Review: X-Men: First Class

Plot: Set primarily in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, X-Men: First Class follows the exploits of a young Dr. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender). Meeting under extreme circumstances, the two quickly form a friendship, and with the help of Xavier's adopted sister Raven Darkholme/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) begin laying the foundation for Xavier's future school for mutants. However, when a man from Erik's past, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), resurfaces and threatens the future of mankind, Charles, Erik, Raven, and the rest of the young X-Men must band together to prevent a global nuclear holocaust.

Review: After the putrid pile of rancid excrement that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Fox and Marvel Studios desperately needed a comeback. Well mission accomplished. Not only is X-Men: First Class a worthy edition to the comic book universe, it also manages to be a smartly constructed thriller as well.

The heart of X-Men: First Class lies in its cast, and director Matthew Vaughn did an excellent job of finding the right people for the right roles. James McAvoy shines as the young and cocksure Professor X, a ladies man who exploits his psychic powers to get women into bed, much to the frustration of his sister Raven. Professor X is driven by a desperate need to incorporate mutants into mainstream society and believes tolerance and patience will win the day. His vision while naive is also idealistic and grounded in a sincere personal desire to belong.

Friend and colleague Erik does not share Charles's vision, and believes that not only will humans ultimately reject mutants but that mutants are the superior species. This is unquestionably Fassbender's breakout role. Formerly regulated to bit parts in movies like 300 and Jonah Hex, Fassbender spectacularly captures the struggle between Erik's angels and demons. Driven by revenge, Fassbender comes across as a smooth, almost James Bond-like character that exudes malice and masculine bravado in equal measure. The scene where he confronts former Nazis is as enthralling as is it is harrowing. He and McAvoy have excellent chemistry and I sincerely hope that they work together again.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the dead on performance by Kevin Bacon as sadistic ex-Nazi Sebastian Shaw. Rarely have I reviled a character on screen more than I have Bacon's Shaw. Rather than turning Shaw into a stereotypical villain twirling his mustache, Bacon fully fleshes out the main villain of First Class making for a profound and fascinating character. He serves as a reflection of what Erik could ultimately become.

Without question the real ringleader of X-Men: First Class is director Matthew Vaughn. He brings a passion and energy to these characters only equaled by Christopher Nolan's passion for Batman. He surrounded himself with excellent writers and formulated a story around a real crisis in American history that was relateable and believable. Vaughn made us feel for the mutants on a human level and what better way to do that then to set the film in the 1960s, a time of tremendous political, civil, and racial upheaval? Matthew Vaughn brings a fresh look to the franchise and manages to captivate the audience with vivid action scenes or a quiet dialogue driven chess match.

To grossly butcher a popular 90s rap line by LL Cool J, "don't call it a comeback because we haven't been here before." X-Men: First Class breaks ground on a new comic book era of awesomeness. Let's hope the mutant mojo continues in the inevitable sequel.

My rating: 9/10