X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class -
Overview
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Brief Review
X-Men First Class is the fifth film to be released in the franchise and is undoubtedly the best. The delicate mix of action and dialogue is perfectly balanced with Charles Xavier stealing the show with some solid acting. The film is not only the best X-Men film but a top contender for best film released this year.
Full Review
It's not too long ago that the X-Men Trilogy came to a disappointing end with a terrible third film that almost killed the series completely. Origins helped to resurrect the dying series somewhat but First Class makes sure there's still life for the franchise in the future with a genuinely amazing superhero story.
The film starts cleverly in Poland-continuing the excellent scenes from the holocaust at the start of the first film and continuing to show what happens to Eric (Magneto) at the hands of the Nazis. The scene with Eric's Mum is heartbreaking and the pain and rage felt in the scene isn't too over the top either which is good.
Contrasting the bitter nature of these scenes is the humble beginnings of Charles Xavier and Raven (Mystique). The two actors work well together here but their chemistry and friendship never really shines through which is a shame. The story overall works well in the Cold War setting and the secretive nature of the Russian and American armies is a perfect setting for the mutants in hiding. Hats off to the writers for thinking up the story during this time period as it works brilliantly.
The story revolves around Charles Xavier in 1962 as a young adult and his quest to start up a new academy for mutants. This soon turns into a team to combat an evil mutant named Sebastian Shaw who is relishing starting a nuclear war between America and Russia so mutants can reign supreme. This same man is the guy Eric is trying to gain revenge over after killing his Mum and teams up with Charles Xavier to combat him and his team of mutants.
The story serves its purpose and James McAvoy (Charles Xavier) and Michael Fassbender (Eric) are brilliant here and fill the huge boots of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen to perfection. Michael in particular is stunning as Magneto and his dual personality means hes a character you back-but aren't too sure about. His pain-filled past echoes that of Wolverine and makes his character easier to relate to because of it. I actually preferred this Magneto and his blood-soaked revenge mission is what Magneto should have been like in the original trilogy.
James McAvoy, on the other hand, is the stand-out here for me without question. He fills the role of teacher perfectly and his charisma shines above the rest of the characters and in particular Mystique who's motives are a bit confusing in this film. Having said that though, the scenes with James and Michael together are filled with a slight tension; echoing what is to come in their epic futures and bring heavier weight to their lines.
The special effects here are excellent but not quite up to the same standard as The Last Stand but it doesn't really matter to be honest. The retro 60s look sliced with a modern touch looks fantastic and the art direction is, on the whole, fantastic. This is only further enhanced by a solid soundtrack with the song playing in the end credits the real highlight for me.
Overall then X-Men First Class sets out to revive the series and does so excellently. The story is masterfully crafted and the story of Eric and Charles' struggle for peace and their different motives for getting it. I could talk all day about the film and after watching it I was left excited for the future of this franchise. I'll leave it at saying, this film is a must watch for anyone remotely interested in superhero stories. This is by far one of the best and is a must see in my books.