X-Men: Days of Future Past Review - 3½ Stars

“X Men:  Days of Future Past” starts with shocking footage of a world ruined by war, followed by special effects action of the war that causes the global disaster.  Wise men Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) determine that time travel and a little historical tweaking can save the world from its fate.  Hugh Jackman as Wolverine volunteers — after all he can heal from the damage.  His assignment:  find Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and prevent her from assassinating corporate villain Peter Dinklage at the 1973 Paris Peace accord.  As usual, Lawrence steals the show as the blue scaled shape shifter with a grudge.   The plot allows Professor X–Patrick Stewart–a meeting with his younger self played by James McAvoy   It also allows us to channel Michael Fassbender as the younger Magneto whom we know as the senior actor Ian McKellen.  The plot has great fun tweaking American history throwing in explanations for the Kennedy assassination and setting a thrilling encounter among the attendees to the 1973 Paris Peace accord. The cast reads like a who’s who of old and new Hollywood.  Hugh Jackman holds both generations together taking most of the heavy work of the plot.  “X Men Days of future Past” has great energy and a creative plot.  I think a viewer could walk in with no knowledge of the series and enjoy this installment as much as the most ardent fan.   Does it deliver what it promises?  Creative plot with grand cast and grand special effects.  Is it entertaining?  Very much.  Is it worth the price of admission?  The best action comic movie so far this year.