Xmen: Rogue Cut....quality VS quantity???

HI! HI! HI! people of the internet,

    Nerves are overtaking people! After pushing it back, probably more than I should have, I am finally learning to drive. I don't know what could possibly be worse, sitting in the car with a stranger, a socially awkward person's nightmare, or attempting to operate a car despite the fact I lack any sense of coordination. It is an interesting experience! Consequently, I have left this post for today to try and calm myself down; discussing films and TV to once again escape reality and take my mind off my impending lesson. I know I shouldn't be this nervous but oh well...that is just me.

Xmen Days of Future Past: Rogue Cut

      When discussing the recently released Rogue Cut edition of Xmen: Days of Future Past, one must question whether this edition is purely an additional release to raise profit or whether it acts as just another building block in constructing the admirable universe that the superhero genre has become under Marvel Entertainment. This question has arisen, comparable to that of Shakespeare's 'to be or not to be?', and it is probably one that will remain unanswered simply because of the fact the film is capable of fulfilling both objectives. The Rogue Cut only enhances the previous theatrical release by reintroducing Rogue (Anna Paquin) but at the same time also undoubtedly reinforces Marvel Entertainment's ability to obtain success almost effortlessly.

      Since the original release of Xmen: Days of Future Past, fans of the mutant heroes have yearned to see an extended version of the film, rumoured from the start to hold a substantial amount of footage cut from the cinematic version. Even before the release I can remember reading how most of Anna Paquin's scenes, barring that of an end scene showing the power-absorber happily reunited with fellow mutants in 'Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters', were removed. However, in being released almost a year later after the cinema version, the new edition always faced the danger of adding unnecessary scenes to an already convoluted film. The phrase 'Quantity VS Quality' comes to mind in relation to this film, more specifically are 'more scenes better' or simply just 'excessive'?
 
      Overall the majority of the film's narrative remains untouched and not dissimilar to the original cinematic version, a fact that makes me question the need to release a whole new version in the first place, for any other reason but with the aim to raise profits. However, despite this, the small differences help to flesh out background characters such as mutants like 'teleporter' Blink (Fan Bingbing) and Bishop (Omar Sy). More significant differences appear during the later half of the film's narrative, these changes adding much more to the film overall. A romantic exchange between Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and Mystique (JENNIFER LAWRENCE!!!) feels much more fluid and entwined with the untouched version. In my opinion, this scene above all else feels like it should have been included within the cinematic version. The scene not only adds credibility to Mystique's change in view, defiance of Magneto (Michael Fassbender), but also links with the romantic subplot in Xmen: First Class between these two characters. As a result, the universe is only further constructed; each film, every version, only injects more into the cinematic world created.

      Finally, it is not until the 'home stretch', that the 'Rogue Cut' begins to feature the titular mutant herself, and it is this separate character arc that most noticeably pushes the film away from its original theatrical release. Although the film's 'denouement' is almost reduced down to a dissatisfying pace by the introduction of this extra storyline, Rogue's rescue brings more evident excitement into the future scenes of the film, the majority of which were previously spent sitting in a room and waiting for sentinels to arrive. Instead of just highlighting the dire future awaiting the characters should they fail, Rogue's character arc ensures the future mutants are functioning devices within the overarching narrative. If nothing else Ian McKellen and Shawn Ashmore's extra scenes and screen time, brings much needed nostalgia to the film, aspects that hark back to the original Xmen films that I, myself, loved.

   Ultimately, whilst the extended scenes and dialogue in the Rogue Cut do not hinder the overall narrative or film franchise itself, the film is still plenty enjoyable, the extra aspects at the same time do not necessarily improve the film substantially. Simply, another version has just been introduced, becoming not a negative or a positive but something else to flesh out the growing superhero world. Whilst it is undeniable another version of any film will be introduced and created to extend the profit generated by a project, I believe that Marvel Entertainment has only created this extended version with the fans in mind. Whether they are disappointed with the lack of substantial difference to the cinematic version, or are actually satisfied, they still get to explore that little bit further into the comic-book movie world.

What you should be watching: TEEN WOLF SEASON 5

MTV's TEEN WOLF (Jeff Davis) has never failed to impress me and to this day still continues to captivate me as it did when I first recommended it eons ago. The series have become progressively darker since its inception and with the new introduction of villainous 'Dread Doctors' and their creepy, unhinged surgical 'chimeras', anyone interested in horror especially, as well as teenage drama more widely, would be a fool not to watch. Dylan O'Brien as Stiles Stilinksi specifically continues to impress. Whether it comedy or sombre drama the character, and actor, captures the audience. Overall, without any hesitation, I would seriously suggest you watch this show over Summer, if you have not begun already.

Thank you for reading and speak to you soon!
NOTE: Images are not mine :)