9 Ways X-Men: Apocalypse Is The Most Frustrating Comic Book Movie Of The Year

CGI can be a great tool when used to support a compelling narrative; it shouldn't be used in place of a good narrative, though. Singer has already shown himself capable of crafting character led blockbusters, so it's frustrating to see him lean on computer effects so much this time around to inject excitement.

The opening sets the tone for this, where the prologue explains how Apocalypse became trapped. It starts out innocent enough before turning into a hot mess of crumbling CGI pillars, mutant battles and a slow motion scene of the character falling down an endless pit. It’s over the top in the worst way possible and later scenes – especially the never-ending showdown – are smothered with tacky effects that rob them of any impact.

By contrast Captain America: Civil War was able to balance character scenes with huge, flashy setpieces perfectly. The effects got a little ropey at times, but since the audience was so swept up in the story it didn't matter. In Apocalypse, it’s just messy visual clutter that desperately tries to distract the audience from the lack of substance in the story.