X-Men: Apocalypse

Here lies my take on X-Men: Apocalypse, the latest chapter in the longest running superhero film saga to date. When I reviewed the film's predecessor Days of Future Past back in 2014 I like many other fans declared it pretty much perfect. I revelled in the way it was done, and I also expressed great optimism for a potentially broad and open future direction for the characters and the franchise.
Whilst I wasn't expecting an even bigger and better film this time around, I think I was expecting something a bit more dynamic. Yes it was a great X-Men film still, but unlike previous ventures in the franchise, it didn't really excite me with anything new.

The key plus point of this film for me, lied with its ability to rest on and run with what had gone before. I think Bryan Singer knew what had been done right and what perhaps might have been evolved as much as possible up to a point, so he just seemed to build on that. This may also be seen as quite an arrogant move on director Singer's part - in that he seems to have just pointed to all the films gone before as evidence of how great this next one and he are supposed to be. Many of the brand new elements (of which there aren't that many) fall distinctly flat in originality and impact, and it is the building upon of X-Men key elements which saves the film, and indeed which makes it appealing in my view.

Yet we must mention the plus points of which there are many. Namely, the cast and characters we now know and love. No original X-Men this time (apart from an epic if slightly diversionary cameo from Hugh Jackman as Wolverine) so we rely on the younger generation to entertain. Whilst the idea that another ten years has supposed to have passed without really ageing anybody wasn't fooling anyone, it was still good to see some familiar faces. Jennifer Lawrence still managed to captivate as Mystique, and seeing James McAvoy become even more immersed into the role of Charles Xavier was a joy (including him finally becoming bald!). Michael Fassbender's Magneto and Nicholas Hoult's Hank McCoy/Beast did not really progress further, but seeing their trademark characters in the roster still felt reassuring. The re-introduction of Rose Byrne as Moira McTaggert and Evan Peters as Quicksilver again was nice but in terms of impact it just sort of felt like window dressing; and killing Lucas Till's Havok off just after he was brought back definitely felt like a misconceived and poorly judged clanger. We also got a repeat of the X-Men: First Class formula - namely giving us new actors playing younger versions of classic characters. It worked with First Class and on the face of it so too this time. It was fun to see new versions of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Angel and Nightcrawler, though the former two did appear superficially mismatched in terms of their character development (again it didn't seem clear where their characters were going - especially Tye Sheridan's Cyclops being a shy underdog one minute then a brash wannabe-jock the next). And sadly for me the latter three were reduced to barely more than embodiment of special effects and a chance to show off diverse mutant power sets. Yes it was visually impressive and yes it sets up for the potential future, but to see X-Men staples reduced to poor bare bones did not sit well with me.
It was interesting to see an X-Men film yet again expand on the massive cast of characters - featuring the first appearance of the likes of Caliban, Psylocke, Jubilee, and of course the titular villain - Oscar Isaac's Apocalypse.
Yet because of the poorly executed story (which is a shame as the original comic book could have been fashioned into gold) a heavily clichéd villain, and not much in terms of character development overall, none of the new or old faces were really able to carry the film to greatness.

It sounds like I'm slating X-Men: Apocalypse - I'm not. Plenty of action, plenty of great X-Men moments, and plenty of homages and expansions of what had gone before, all coming together quite well. It is a very good X-Men film, but mixed plot direction, not enough new impact and a seemingly lack of coherent thought towards the overall tone of the film does not render it stratospheric-ally brilliant for me.

Catering Combo

Just though I'd proffer my two pennyworth in regards to two relatively new experiences I have had recently. The first being a brand new one in the form of Hotel Football, and the second being the first time in over a decade within the establishment of Stanley House...


HOTEL FOOTBALL

On the 14th of May 2016, Manchester United were due to play AFC Bournemouth, in their last game of the Premier League season, and like several times previous, my Dad and I had secured tickets to watch it. Football fan or not, you may remember this particular fixture being on the news at the time as it did not happen, at least not when and how it was originally intended. What was thus discovered to be a "dummy" training bomb had been left unknowingly behind by security staff, forcing Old Trafford to be evacuated and the game to be abandoned.
If that had been the be all and end all then a day would have been sadly and annoyingly wasted. Fortunately, for the first time as well as watching the match, we had also managed to secure pre and post hospitality at the Hotel Football.

Located slap bang next to Old Trafford, the modern, crisp and imposing building plays host to thousands of football fans and enthusiasts every year, and on that particular afternoon we were among them. The catering and hospitality staff saved what would have otherwise been a lamented and wasted day in my view.

Providing first class fayre for lunch, doing so with swift polite and friendly style and manner, and for easily and definitively creating a brilliant atmosphere where football and United fans from across the world could sit, relax, congregate and enjoy together in a unique and positive way (along with a few guest appearances from United legends too!). Pre-match was one thing, but post-unexpected evacuation and hurried reconvening of guests, they all rose admirably to the challenge, recreating the superb setting and ambience we were treated to before the game.
The game was of course reconvened days later and we returned to Old Trafford again to see a respectable scoreline (see my season round up in the BLOG ARCHIVE) but really it was the experience created next door surrounding that particular match, the first time round, that stood out for me. Thank you kindly Hotel Football - I salute you!



STANLEY HOUSE

I know several people who are on regular terms with Stanley House, the ever expanding, traditional hall/modern boutique hotel crossover located in Mellor, boasting one of the finest hotel, spa and dining experiences around.
I however had not frequented it in years, until tonight when I adjourned for dinner.

I was expecting plush, slightly vulgar levels of attempted nouveau-riche in design and atmosphere. What I was not expecting was for it all to actually work. Yes the decor and design of the Grill on the Hill restaurant was a tad chintzy and in your face, but the levels of luxury, whilst not necessarily tasteful in the classic sense, did invite you in and once you were settled, did provide a nice place to be. Add to that attentive, welcoming, if a little stylised staff and you're already onto a winner.

But by far the highlight was the fayre which those at Stanley House were offering to match their uniquely high brow image. It all read well, and it all looked equally sublime. I myself was treated to a staple and beautifully cooked  pork belly starter, a uniquely presented but delectable fillet steak, and a divine peach souffle.

It may be an acquired taste going to Stanley House, but it might just be well and truly worth it.

RIP Caroline Aherne

1963-2016