Xcellent

Rating: 8/10 (12 June 2011)

Though many have falsely labelled this the Batman Begins of the X-Men franchise, it is undoubtedly the reboot needed for the franchise after 2009's disastrous X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and while it doesn't have the pulsating energy of Kick-Ass nor merit the bravo of Batman Begins it does provide the much needed direction after films 3 and 4.
It'd be fair to call this a prequel too, back tracking to the origins of its famous founders of the X-Men. James McAvoy stars as smooth talking Charles Xavier, a recently successful graduate and Michael Fassbender as the tormented victim of WWII who seeks revenge. The two ultimately meet and share the same goal for wanting to help fellow mutants but go to extreme and opposite lengths to achieve this goal.
Vaughn yet again proves there are still areas to be found and new notes to be struck in the superhero genre. The action has never looked (or felt) more intense, the drama more emotional but rewarding and the general experience one that will surely be relived by people who aren't just hard-core comic book viewers.
However it would have far more impressive as a debut for a first time director, and you can't help but draw comparisons to Vaughn's previous (and in Kick-Ass's case: better) work. It lacks the brilliance for someone who knows how to handle the genre and material he is presented with, but don't get me wrong for the fast-paced ride it proves to be X-Men First Class is a lot of fun, and with an unexpected cameo, great chemistry – particularly between Fassbender and McAvoy and a story that is both satisfying and original it's definitely worth a look.
Just don't go in expecting too much – you may be left feeling slightly disappointed.