c-mutig

German fantasy productions have become rare, so I was glad someone decided to once again use the Song of the Nibelungs, the classic German hero tale, as a source for inspiration - even if the movie itself is based on a book by Wolgang Hohlbein.

Visually this is an impressive looking production, with lush setdesign and inspiring costumes.

But the acting is wooden - all around, I'd say. Main protagonist Hagen f.e. Never goes on any kind of classic "Hero's Journey". He just stays his stoic, usual self throughout the entire film, often coming off as a person looking "into the film", while more interesting stuff happens to other characters.

It also can't seem to answer its own question whether or not to lean into the really outlandish fantasy elements of the story it is based on. That must explain why I never could shake the feeling off that entire scenes were simply missing, especially in the first act, because the film does a horrible job introducing characters and story. You'd be lost without at least basic knowledge of the Nibelungs.

See it for the visuals. Otherwise there's nothing really memorable here.

I've seen many cartoons in my lifetime. Many exceptional episode of all kind.

"Remember It" is different. It surpasses conventional levels of animation and becomes something that will set a watermark for the craft for years to come. People many decades from now will be talking about this episode and what it meant for the future of the X-Men and Marvel in general.

Everyone is bringing everything they got to the table: Character development comes to a head on multiple fronts: The love triangles between Logan, Scott, and Jean (as well as Scott, Madelyn, and Jean) on one side and Magnus, Marie and Remy on the other resolve each other with significant outcomes not only for them, but - especially in the latter case - for the entire world.

It's fun to see Nightcrawler again, who had a very dramatic turn on the old show, but seems to have found a new life on Genosha.

What I find particularly remarkable is how flawlessly and subtle this episodes integrates its easter eggs and callbacks, without ever hitting you with the head with it. It feels natural, because the story has earned them.

A ton of fun at the movies, with definitely the highest count of jokes that actually work in the MCU.

But...is it really an MCU movie? Tangentely, perhaps. It's not even a full Fox Mutant movie either. It ends up being something very much unique, given the history of Marvel on film.

The chemistry between Ryan Reynolds being his quipy self and Hugh Jackman in a permanent state of grumpy annoyance is off the charts and both actors play off each other perfectly,

If you're into easter egg hunts, this movie might be your new treasure trove. The amount of in-jokes, cameos and references is staggering and it might take you a few times to catch all of them.