movies focusing on their teamwork against common adversaries, leaving viewers with mixed feelings about the franchise's direction.
54:52
"X-Men: Wolverine's Journey Through Mutant World"
- Wolverine and his brother are recruited by William Striker to be part of his special team, where Logan's bones are turned into metal, making him indestructible.
- Logan loses his memory after being shot by an adamantium bullet and becomes a wandering man until he meets a younger mutant named Rogue.
- Logan and Rogue are brought to Xavier's Institute for the gifted, where Charles Xavier runs a school for mutants, teaching them to control their powers for the greater good.
- Magneto, an old friend of Charles, runs the Brotherhood of mutants, believing mutants should rule the world, while Charles believes in co-existence with humans.
- The X-Men, including Logan, foil Magneto's plans and face various challenges, including an assassination attempt on the president and a cure for mutants.
- Gene, a powerful mutant, sacrifices herself to stop an alien invasion, but later returns, leading to a series of events that result in the destruction of the academy and the rise of a new generation of mutants.
- Logan, now old, sacrifices himself so the next generation can escape, marking the end of the X-Men timeline.
- The Fox X-Men franchise, with its multiple trilogies and one-offs, is remembered for its confusing timelines and inconsistencies, with no concrete answers to resolve the confusion.
