To Refresh the Present, Enliven the Past

Rating: 8/10 (11 July 2011)

A truly inspired vision for a franchise that was sorely in need of some fresh air, First Class does so much so well that it can be easy to overlook its shortcomings until it's too late. As an added dimension to the relationship between Xavier and Magnus, it's brilliant - multi-layered and revealing. Nearly every word shared by the two in this picture works to enhance their antagonistic rapport in the Stewart-McKellen films, improving upon an already-solid backbone. This chapter is also surprisingly even-handed and honest, presenting a scenario where neither man is truly in the right nor the wrong. It's that tantalizing balance that's the key to the characters' relationship in the comics, and it's never been presented more efficiently. The Cold War motif that surrounds the two serves initially as an ideal backdrop to their budding kinship, but eventually proves too ambitious for its own good. By the time the big climax rolls around, the story has basically painted itself into a corner and the conclusion, as a result, feels hurried and insubstantial. Forgiving the sub-par finale, it's a nice return to form for the franchise that only occasionally gets caught up in winks and nods at the audience.