X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne

This new film in the X-Men series brings us a prequel to the X-Men trilogy. The movie was directed by Matthew Vaughn who previously directed Kick-Ass and Layer Cake. The movie stars James McAvoy who gave a wonderful performance in The Last King of Scotland. Also starring is Michael Fassbender who was incredible in Inglourious Basterds. The film also features Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne, and Kevin Bacon.

Before there were X-Men there were mutants, people who were forced to hide from the world. Some of these people were able to disguise their mutations and others were just forced to deal with the ridicule and scorn. In 1962 this changed when the United States government enlisted their help in the fight against a dictator (Bacon) bent on starting World War III. This brings together the original X-Men led by Charles Xavier (McAvoy) a young brilliant scientist. He joins forces with an angry and violent mutant Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender) whose magnetism could be the key to their success. Along the way they join with other young mutants who will join the fight. Despite their common goal they have different motivations for success. These differences could unite the team or tear the X-Men apart.

As comic book films go this is a great movie. This film seemed to take a deeper approach to the X-Men than any of the original trilogy. The relationship between Charles and Erik is the focal point of much of the film as their differences strain their friendship. McAvoy and Fassbender make this relationship seem real throughout the film. Fassbender has a great ability to convey the mixed emotions his character is feeling. Kevin Bacon is an amazing villain this time around. His ability to play a sadist recalls his performance in Sleepers. The rest of the cast is all great in the film as they each display their own difficulties and skills.

The movie also features amazing special effects throughout. The nature of the film called for over-the-top visuals and X-Men: First Class delivers. This also applies to the costuming and make-up work which really add to the quality of the presentation.

Overall this is an amazing film and I would recommend it to most people. Smaller kids might not be the right audience since the film has some dark subject-matter and moments of violence. I would rate this at 3.6 stars out of 5.

Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 132 minutes