For the first 2/3 of this one, I'd say it may be the most purely enjoyable of the X-MEN franchise. It's amusing, well-acted and fairly light on its feet. The 70s setting sets up some fun period jokes about water-beds and American Hustle type hair and clothes. Easy targets, but well played.

Unfortunately, the last 1/3 gets bogged down in the usual Superhero gambit of the Big Loud Explosive climax. Further, the time travel plot tries to bracket the story with a future setting with our characters and not enough time is spent with them to really make the necessary symmetry pay off. And, then they spin off the story into a whole new timeline - but, I'll let the comic book fanatics debate those consequences.

Still, a cut above the usual summer blockbuster. With the last film taking on the 60s, and FUTURE PAST taking on the 70s, I guess the next one will be set in the 80s?

Cue the brick style cellphones and Miami Vice fashions!