By: Aggie Rieger
X-Men: First Class, directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) is as much a film about relationships as it is a fast paced action flick. The highly anticipated movie shows the first moments of the well known X-Men superheroes, lead by Professor X.
Our generation is familiar with these superheroes. Saturday morning cartoons, a recent trilogy of high budgeted and drawn out films and comic books shape the story lines we all know, revolving around Professor X, Mystique, Magneto, Beast, and other well known characters we’ve grown to love. X–Men: First Class, as a prequel, uncovers the interesting story of these main characters and shows some less mainstream heroes and villains as well.
The story is set during the Cuban missile crisis. Villian Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), who’s mutation allows him to absorb energy, is set on starting a nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union. He does this in hopes of gaining mutant superiority. Young Magneto hunts Shaw, the man who killed his mother in a Concentration Camp during the Holocaust. He is saved by Charles Xavier and together they team up with the government to locate and train a new slew of young mutants.
As an action flick, the movie is filled with suspense and violence as to be expected. Special effects fill the screen from explosions to tornadoes and are impressive and everything they should be in an action movie. However, the movie also dives deeper beneath the surface and actors show strong relationships and bonds that give the film heart.
James McAvoy (Atonement, Wanted) leads the pack as Charles Xavier (Professor X), joined by Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) as Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto). The two give thrilling performances, as do Academy Award Nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) as Raven (the young Mystique) and Nicholas Hoult as Hank McCoy (Beast, even before he was blue). These young actors put a fresh face to these spent characters and breathe much needed life into the franchise.
The story line is easy to follow and a lot of fun to watch. Beautiful scenic design and cameos by Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Rebecca Romijin (Mystique in the previous movies) make the film interesting and a must-see summer film.