X-Men First Class Wikipedia
That done, let me just say that in a year where blockbuster Super Heroes movies were all lined up to show during summertime, possibly demanding everyone's attention, I did not expect X-men First Class to be as good as it was. Really... I thought the movie franchise died with the forgettable X-3 movie, and the likewise lamentable (though slightly better than X-3) Wolverine.
What's worse, to set up a prequel story... well, how bad could it get? right? - though I would have to honestly say that this wasn't a 'fall from your chair when you hear the pitch' idea - it just did not grab me with excitement... after all, pre-'All New, All Different X-men' (at least, in the comics) was not exactly an exciting moment for Marvel redership (though I liked it, as I related to tehm being teens back then), but with possible exception to some Neal Adams work, that is, the period was 'so-so'.
So I thought, okay... at least this movie is going to be something to tide me over while I wait between Thor and Captain America - both being preludes to next year's much awaited Avengers by Josh Whedon none the less.
Oh yeah... and if you also like DC, there's Green Lantern just around the corner too.
So see what I mean about this year having a glut in super heroes movies? Not that I'm complaining, mind you - but X-men First class would have to be really great to be remembered in this crowd of higher profile movie projects.
Well guess what... though I've yet to see the Cap and GL flick, I can honestly say that X-men: First Class was a first class (pun intended) story! Sure it changed a few histories - but the way it was done was not demeaning, nor insulting to the history - and it sure was a great jolt of electricity as far as reviving interest to the franchise is concerned.
Giving the movie that 60's vibe and all, was short of genius. Then again, it did need to show Xavier and Magneto in their prime - as opposed to old characters in the first movies - which by the way is basically true in comics, so it wasn't their fault that Charles and Magnus were most probably in their 60s (at least). Bringing back the clock ot the 60s allowed the movie to show us how the two met, how their mutual friendship started and of course, how the falling out happened as well.
The characterization - specially of Magneto, was spot on - and priceless, and I would have to say that it carried the film. Even the character of Charles (the more boring of the two main protagonists) was great - showing shining moments of his being a mentor.
I liked seeing Alex Summers - though I wonder how many non-comic readers knew for a fact that he's supposed to be Cyclops younger brother - though now in the movie it seems things are reversed, (then again, aside from mentioning the name, any sibling connection was never played out).
I also liked the Banshee'a rendition (though I sort of missed the Irish accent - but I definitely liked the humor portrayed - specially with how he learned to fly - with a little push from Magneto. Charles baleful look to Eric (Magnus' real name, by the way - in fact, maybe few people refer to him as Magnus these days) after the push, and Eric pointing out that he was sure the thought had likewise crossed Charles' mind.
Mystique, apparently was one of the first mutants that Charles met, and he sort of adopted her afterwards - how she later became the seemingly cold and deadly member of the brotherhood will have to be placed under the label 'still to be explained', but her being a not so self assured mutant at the start - to the more stepping out of the shadow version at the end of the movie was also built upon, and not just given to the audience as a 'this is who she is... deal with it' type of character.
Darwin was great to see - too bad he never reached his true potential (or at least, as far as in the comics). I didn't like the Angel (a female who is basically Pixie in the comics, and not Warren Worthington - guess they had to stay consistent with the plucked wings in the previous movies). Beast was okay too - and they even brought in his transformation from almost human to blue and furry all over.
But the one thing I really liked was how they placed the X-men's 'coming out from being secretive, to exposing their existence' in the Cuban Missile Crisis. I mean, c'mon... what else Earth-tensing story was there. huh? Seeing how these X-men worked together, watching the human's expressions as they were witness to what they could do... these were priceless. I mean, I know about the X-men... have been a fan all along - but even I was at awe seeing Eric raise the submarine.
To say the least, the humans were definitely spooked. Oh yeah, another suspenseful ending ensued as Charles and Magneto struggled... with Charles trying to stop Eric from sending the missiles aimed at them, back to the naval fleet that fired the missiles at them - yuet despite that, how Magneto reacted to Charles getting injured - really classic character moments... thank you Director Matthew Vaughn! and Thank you too to Michael Fassbender (Magneto)!
I'm sure that when people watch this... then take a look at X-men 1 again, specifically when Charles meets Eric at the lobby and they call each other 'old friend' they - the viewers will have a better understanding of the history between these two. See? Even if it were not it's intent, this movie likewise cemented a few abstract ideas for it's predecessor.
Even the portrayal of the main villain, Sebastian Shaw (likewise retconned in the movie) was, well... acceptable. The White Queen was a bit better, although rather one-dimensional and somehow lacked the allure. Still, it was nice to see how Charles battled her in the field... though I hope to someday see a 'psychic' battle worthy of Xavier and Fahrouk next time - yes, you heard me, I wouldn't mind a next time (i.e. sequel) with this movie... and secretly hope that they get it better by erasing X-3. Wonder if they'll call the sequel 'Second Class'? Nah... it might jinx the franchise.
Yeah, First Class was a really really good movie - it was intelligently put together, and it hardly had any known actors - okay, there were a few - but most of them played either support or just cameos. Too bad the movie did not have any easter egg in the after credits portion - nor did Stan Lee make a cameo, hmmm...
So, yes... I am looking forward to watching GL and Cap, but I have to wonder if X-men First Class will now make them suffer. After all, the movie showed us that intelligently plotted Super Heroes movies are possible... and changes to history can be done... if handled with respect.
X-men: First Class was a great movie - and definitely not just a filler-in between the main stars. Heck, now I want to see if these main stars can hold a candle to the upstart movie of Summer 2011.
If you haven't seen it yet - well, sorry for some spoilers, but I highly recommend it. I'll definitely get a disk when it comes out, so I can view the movie again... and again... and again. And heck, yeah... maybe I'll look at X1 and X2 again.
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