The summer blockbuster season has been underway for a few weeks now and, as is usually the case, it has given us some very poor efforts so far. Thor essentially began the season with a loud crack of thunder that couldn't quite develop into the perfect storm (unless you only care about Box Office returns then good job) and the fourth Pirates film was sunk before making it out of port. The Hangover Part II failed to live up to the original (and any sort of comedic standard), and just for good measure, Scream 4 turned out to be not half bad, but still a mediocre entry into the self-aware franchise.
The time for mourning, however, is over as X-Men: First Class has taken the low-set bar and risen it to new heights. Sitting at just over two hours long, the film acts as the prequel (some might file it under the term reboot as so many films are these days) to the original trilogy. Now, I'm no comic book expert, but I know this is not even close to the origin story presented in the comics. Luckily, the X-Men comics have at least three origin stories so trashing all three in favor of one that is totally new works in favor of the filmmakers. There are so many different mediums the X-Men exist in and each one has its own universe.
As far as genesis stories go, this one soars miles above the rest. It was originally developed as the second "Origins" story to follow X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This one was to focus on Magneto (which this film does to an extent) but was eventually turned into an origin of the X-Men themselves after Bryan Singer (Director of X-Men and X2) got his hands on the script. Now it is rumored that this film will spark a whole new trilogy based during the years when Professor X continues to gather students for his school. Oh, and this trilogy will not be canon with the original trilogy, though, there is a character cameo in this film that might suggest otherwise.
As far as the actual story goes, I was happily surprised by the equal amount of attention given to focusing on the characters and who they were as to the flourishing action shots. We are given an intimate look at the relationship between Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) as well as the internal struggle faced by Raven Darkholme (Jennifer Lawrence). Supporting players include Nicholas Hoult (Skins) as Dr. Hank McCoy, January Jones (Mad Men) as Emma Frost, and Kevin Bacon as the villain Sebastian Shaw.
The general plot follows Xavier as he discovers other mutants in the world, beginning with Raven (Mystique), and bands together with them in an attempt to stay the budding animosity that is growing within the hearts of non-mutants the world over. Their attempts at peace are countered by Shaw (a mutant himself) who wants to start a third world war in an attempt to wipe out the human race and call himself king in the new world. In the comics, Shaw is one of the few villains diabolical enough to have Xavier and Magneto band together. Other villains include Mr. Sinister and Apocalypse (both of whom I'd like to see before this trilogy is concluded).
Along the way we play witness to the internal strife faced by McCoy (Beast) and Raven who are the only two whose mutation has manifested itself in a physical manner. The drama lies in their insecurity, knowing that they can be identified as different so easily. Beast, before becoming a big, blue cat, has giant hand-shaped feet while Mystique's original form is blue and scaly. In the end, they choose different destinies for themselves, which provides for some heavy material.
What sets this film apart from the usual blockbuster fare is that it makes you think. Much of this thought comes from the fact that the characters are developed so well that when the inevitable splitting of the factions comes at the end, you regret to see two of the most tragic characters in the film depart.
Acting wise everyone holds their ground well. Fresh off of his run in Inglourious Basterds Michael Fassbender has a number of scenes in which he must speak a foreign language. He also plays the anti-hero/budding villain role well I look forward to his future work in the X-Men franchise. James McAvoy and Kevin Bacon shine as polar opposite characters and Nicholas Hoult delivers the message that he's ready to graduate from TV to film. January Jones is essentially playing the same part she does in Mad Men, but she's had four seasons to perfect that ice queen scowl and puts it to good use here. The standout is Jennifer Lawrence who continues to prove that she is ready to take Hollywood by storm.
After many others were rumored to sit in the director's chair, the job was given to Matthew Vaughn who had just directed the breakout hit Kick-Ass (and who's other films include Stardust and Layer Cake). He proves he is at his most mature on this film with savvy editing techniques and incredible POV shots (not many would think to show Beast's transformation from his own eyes). And given his history with character-based action films I'd say this was the perfect match.
X-Men: First Class - 4/5
