X-Men: First Class (2011)

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2012)

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS does a lot of things right in providing smart and exciting entertainment with strong lead performances and a solid origin story. James McAvoy charms as a young Professor X as he brings both the charisma and intelligence required to portray the revered character in a genuine, respected, and eventually sympathetic manner. Likewise, Michael Fassbender commands the screen with his powerful presence as Magneto; he displays an impressive control of emotions, balancing a coolness when calm is needed with the pain and intimidation and anger that conflicts and fuels his character for much of the narrative. This film hinges on the quality of these two leading roles given the enormity and relevance of the two characters in the Marvel comic book lore. And as the film's highest marks, both McAvoy and Fassbender deliver.
With that said, the film, as entertaining as it may be, has its flaws. Kevin Bacon plays Sebastian Shaw with your typical supervillain destroy-the-world (or something similar) mentality in which he smirks and smiles and scoffs his way through the film. His henchmen are even more one-dimensional - an especially stoney performance from January Jones. Additionally, Vaughn can't help but include campy elements like his depiction of Cold War threats and visions, corny thick-headed generals, cliché military leaders barking out cliché orders in cliché environments - elements that add an excruciating cartoon factor to an otherwise smart narrative; flaws that dumb the film down by resorting to lazy developments that reflect the typical run-of-the-mill Hollywood blockbuster. These shortcomings are unfortunate since FIRST CLASS does offer a compelling story that delves deep into significant societal issues that include prejudice, race, and an us-vs-them mindset. These themes were always a strength of the X-Men universe and an asset that proves vital to this narrative arc, and Vaughn successfully nails it here.
In the end, FIRST CLASS is a very good movie that rises above its X-Men peers. It delivers a last act in which the acting, visual effects, and action come together to form a gripping and sufficient climax. Composer Henry Jackman's score also stands out and makes watching X and Magneto grow into their personas that much more riveting. Though the flaws are frustrating, Matthew Vaughn's film is still well-made and marks an auspicious new beginning for the franchise.