The New Mutants (2020)

Rating: ⭐½  

The New Mutants was supposed to be the start of a new franchise in the X-Men Marvel Universe world. However, trouble seemed to be in its path early in its development and release as it faced numerous changes and delays. It originally had an April 2018 release plan but talks of reshoots never took place and the film was eventually released in August this year amidst the pandemic with limited cinema screens. After watching this, I am surprised of the film's high ambitions especially given its low budget and poorly conceived storyline.

It may be set in the X-Men Universe but viewers would have a hard time trying to figure out the actual era and time period that the plot takes place. Everything about the sets like the clothes, equipment and building implies this taking place some time in the 1970's or 80's. The TV set and computer monitor displays seem retro. Yet, I spotted at least what looked like an iPAD in the background, and the hospital facilities computer system appears to be of a level of advancement beyond the 70's and 80's. The production is also very low budget with a cast of only 7 people. In an effort to make the film attractive to the young adult demography, they recruited some talented up and coming young stars including Game of Throne's Maisie Williams, the hugely gifted Anna Taylor-Joy and Charlie Heaton whom you may remember seeing in the early seasons of Stranger Things. However, sadly none of them were given much opportunity to shine here as their characters are all very one dimensional and predictable. The whole premise of having this huge institution like building housing just 5 adolescent mutants who are coming to terms with their powers, guided by an unimpressive "doctor" feels ridiculous.

One of the attractions of watching any X-Men movie is of course its special effects. Here, we get a lot of talk talk and very little action. When there is any action or when the new mutants finally get to display their powers, it ends up gravely disappointing as they look unimpressive and offers nothing we haven't seen before or better in other movies. Despite its mercifully short running time, this still felt like it was too long. Recommend to give this a miss.