The best X-Men film

Rating: 8/10 (28 May 2016)

You're probably thinking that my opinion of this film being the best X-Men film is totally wrong - but hold on. Many people simply dismissed this movie, because there is no Wolverine (not completely) or Ian Mckellen or Patrick Stewart, and it is another origin story we didn't need. they could not have been more wrong.
First Class is a stylish, fun and downright emotional film. The actors have been perfectly cast, with the highlight being Michael Fassbender as Magneto/Erik Lensher. As usual, Fassbender makes you connect with him on an emotional level, and we get to see his story arch evolve as he goes from scared child, to revenge seeking bad ass, to a slightly wiser mutant, who resembles the Magneto of the original trilogy.
Alongside him is James McCavoy as Professor Xavier, another great piece of casting here, who brings a witty charm and charisma we'd never expect to see from Charles, as well as the serious tone and eloquence that have received from Patrick Stewart. Both younger alterations of Magneto and Xavier are different from the originals, but we see them start on the path towards their older selves. Whilst there was sometime spent on building their friendship, I only wish there had been more, and the impact the end of the movie has on Charles (in Days of Future Past) feels slightly overwhelming, as the relationship between the two could've been stretched out further.
The rest of the cast are great, with Jennifer Lawrence as a young mystique/raven, not yet set on her path of wrong doing, as well as Nicolas Hoult as Beast/Hank. The script is bolstered by the backdrop of 1963, and the Cuban missile crisis, which adds a sense of realism to the movie - which can be difficult when there are people with devil tails and others who can catch the explosion of a grenade.
The movie also does the comic due respect, finally introducing the classic yellow uniforms, steering away from the Blade style black leather, and the movie has a uniquely retro feel to it.
The majority of the emotional scenes revolve around Magneto, as the movie attempts to humanise the yet-to-be villain. The standout involves a scene where Xavier helps Magneto boost his powers - it is truly emotional and makes your hairs stand on edge, further bolstered by the acting talents of McCavoy and Fassbender.
Other good points are that the special effects are good, the action if creative and always fun to watch, and the music is a respectable score for such a good film. Whilst there are many references to the previous X-Men films, I don't feel that you need to have watched any of the others to appreciate First Class, although it might help when it comes to a certain hilarious cameo.
Nick Paul