X-Men: First Class (movie review)
X-Men: First Class has been out for a few weeks, but I hadn’t had really the chance to go see it (even though I knew what it would be about – the beginning of the rivalry between Professor X, Charles Xavier and Magneto, Erik Lensherr). Xavier, the powerful telepath is shown in his youth as a cocky, somewhat reckless young academic (perfectly portrayed by James McAvoy, who totally wins me over with his Charles Xavier) who is impetuous, youthful and has a keen interest in demonstrating to the world that his and his peers’ mutation can help transform the world. Lensherr, sublimely chanelled by Michael Fassbender, is the emotionally-and-physically scarred magnetic-superpowered German young man who is seeking revenge against Sebastian Shaw (a creepy Kevin Bacon who owns this role like no one else) for killing his mother. Xavier and Lensherr strike an unlikely alliance after a botched attempt to beat Shaw by both Xavier (and his human troops) and Lensherr (vulnerable against the powerful telepath Emma Frost).
I really appreciated how well crafted is X-Men: First Class. Casting was spectacularly well done, in particular I’m thrilled with the way in which January Jones portrays Emma Frost (not at all wimpy, but an extremely powerful telepath with the ability to turn into diamond). Frost gives Charles Xavier a run for his telepathic money in their first encounter, although afterwards Xavier and Lensherr are able to subdue her by combining their powers.
X-Men: First Class continues the trend of building a storyline that speaks to themes of bigotry, hatred and social acceptance. It was extremely powerful to see the on-screen chemistry of McAvoy and Fassbender as once-friends-turned-enemies-by-cruel-fate-and-personality-differences. All the storylines that you would want explored (the super-smart-turned-blue-Beast, Dr. Hank McCoy portrayed by sweet and lovely Nicholas Hoult, blue-skinned shape-shifter Mystique aka Raven, Jennifer Lawrence in an amazing demonstration of versatility in acting, Banshee, Angel, and Havok) are seen from the viewpoint of high-powered-and-immature youngsters who have to grow up to become an army that is being called upon to save the world.
Rose Byrne annoys the hell out of me as Dr. Moira McTaggart, Xavier’s love interest (and ultimately, the one who leaves him crippled). It’s really her and her stupidity (who in the world has the bright idea of firing bullets against a magnetic-powered mutant, seriously – are you stupid or what, woman?) and not Magneto who cripples Xavier, and the way in which the screenwriter transformed the storyline of the demise of Lensherr and Xavier’s friendship really annoyed me. Sorry Charles, I totally agree with Erik – it was Moira McTaggart who left you crippled in a futile attempt to subdue Magneto. I’m sorry for any Byrne fans, but I really, really, really hated her and her storyline in X-Men: First Class.
Numerous cameos complete a fantastically well done movie, including Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and an older-looking Mystique (Rebecca Romjin). X-Men: First Class provides the layperson with an extremely profound examination of the mythology of the X-Men and sets the foundation for a series of prequel movies. I was really sad at the parting of ways of Mystique and Professor X, but it’s kind of neat to see how much care and love they had for each other in the beginning, as best friends.
McAvoy was an actor I almost never really felt compelled to watch, and he’s won me over with his exquisite portrayal of Dr. Charles Xavier. He shares some really neat scenes with Fassbender, and their portrayal of a great friendship that turns sour is extremely well done. There’s a scene where both Fassbender and McAvoy shed tears and I did the same too. Beautiful performances.
I would very strongly recommend that you check out X-Men: First Class. I can’t wait for the next installment. Check out the international trailer above and a few of the featurettes below, including the lovely Havok.
X-Men: First Class is now in theatres in Vancouver and most of the Lower Mainland. For showtimes in Vancouver check this link.
Disclosure: JT paid for both of our tickets to the movies. I am neither obligated nor expected to blog about the movie, I’m just sharing my thoughts as this was an excellent movie and I wanted to write about it.
Related posts:
I wasn’t sold on some of the performances by the younger actors — Havok, Darwin, Angel, etc. — but Magneto and Xavier were great.