Movie Review: X-Men: First Class
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Thursday, 02 June 2011 10:42
- Written by Lupe Haas
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS certainly lives up to its title with first-rate performances by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender but the character-driven film might disappoint some action fans.
Set during the 1960s at the height of the Cold War, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS follows the early roots of Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender before they were archenemies. The two mutants come together with the CIA to fight the villainous Sebastian Shaw’s master plan to start World War III. Erik Lehnsherr (not yet Magneto) is hell bent on seeking revenge against Shaw for killing his mother and experimenting on him during the Holocaust.
Charles Xavier must convince a hatred-filled Erik to join the mutant coalition against Shaw, but Erik not only seeks revenge from Shaw but society as well. Together they recruit young mutants for the fight and the formation of Magneto’s Brotherhood versus Xavier’s X-Men starts to take shape.
As with any origins story, the director and writers have the burden of introducing new characters and actors to both X-Men fans and first-timers. And that’s one of the problems with X-MEN: FIRST CLASS – it caters too much to those not familiar with the X-Men movies, in particular Magneto's backstory. The first part of the film focuses on Erik as a child during the Holocaust. In the original X-Men (2000) movie, we witness Erik's parents being taken away to concentration camps, leading to his turn to the dark side. In First Class, that same scene is almost shot by shot. It seemed almost unnecessary for existing fans. It does, however, set up the introduction of Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), a doctor and mutant who performed experiments on Erik. Throughout the film, we're constantly reminded of Erik’s disdain for society. While it sets up the drama for this film and past films, it’s re-treading familiar ground.
X:MEN FIRST CLASS introduces both new mutants and fan favorites like Mystique and Hank McCoy aka “Beast.” Again the theme of not belonging and civil rights dominate the concept of the film. Again it’s an interesting concept but it’s all too familiar from the first two films. Given that Bryan Singer, the original director of X:Men, returns as a co-writer and producer of X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, its no wonder the same themes pop up here again.
Although it takes a while to get used to Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as younger versions of Professor X and Magneto, they ultimately deliver an interesting dynamic. Erik cannot control his powers without exhibiting anger. Charles tames Erik's powers and focuses his attention on relaxing his mind to control his abilities. Charles thinks he's grooming Erik into a powerful ally but we already know that doesn't happen. Watching the on-screen interaction between the two actors was certainly first class. By the end, you want to see more of those two. Erik and Charles relationship is reminiscent of Wolverine and Professor X in X-MEN; Professor X is constantly keeping Wolverine in check with his anger issues. Again some familiar ground but seeing the formation of Magneto’s Brotherhood and Charles’ X-Men
Kevin Bacon proved a formidable nemesis. At first the Footloose actor seemed like an odd choice for an X-Men movie, but he sold himself as an evil doer, while looking dapper in his 60s chic outfits. His sidekick January Jones as Emma Frost looked equally chic in her go-go outfits. Too bad her frosty performance wasn't on par with her flashy costumes and sparkly mutant abilities. With little dialogue and barely there expressions, Jones eye-rolling play wasn't enough to call it acting.
Groovy is one way to describe the costumes of X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. The 60s retro wear was a scene-stealer (at least for this female) in the movie. The hipster look of the characters deflected the attention of this viewer many times with thoughts of "where can I get that outfit" moments. The only thing missing was the peace sign and hippie clothes.
Two cameos by our favorite X-Men actors proved a crowd-pleaser. We won't say who so as not to spoil the moment of revelation but they're good ones.
Director Matthew Vaughn was a good choice to take the helm of X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. The Kick Ass director brings out quality work from his actors (except for January Jones) and delivers a quality character-driven film. He has proven to be an expert at defining multiple characters without losing the interest of the viewer. He certainly sets up the drama to holds your attention. However, some fans may complain there is not enough action. It makes sense with an origins story to establish the story before the action but previous films have always delivered on that idea of X-Men as an action movie foremost.
Despite the lack of action until the big finale, the drama and conflicts make X-MEN: FIRST CLASS a quality and entertaining film with themes we can all relate too.
Movie Clips: Erik Becomes Magneto